This is my first post in the tech forum, so take it easy on me.

I've heard that running too rich is one reason that many aftermarket free-flow cats clog up so quickly. My question is wouldn't running too rich clog up a stock cat even quicker since it is more restrictive to begin with? What are the first signs of a clogged cat? Smell? Loss of power? Different sound in the exhaust?

I have a 98 ITR with a jrsc. I think it runs too rich. How long will my stock cat last? It has about 50K miles stock, and 20K with the jrsc. I was going to replace it with a carsound or catco, but I keep reading that they clog up quickly. I know the answer is to tune the car better, but I only boost 8psi, and it runs great with just the MAP controller and the BTC. I hate to spend all that money on a fuel management system. Plus, there is no dyno in this area with a wideband O2.

 

bump

 

The signs of a clogged cat:

1. Loss of power
2. MUCH quieter exhaust for no apparent reason
3. Glowing (and possibly cracked) exhaust manifold
4. Failed emissions tests with EXTREMELY high NOx
5. Reduced fuel economy.