Hey Everyone,

My car just threw the catalytic converter code, which wasn't a surprise since I knew it was going for a long time. Just to temporarily get rid of the rattling sounds emanating from the CAT I'm going to take it off, gut it, and stick it back on.

I've never done this so I was just wondering if anybody had any idea as to how much louder the car would get. It's a 2001 with a completely stock exhaust system. Any help would be appreciated.

Best,
ConeBarron

 

I think it will get louder but I also think you will lose horsepower if you gut out the cat. Your best bet would be to get a test pipe, find another used cat or high flow cat.

 

Yeah dont bother with gutting your cat, just spend the 60 bucks on a test pipe. It will get alittle louder but it wont be unbearable by any means.

 

Test pipe and yes the stock exhaust will be slightly louder

 

May want to look into the NY emissions laws before buying a test pipe, you may be better of legally to buy a stock convertor from the the FS forum.

 

Hey Guys,

Thanks for your advice. I didn't think that I would loose HP by doing that. I have an Autox this weekend so I'll need all I can get :-) I'll check out test pipes and if it turns out that's no good for inspection I'll get a high flow cat.

ConeBarron

 

Import Tuner did a test on gaining/ losing power, doing back to back dyno pulls with the same car with a cat, gutted cat, and a test pipe. They actually found that gutted cat car lost about 1 hp. The gutted cat just acts as just a pipe with a bigger diameter. This larger section causes a turbulence, actually increasing back-pressure and reducing flow. The test pipe did add power, as long as it was the same diameter as the rest of the system.

So basically, if you car about your emissions, replace your cat- it will most likely get rid of the CEL. If not, you can gain a little power and spend less to get a test pipe with a fouler so your CEL will not illuminate. I know a lot of people are happy with their BERK test pipes.

 

Thanks,

I'd like to make it a dedicated autox car anyway so I'll probably go with the Berk test pipe (it's also much cheaper than a high flow cat).

Best,
ConeBarron