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cat or no cat? pros and cons

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Old 03-23-2012, 05:21 AM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Originally Posted by em1_niokka
okay so i just finished my swap today and since i have the itr headers with the 2.5 tip
both my cat and my test pipe dont fit
Do what i did, but a matching jdm spec ITR cat. I contacted my local jdm supplier, found a nice minty one, cost $75
Old 03-23-2012, 07:14 AM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Originally Posted by Deetz
Do what i did, but a matching jdm spec ITR cat. I contacted my local jdm supplier, found a nice minty one, cost $75
Won't work for the OP - He lives in California. JDM cats won't (at least, should) pass emissions in CA, especially used ones.
Old 03-23-2012, 07:58 AM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

No cat.

Get a bolt on test pipe so you can remove and install cat as you please.
Old 03-23-2012, 08:43 AM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Originally Posted by Arthas
No cat.

Get a bolt on test pipe so you can remove and install cat as you please.
The has stated he has the 2.5" opening on his header, he doesn't have a cat for it at all
Old 03-23-2012, 09:53 AM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

I would just run a cat, your not going to see much if anything.. Plus if you get caught w/o the cat your car can be crushed if someone feels like making you a example and no you cant take anything off the car or get anything from the inside. Just something to think about in the oh so great state of Cali.
Old 03-23-2012, 01:24 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

I'm glad I stumbled across this thread. I'm building an LSVtec, all motor. I've been thinking about getting a test pipe, but was worried about the sound so then I was probably going to get a new exhaust system. Definitely NOT doing that now, and I'll probably look into getting a high flow cat, at least that seems the cheaper way to go too. Or I'll use the o.g. one on my 99 Si with 160k until it's done!
Old 03-23-2012, 02:03 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Get a resonated pipe if you guys are scared of a little noise.
Old 03-23-2012, 06:38 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

no cat always makes more power ive never had a cat in my life lol
Old 03-23-2012, 09:12 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Originally Posted by Libertariat
Thank you.

This thread is so full of misinformation and poorly articulated points that are wrong.

Bottom line:

___________________

Removing your catalytic converter increases the harmful emissions from the car.
Removing the catalytic converter increases the noise/raspiness of the exhaust note.
Removing your catalytic converter is not a worthwhile power upgrade. Often times a catalytic converter can optimize flow velocity and result in better low end power while sacrificing a minimal flow rate at the top of the RPM band.

Dynos have again and again proven that a catalytic converter is not this obstructive power killer of car performance. Get a 300 cell high flow catalytic converter, and make power where it makes sense to and leave your exhaust alone.

Save the environment, save our ears, save your image.

Run a catalytic converter unless you're running open header at a drag strip.
okay so I checked out the 300 cell high flow cat and it seems good except for the fact that its not legal in california

I might still get it though because it seems like a good reasonable price

only problem is it doesn't come with the flanges so I would have to take it to a shop to get them welded on which I will find out the prices for soon
Old 03-23-2012, 09:13 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

will any 2.5 inch cat and flange fit on the itr headers?

just want to make sure so I dont order the wrong ones..
Old 03-23-2012, 09:13 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Exhaust work is generally extremely cheap.
Old 03-23-2012, 09:23 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Originally Posted by Libertariat
Exhaust work is generally extremely cheap.
Pretty much. Every time I've needed something on my exhaust welded, it hasn't cost more than $30. Exhaust welding is welding 101 - anyone who's handled a welder in their life can handle exhaust work.
Old 03-23-2012, 09:38 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Originally Posted by Libertariat
Exhaust work is generally extremely cheap.
would it be cheap for me to get a test pipe made for me at an exhaust shop quickly for under 100 so I could start driving my car already

and later on(pretty soon) get a good cat that is actually state legal in cali
Old 03-24-2012, 07:40 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

does anyone know a good high flow cat that is state legal in cali?

the 300 cell high flow cat caught my attention after referred by Libertariat but the cat is not legal in cali so im looking for other alternatives

magna flow is looking too over priced
Old 03-24-2012, 08:06 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

vibrant and magnaflow both make very good catalytic converters for ~$100.

The idea of even asking a shop to "make" you a test pipe is a ridiculous notion. Order a cat and have ot 2 day shipped.
Old 03-25-2012, 05:31 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

I cant find a ca legal cat for under 150
so im getting a 300 cell high flow catalyctic converter even if its not state legal

figured theres no point to paying extra to get a legal cat when im running a jdm engine lol
Old 03-25-2012, 05:35 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Originally Posted by Libertariat
vibrant and magnaflow both make very good catalytic converters for ~$100.

The idea of even asking a shop to "make" you a test pipe is a ridiculous notion. Order a cat and have ot 2 day shipped.
after searchig online most of the 49 stale legal cats are under 100 but the 50 state legal ones are over 150 and i cant pass smog anyways so theres no point to spending extra to get a legal one

im only going to get a cat over a test pipe because of the better sound from the exhaust
Old 03-26-2012, 04:25 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

no cat and move to fla =p
Old 03-28-2012, 08:24 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Just ordered a 2.5in/2.5out magnaflow spun catalytic converter from Performance Curve for $95 including shipping and no taxes
Old 03-28-2012, 09:25 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

item description

This new high flow catalytic converter from MagnaFlow is perfect for situations where space is tight, and it contains a metallic substrate for optimum CFM flow and maximum durability (almost as good a flow rate as using no cat at all). You won't believe the power difference you'll get from installing this converter.
Old 03-28-2012, 10:15 PM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

I also have an em1 and have a bolt on skunk2 test pipe.. definitely helps with airflow.
I live in FL so emission tests aren't required.

Gave me an extra 4whp on the dyno so i didn't complain.
Old 03-29-2012, 02:16 AM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Originally Posted by CM5Falco
I also have an em1 and have a bolt on skunk2 test pipe.. definitely helps with airflow.
I live in FL so emission tests aren't required.

Gave me an extra 4whp on the dyno so i didn't complain.
It's also pretty likely that you lost 2-3whp on the bottom end. And you're definitely making the air dirtier.

Newer high flow cats should make the care more fuel efficient, cleaner exhaust, and low end power.
Old 03-29-2012, 02:56 AM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Unless you're running a track only car on a professional circuit, you should have a cat. If you're really that worried about the 2whp you'll get from running without a cat, you can tune your ignition timing for FREE. On the street, that 2WHP means about as much as pissing in a swimming pool. You'll get a warm fuzzy feeling, but no one else will notice. Also, unless you're a professional racer, you'll see more gains from advanced driving courses than you will from not having a cat.

There are hundreds of different driving academies out there that will teach you to become a better driver. For those of you on the west coast, I would highly recommend the Lotus Driving School in Nevada. Lotuses are small, light, powerful cars, and are what all of us Civic people wish our car could be. There are probably only two people on this forum that wouldn't have anything more to learn from the Lotus Driving School. ****, I completed it a couple years ago, and I'd still love to go back for a refresher.

Stop worrying about the power from not having a cat. It means absolutely nothing to any of you.
Old 03-29-2012, 03:03 AM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Cliffs:

Originally Posted by jbpnoman
Stop worrying about the power from not having a cat. It means absolutely nothing to any of you.
Old 03-29-2012, 03:16 AM
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Default Re: cat or no cat? pros and cons

Originally Posted by Libertariat
Cliffs:
I wish there was a rep button, or a thanks button, or something


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