High Flow Cats - WTH!!

[Batgirl]

I just got off the phone with a place in Houston that sells discount catalytic converters. The guy was rude for one thing, but he told me that I better not touch the cat for two reasons: 1) I void my warranty on my emissions system - ok what warranty?? (my car has 46,000 miles on it and I wasn't aware that anything was under warranty anymore) 2) as he said "every bell and whisle is going to go off the minute I put in anything different" - I assume he means like a check engine light.

What do you think of what the guy told me? If you have replaced your cat with a high-flow model where did you go for it and is it worth it? This just seems to be a lot of trouble for what it is worth...

Thanks for your help!
Annie

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

I can tell you I just replaced a 2.5inch test-pipe(which never set off the CEL) to a 3inch High-Flow cat. It does not set off the CEL either. That guy is bs'ing you.

Later,

 

[Batgirl]

John,

How did you get a 2.5 test pipe to bolt on to a 3 inch cat? I am asking because I already have a 3 inch cat-back exhaust so I am a little stuck on what sizes to go with...

Thanks,
BG

 

[Tevenor]

2G's have 2 oxygen sensors: 1 in the 02 housing off the turbo, and 1 behind the catalytic converter.

The first measures oxygen levels in the exhaust stream for gas effeciency and self-adjusting tuning. The other is to check as a comparison against the first to see of the Cat is working. If you replace the cat with a test pipe, sometimes it will flag a code and sometimes it won't.

Besides that, there is nothing else to set off.

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

Originally posted by Batgirl
John,

How did you get a 2.5 test pipe to bolt on to a 3 inch cat? I am asking because I already have a 3 inch cat-back exhaust so I am a little stuck on what sizes to go with...

Thanks,
BG

I'm sorry. I didn't give a more complete story. I had a 3inch cat-back with a reducer for a 2.5 inch test-pipe. I got a 3inch O2 eliminator DP and 3inch HF Cat. I had it all installed at the same time removing the 2.5inch test pipe and making my exhaust full 3inch.

Later,

 

[Batgirl]

Makes sense, but where did you get all of these parts? And, does you exhaust smell funny (I know seems like a strange question)?

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

Originally posted by Batgirl
Makes sense, but where did you get all of these parts? And, does you exhaust smell funny (I know seems like a strange question)?

That's kinda personal don't you think. (j/k). I got my ATR 3inch SS cat-back of the trader for 250. I got my universal catco cat from summit for 50 bucks(unflanged) and I got my sweet 3inch O2 Eliminator Downpipe from www.rnrracing.com for 330.

Later,

 

[Ludachris]

Batgirl,

That's a typical response from a muffler shop. They never want to touch cats. It's too bad you don't have someone that could help you put one on yourself. It's not too difficult. After reading the response from the muffler shop, I'd say not to put very much trust in them.

I have a 2.5" Catco from MachV and it bolts up to my 2.5" downpipe and 3" Thermal exhaust (which necks down to 2.5" at the cat), and I'd have to say yes, it's worth it. Though I've been told cheap cats may not work very well come time for emissions testing. Thermal recommended a certain brand, but of course, I can't remember the name... and it wasn't Random Technology.

 

[Enigma_Man]

I've heard people say that tampering with/changing the catalytic converter, unless it needs replacing is illegal. I'm not sure if it's state or federal. It's just something I've heard people talking about, but that could be why muffler shops are wary of doing that for people. They're probably just looking to cover their buttockses.

But people talk about wrong stuff too. so I could be wrong.

-Jesse

 

[Tevenor]

Changing, altering, or removing the emissions control equipment on a road going street car is illegal. Every test pipe is breaking federal mandates. Ever wonder why vendors that sell test pipes always have a 'this is for off-road or racing purposes only' disclaimer? Does this stop people from altering exhausts? No.

 

[NJGSX96]

Emissions are federally regulated and warrantied for 80,000-100,000 miles. Shops are not supposed to mess with catalytic converter unless they are damaged as they can get a hug fine for this. technically, you aren't supposed to mess with the catalytic converters unless damaged, but whatever on that rule. If it really came down to it, you could just say your went bad and so you got a better one. Whatever.

Anyway, I got my hi-flow 3" cat from RRE. You can see through the damn thing so the restriction is minimal yet I pass emissions with it no problem in the Facist State of NJ so it should be good for you. I am sure any of the other DSM vendors can get you a hi-flow cat.

 

[koreanpersuasio]

hi. i got something a little different than the average straight/test pipe. It bolted on directly to the existing stock downpipe. It looks much like a resonator... and it does not make the car any louder at all. I bought it for $50 shipped. My turbo spools up quicker and i can get higher psi boost with just this pipe alone. I was very happy that it didnt make my car any louder. however, i also saw that my car is burning a little oil. the cat must have been catchin most of the fumes..so i never noticed before.

 

[koreanpersuasio]

the cel did light up once after some hard driving...i simply took off the negative battery cable and let it sit for at least 5 mins...then put it back on..ran the car for 5 minutes..and the cel dissappeared

 

[Batgirl]

Thanks for the advice and thoughts everyone! I was a bit confused after talking to that guy at the discount cat place. He seemed to be a wealth of inaccurate information.

Thanks for setting the record straight. I think I will proceed with this since I see that so many of you have done it and have been successful at it.

BG

 

[espydur]

i just put on a test pipe......no CEL and it's loud as $hit

 

[koreanpersuasio]

do you have stock exhaust or after market?

 

[Batgirl]

Well I have an aftermarket cat-back (Tanabe) and I am about to have an AM downpipe. Why?

BG

 

[Blu Divil]

Concerning the cat I just bought an Apexi N1 dp, to go with my 3" Thermal catback, for emissions testing I just bolted on the dp with cat with an adapter.
Got it for 2 years - we dont have any moving stations.
Bolted the Apexi back afterwards.

 

[Newlogics]

Has anyone in CA passed smog with High Flow cat ?

 

[EvolvingGST]

just eliminate the cat ^^; 9/10 u wouldnt pass emissions if u have to anyways with the low restrictive cat. just hope u know where to buy a sticker and u still never told me if i could borrow ur tights *wink*

P.S. u know u love me. hehe

 

[Newlogics]

If you think NJ has a tough emissions standards..
Look at CA !!!
They are tougher as is, and will get twice as tough soon !!!!
So I have some doubts about high flow cats.
As for the test pipes, I know for a fact that it wouldn't pass in CA.

 

[Mistaspakles]

Batgirl, go to rre and get the downpipe that goes all the way back to the exhaust (bypasses the cat). You live in Minnesota so you won't have to worry about emissions testing. Just don't brag to cops or tree huggers that you are not running a cat.

 

[EvolvingGST]

same with the A'PEXi one too (eliminates the cat)