Used CAT. How do I know condition?
 

Hey guys I'm trying to find a used CAT and I'm just curious if there's anyway to tell the condition of one.

Thanks,

Nix

Take it off a car that has a fresh emissions sticker???

right. Well if anyone has an extra i'd love to take it off their hands!

nix

That's a good one. I guess your criteria amounts to it not being plugged? Perhaps you could blow air through it in some way to test?

Just a guess...

ianc

Take a strong flashlight and shine in one end. If you can see any light at all, it's probably ok. If not, it may be bad. Also if your HC count is high, or it's over 15 years old, it is bad.

I have one from an 88 that appears to be in really good shape, and is supposed to have about 60k miles on it, but I have no way of telling other than it's visual condition. If you can find a way to test them off the car (my car is sold), I will test it for you if you want to buy it. Send me a PM.

Cheers,
Jason

There are two main ways CATs go bad. Either they clog or wear out. If you can see thru it, it is probably not clogged. Figuring out if it is worn out is the tough one. The only way I know of telling whether or not it is worn out is by installing it on a car and measuring the heat of the exhaust pipe right before and right after the CAT. It should be substantially hotter after the CAT. If it isn't, then it is probably worn out.

They're cheap....why bother with used?

like how much?

Installed less then 200 USD in most cases...and SC doesn't need a certified CARB approved model. Any thing that will fit can be welded up and installed.

Call your local muff shop and ask.

Also consider a sport cat that is less restrictive on the airflow.

you have a pm!

:)


nix

What might a used cat in good condition go for? I think I have one, with about 20,000 miles on it, taken off and in storage for 16 years, from 87.

Len