2002 Subaru WRX Exhaust help

LordOfCatTown · 11-27-2012, 03:08 PM

Hey guys,

I am not that knowledgeable about this stuff, so I need your help! I have a 2002 Subaru WRX and one of the catalytic converters is out. I was told there are three cats in my car, a main one, and two smaller ones in the back. I am guessing it is the main one because I was told it was around $1000 to replace. My question is: if I bought just a COBB Downpipe, it has a high flow cat in it, and would that fix the problem? Also, my mechanic said he won't do any welding, so it has to be bolt-on. Would I also need to buy their heat shield so it will fit correctly? Sorry I am not that knowledgeable!

Thanks,
Nick

psinuse · 11-27-2012, 04:24 PM

Well if you do replace the DP you'll need to have the car tuned to work with that part. The three cats are as follows;
Up pipe cat which is before the turbo
Down pipe cat right after the turbo
Mid pipe Cat which is right after the 2nd oxygen sensor.

If possible you could get away with replacing it and running the car that way, but I really don't recommend that.

LordOfCatTown · 11-27-2012, 04:42 PM

I think I have it all figured out. I am going to get the cobb DP and heatshield, and the cobb access port to tune it. Should be good then, right?

psinuse · 11-27-2012, 05:09 PM

Yeah you should be okay then.

LordOfCatTown · 11-27-2012, 10:03 PM

Actually, I have a question. I live in Travis County, Texas and the emission inspections are kinda strict. If I gutted my uppipe, and installed the COBB downpipe with a high flow cat, would my emissions go up much?

rex2002 · 11-27-2012, 11:26 PM

check your laws before you do anything to be safe. im moving to a county thats only about 40 mile drive from where i live now and they have emissions,but i found out if the car is made after 1995 they dont even hook the "sniffer" up to the exhaust if thats the same case for your place you should be good to go as long as you have no check engine lights. how often do u have to get your car rechecked. im running no cats and with a tune i have no check engine lights. also they make this stuff that you can put in your tank that will pass you when it comes to emissions