Hi all,

It looks like I'll be getting a new M2 downpipe after all! Not from the company M2, though... still haven't heard anything, even since cancelling my order with them last week. But one of the shops I called had 1 more new one left on the shelf so I guess I'm in luck.

Anyway, I have a pretty good idea what to do, but I'm unsure about a couple of things, based on what I've seen posted here on the club:

1. I understand that the Turbo to Pre-Cat/Downpipe gasket is usually in fine condition and doesn't have to necessarily be replaced, but what about the Downpipe to Main Cat gasket? And if so, do I have to get a special one from Mazda or one of the other vendors, or can I find one at any major chain auto parts store in my area?

2. I read one of the last posts in the "Best Downpipe" poll thread, where someone had said that M2 downpipes don't hang correctly(!)? As if when they designed it, they designed it off of a car with sagging right engine mounts. Is this true, any of you who've installed an M2 DP? And you have to push and twist your cat to line things up, yet still have it vibrate etc.?

3. (And last) I know there's differing opinions on this, but how necessary is it to have your DP supported by a hanger or something else? Do you actually have to break the one already on there supporting the pre-cat, or is it just not the right shape/size?

I did my best to search but didn't find anything to give me satisfying answers to these Qs. Sorry if I missed something though.

Thanks guys! Hopefully I'll be installing it this weekend.

 

1. Just get new gaskets for both sides, its not worth having to wait to put the downpipe on if they need to be replaced, so better to be safe than sorry, just get new ones. Order them from a local mazda dealer.

2. Not sure, never dealt with anything M2.

3. Don't worry about supporting the DP, it weighs like 20 lbs less than the stock pre-cat, so it needs no extra support. I've had mine on for over a year with no adverse effects.

 

I said this in my post and will say it again here, GET A NEW DP-->TURBO GASKET. I don't care how many people say it will be fine, they prob have a small leak and just don't know/notice it. I had to do the DP job twice becasue I didn't get a new gasket. I know a $45 gasket seems like too much, but trust me, I am living proof. And you don't want to do that job twice, after you find out it leaks.

 

I have an M2 DP. I chose it because of fitment. I made a good choice. No fitment problems.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm going ahead with replacing both gaskets, they're on their way from RX7.com.

Adam, now that I have my DP, I noticed that there is a slight inward curve on the "rectangular" connector, that will connect to the turbo manifold. Like the very edges are slightly bent back, noticable when you look along the edge of the connector. Is this normal? Just want to make sure there's nothing wrong with this DP, don't want a boost leak from lack of a secure seal!

Thanks again everyone.