Okay guys,
I am new to the RX7deal, but I am no noob to cars...
I have a SEVERE loss of power.
I can bearly accelerate. I CAN NOT floor it, for it bogs down.
I have to accelerate VERY slowly, like bearly at all to keep it from bogging out...
I am also hearing a hissing noise (sounds like a vacuum leak) but it is coming from directly under the car.....

This morning I looked underneath and noticed the Cat was glowing RED HOT from my drive to work.....

Everything in my mind tells me that the CAT is clogged and backed up - sprung a small leak (hissing noise) and is keeping me from making any power....

This sound like a reasonable excuse before I tear my exhaust apart to test it?
FYI - Its a 13B N/A

 

Yeah, it is quite common for the cats to collapse on themselves in these cars due to the excessive heat and other factors. It would be a good idea either way to pull off the cat and clean it out as that is one of the leading causes of engine failures in these cars. I would recommend checking it out before even attempting to drive the car as it could cause serious damage to the engine.

 

Absolutely, take the cat off and try to test drive the car.

 

Cat is clogged...get that fixed, you'll be good to go, if I'm not mistaken.

 

Thanks guys, I will pull it out when it cools off a little tonight. I will post the outcome.

 

Okay - so this bad boy has 2 cats (now I see that)
Cut out the rear cat, gutted the front one, drove it around the block open manifold....

Holy ****.


The car has more power then when I bought it a few weeks ago....

Now its just loud as hell..... I go to weld it all back together....

MY WELDER DIES....

Now I have to find someone in O-Town that will weld a hollowed out cat back in lol...

 

3 cats if it is a S4 non turbo

 

Actually this has 2 - But that is probably because the exhaust behind the rear cat (probably the middle cat originally) has been changed... It is like brand new to a couple real nice mufflers and chrome tips..