Got my SMB metallic cat today (link: http://www.smb.net.au/fullsystemsmazdarx7.htm; Original thread: https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=407284) . I gotta say that this thing is VERY nice and the construction is top notch (great welds, polished, original heat shield, solid converter core). It also has a solid air-pump tube if people want to keep the pump (I'm going to block it off). Overall, it makes my N-Tech look like it was made by an 8th grader. I wont be able to install it on my car for probably another 4-5 weeks (getting a new engine), so I have no idea about fitment or sound or emissions or anything. The customer service at SMB is very good - they may take a day or two to get back to you via email, but they do get back to you (for me they're on the other side of the world, but if they are close you can probably just call them). It took them about 3.5 weeks to finally ship it out, but I was in no hurry and they always answer my emails when I inquired about it. Also, they told me that it would take 2-3 weeks for shipping alone, so I guess they rushed it for me because it only took 6 days. Overall cost, shipped from Australia to Philly was just over $400 (my N-Tech cost that much with shipping). They included 2 metal gaskets and all new bolts for free. So I am very pleased . A few people have requested pics - so here are a few.

 

Looks great, let us know how it performs once you get up and running...

 

Like Neo says, "whoa." This is direct bolt on? I think it's time to replace my cat.

 

How long did it take you to recieve it?

 

Yep it's a direct bolt on.

About 4 weeks total.

 

Wow, interesting. The core looks like my stock cats. I never knew they were that great.

 

The stock one better be good for the $1500 Mazda charges for it .

The material of the stock cat itself (or it's structure within the cat) probably does not cause a great deal of flow restriction compared to most aftermarket cats (at least ceramic ones). The restriction is mainly due to the fact that at the inlet and outlet of the stock cat the diameter of the "midpipe" is much less than 3". This combined with the weight of the stocker makes it less desirable than most aftermarket high flow cats (metallic or ceramic).

 

 

^ Oh... I thought you were talking about stock cats for FD's.

 

Pictures look good. I just e-mailed them for a price quote and also to see if I could get one without the airpump tube. Thanks for posting the pictures!

 

So the SMB DOES come with an air pump hookup. Sweet. Thanks for posting the pics Matt. Keep us updated -- a direct fit metallic cat with air pump hookup that doesn't cost $800 like the Knightsports one should be a great product if it holds up!

-Tyler

 

Hey noble,

do you run an airpump with that cat? Any problems passing smog? Any noble cars with dyno with a straight thru exhaust vs the stock metal cat?

 

That will be interesting to see -- although I thought that Nobles were exempt from emissions/safety regulations due to their "official kit-car status".

 

No air pump. The vast majority of people pass smog no problem with just those cats, even in CA. I've only heard of 1 person not passing, and he was very close. There are 2 on our cars, one per bank. People in europe have dyno'd the car with and without, with only a 2-3 hp difference on 360hp stock system (Noble GTO-3R). I don't think anyone's done a back to back yet with the M400, which has 425hp stock. These cats are actually surprisingly good.

It depends on what state you're in and sometimes what area in that state and what rule you want to follow.

For instance, for CA, if you go under SB100 (only 500 new SB100 registrations allowed per year, so for 2004, it was used up on Jan 4th, the 2nd day of business), there's no smog check necessary. If you want to register it normally, you can still do so with a normal up the pipe test.

Having no smog check necessary for most states is nice though.

 

don't forget to update

 

Awesome Matt. Looks great.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the info. I didn't know if I was taking a chance in purchasing one of these cats since on this forum it was a realitive unknown besides all of the manufacturer claims.

With only a 2-3hp difference and passing smog is IMPRESSIVE! Thanks and AWESOME AWESOME CAR.

oh BTW how long is your metal cat? just curious.

 

Thanks. It's been a lot of fun. It's very similar in philosophy with the 7. Reasonably light weight (2337 lbs stock, but I've been reducing the weight), good power (425hp 390 lb/ft torque stock), and a pretty back-to-the-basics driving experience.

The body of the cat is about 4" long if I remember correctly. It's at my mechanic's place right now, or else I'd go check.

 

any updates?

do you think there's enough pipe left to install a short resonator/muffler there?

 

What is the weight and weight savings

 

Looks good. Almost too nice to have underneath the car were it can't be seen. LOL

 

nope, no updates... still don't even have my car running . I'll post them when I get it going again (hopefully soon).

I'm not too sure. This cat can't be more than 10lbs. I do not have a scale, but II have 10lbs free weights and they feel very comparable to this cat.

 

Thanks, also just got word from SMB 4.8 kilos

 

I thought smb only sell their core without a pipe.

 

check their site. They will sell a full pipe piece