Which type of cats are better?

[pagrunt]

If your car was originally computer controlled, it won't pass with the computer system disabled.

I haven't seen my computer since '94. The original 229 actually passed the sniffer test better than with & was used by the Pep Boys I worked at to pass a few newer Fords when the inspected it. As long as PennDOT doesn't change the requirements for my current county I'll just have a visual with the safety inspection.

 

[Wraith]

The newer cats are soooo much better than the stuff we used to get, just get the biggest you can and you'll be more than fine. I've used the spun type and hardly even noticed them.

 

[pagrunt]

The newer cats are soooo much better than the stuff we used to get, just get the biggest you can and you'll be more than fine. I've used the spun type and hardly even noticed them.

What brand of cats are you using?

 

[joesregalproject]

This cat is pretty cool, she's not allowed in the garage though because she gets into everything-

 

[454GrandPrix]

Back when I was drag racing my turbo Dodge Caravan, I needed a 3" cat when upgrading to a mandrel exhaust system. Like always, I would buy high-flow stock-type cats (brand name Products For Power) from Don's Hot Rod Shop in AZ. 800-888-8892 Good prices, fast shipping.

I wonder if they're still around? I'd try that number.

 

[CaliWagon83]

As long as you’re outside of CA (or states with CA emissions) replacement cats are no big deal. Unfortunately it’s a whole different matter in Commiefornia.

 

[Wraith]

What brand of cats are you using?

I've used Walker/Dynomax and Magnaflow spun, each time I used the biggest I could. My new build won't have them.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

I haven't seen my computer since '94. The original 229 actually passed the sniffer test better than with & was used by the Pep Boys I worked at to pass a few newer Fords when the inspected it. As long as PennDOT doesn't change the requirements for my current county I'll just have a visual with the safety inspection.

Generally with a visual inspection they pop the hood to make sure the emission systems have not been tampered with. A missing computer system and illegal carb swap would be a visual failure. Illegally passing faulty cars is a $350k fine for each car for a business, not something to share about your employer online.

What year is your car? Pre 81s do not have ECMs.

In CA, cats have to be CARB certified instead of EPA approved for the other 49. Many aftermarket replacement converters are skimpy on catalyst and clean the exhaust less effectively than OEM units, especially many so called high flow units, which is why CA is strict about them. High flow converters are largely a myth, most are just marketing gimmicks to sell you a less effective cat at a higher price.

 

[motorheadmike]

Catco here.

Don't they still make those faux cats?

 

[Wraith]

In CA, cats have to be CARB certified instead of EPA approved for the other 49. Many aftermarket replacement converters are skimpy on catalyst and clean the exhaust less effectively than OEM units, especially many so called high flow units, which is why CA is strict about them. High flow converters are largely a myth, most are just marketing gimmicks to sell you a less effective cat at a higher price.

Cats, stock or aftermarket, don't guarantee that the car will be any better at passing emission standards. I have tuned several cars that passed cleaner than needed minus a cat so I disagree that aftermarket can be less effective. My .02