Catalytic Converter Questions

[Jeff396]

I'm having a problem with my '02 Boxter. The car has this awful metallic noise when goosing the throttle and while going up through the gears. I think there is some loose material in one of the catalytic converters. I took it to the dealer for something else and they also thought that was the problem but couldn't tell for sure unless they were removed for a closer look. So I'm wondering what my options are. I seem to read some conflicting opinions on this site.

1. I know I can get new ones but I'd like to do something cheaper if possible. I assume they should be replaced in pairs also.

2. I've thought about having a set of cat delete pipes made but now read that an engine control reprogram will be necessary if I go that route.

3. I've also thought about simply gutting them but I suppose an engine control reprogram will be necessary if I do that also.

If I go with either option 2 or 3 where do I get the engine control reprogrammed?

If I get rid of or gut the cats will it pass an emission test. We don't have them here but if I ever want to sell it I may need to make it emission legal again. This would tend to lead me toward the cat delete pipes as I can put the cats back on should I need to rattle and all.

Any help with this would be most appreciated. I'm getting pretty embarrassed driving my beautiful hot but noisy car around

Jeff

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by Jeff396

I'm having a problem with my '02 Boxter. The car has this awful metallic noise when goosing the throttle and while going up through the gears. I think there is some loose material in one of the catalytic converters. I took it to the dealer for something else and they also thought that was the problem but couldn't tell for sure unless they were removed for a closer look. So I'm wondering what my options are. I seem to read some conflicting opinions on this site.

1. I know I can get new ones but I'd like to do something cheaper if possible. I assume they should be replaced in pairs also.

2. I've thought about having a set of cat delete pipes made but now read that an engine control reprogram will be necessary if I go that route.

3. I've also thought about simply gutting them but I suppose an engine control reprogram will be necessary if I do that also.

If I go with either option 2 or 3 where do I get the engine control reprogrammed?

If I get rid of or gut the cats will it pass an emission test. We don't have them here but if I ever want to sell it I may need to make it emission legal again. This would tend to lead me toward the cat delete pipes as I can put the cats back on should I need to rattle and all.

Any help with this would be most appreciated. I'm getting pretty embarrassed driving my beautiful hot but noisy car around

Jeff

hi Jeff, I have some used ones available but you do not need to replace them in pairs. pm me if interested. however I have seen a couple of cars with " exhaust rattle" that turned out to be the dual mass flywheel. there is really no way to check this other then removing the transmission and check the tolerances.

[Jeff396]

Thanks for the response!

Nooooooo, not the clutch!!!! I don't seem to notice the noise when just cruising. It's there when I'm going up through the gears or just rev the motor in neutral. I did have my son rev the motor while I listened from underneath. This is in neutral with the clutch engaged. At first there was no noise at all but after about 10 minutes it appeared. Of course I'm not positive but I swear it was loudest when I put my ear up to the drivers side exhaust and the passenger side sounded normal. The only thing I'm unsure about is whether the catalytic converter on the header may be causing the problem and not the larger secondary converter.

What would you want for the drivers side converter?

Jeff

[derfo]

Hi Jeff, I had a rattle once sounds like yours. Look at the O2 sensors to see if they are screwed in tight, my two were loose. Tightened no rattles now, have a look it may be an easy fix.

[Jeff396]

I'll do that, thanks!

Jeff

[Jeff396]

I currently have a Borla exhaust just after the secondary Cats. I like the sound but on a trip where you can't open the windows the engine drone will drive you crazy unless you keep the rpm over 3k. Heck, it gets on your nerves a bit when the top is down too. Kinda defeats the fuel mileage thing when on the highway. Since my one Cats is bad I am considering biting the bullet and getting the Fabspeed system that eliminates the secondary cats. My question is what does that do to codes being thrown and emission testing? Also, does that system also have an annoying drone? Anyone had both of these systems???

Jeff