This 2008 Mazda 3 with 2.0L engine has a 1 piece exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, flex pipe and flange. I tried buying a universal flex pipe from the local auto parts store but couldn’t find the right length and also would have had to weld the old pipe (flange end) and new flex pipe at an angle – not for beginners like me.
The full replacement part was over $1000 and needlessly replaces the exhaust manifold and cat. In addition, you could damage the old O2 sensor during removal and exhaust manifolds can be difficult to remove.
Muffler Express offers a solution for the 2.0 and 2.3L that doesn’t require welding or removal of the exhaust manifold. This video shows the process of installing the unit while saving the original oxygen (O2) sensor. It is a DIY job for sure.
part number:
00-2-0079.0 is for the 06-10 mazda 5 2.3L & 04-09 mazda 3 2.0L and 2.3L
Link to video showing how to make/install new heat shield: https://youtu.be/8NXfIR44scc
https://mufflerexpress.com/
https://mufflerexpress.ca/
https://mufflerexpress.ca/collections/flex-repair-pipes-mazda-3/products/mazda-3-converter-flex-repair-pipe-2004-2009
#easyflexpiperepair
#flexpipe
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This video just might have saved me a Hundreds of Dollars. Thank you for the video
I ordered the same kit but it didn’t come with an o2 sensor bung. I know it’s a bitch to take that sensor out of its place. I got around it unplugging the sensor connector and removing the old sensor connected on old flex pipe. Once you do that it wasn’t hard to take the old sensor out and put on the replacement flex pipe. It required some propane torch to heat the sensor bolt though. Hardest thing is that Mazda welded them lower connection bolts and new nuts are a bitch to put on the old bolts. I couldn’t find room to put an impact gun in there. Car isn’t on a hoist but on ramps. So I called it a day and I’ll deal with rest in the morning.
Wondering how everything is holding up? Just ordered a mid range version of the same thing for my 2007 Mazda5. Definitely don't want to pay for the whole assembly. With 225k on the car, i'm pretty sure CAT will last another little while. Plus, mechanics would probably sell old parts for $$$.
Anyways, it's nice to know there's a non-weld option! Just gotta find a shop with all the right tools in Hamilton, Ontario…
F-ing shops are so lazy lately… nobody fixes anything anymore, just swap for a cheap Chinese shit that lasts less than 50k…..After that, you're back in the shop. And buying oem parts….well… not in our budget unfortunately.
That cross member makes it really inconvenient to cut existing pipe off from header cat. That will be a pain in the neck for me to accomplish, but you have a nice video suggesting it is possible, so I might give it a try. Maybe I ought to block out a bout 4 hours of my day??
Filmed horizontally:)
Would you happen to have the exact part number of that? Greatly appreciated if you do. Thanks in advance
Very much appreciatted..I'll use a different apprch, i am not dealing with expanding any pipes…, I'll just buy a new downstream O2 sensor, plug it into the new direct fit flex pipe and cut the rusted out old one alone with the header pipe. I'll use a recip saw with a diablo 6" carbide…the exhaust is 3" diameter max. For sure I'll use exhaust cement.
CAN YOU FIX MY PIPE
CAN YPU FIX MY MAZDA PIPE FOR ME
How in the hell were you able to cut the pipe behind the secondary o2 sensor with that front cross-member in the way? My hand-held grinder with a cut-off wheel I don't think will fit up there.