Catalytic Converter

csmall · 08-17-2007, 01:17 PM

Hey all, been lurking on the forum for awhile now.... gotten alot of useful info. Question: anybody have diffculty installing aftermarket direct fit CC's? Anybody recommend a particular brand? I assume the aftermarket piece will fit into the sleeve (manifold side) that connects to the exhaust pipe. Is this gonna need to be welded?

87' 924S

zedsn · 08-17-2007, 06:48 PM

Hi, I used an aftermarket 50 dollar cat and it will fit with pipe cutting but didn't seal up entirely on the engine side so I had to pick up a stainless band clamp from napa and clamed it down. It has been a few years now with no problems. You may want to have yours welded if not you may have to go my route. I did pass emissions testing with flying colors twice since.

legion · 08-17-2007, 08:48 PM

What is this "catalytic converter" device that you all speak of?

Blondie · 08-18-2007, 06:52 AM

Good question..I sure wouldnt know!

csmall · 08-18-2007, 09:24 PM

Thanks zedsn, I'll take a look at that option... probably end up welding it. On a related note, I'm having one hell of a time tryng to remove the O2 sensor... looks like the original is still on there after 20 years. Tried warming it up, WD-40ed it...ain't budging. What a PITA.

zedsn · 08-19-2007, 03:47 AM

I too had a heck of a time removing the O2 sensor. Seems the threads were a little messed up. I had to heat mine with an acetylene tank and had to get the pipe cherry red as well. Ed.

livewirevoodoo · livewirevoodoo's Garage

I bought an aftermarket direct fit cat on ebay March '06 for around $70. Brought it to meineke and had them do the R&R (welded) for another $50. Took the opportunity to have them replace the original catback with a new Ansa exhaust as well.

Came out flawless. Passed inspection w/o problem. The original cat must have been severely congested - the replacement significantly changed the responsiveness of car when revving. Definitely less sluggish. ymmv tho.

Todd157k · 08-23-2007, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by livewirevoodoo

I bought an aftermarket direct fit cat on ebay March '06 for around $70. Brought it to meineke and had them do the R&R (welded) for another $50. Took the opportunity to have them replace the original catback with a new Ansa exhaust as well.

Came out flawless. Passed inspection w/o problem. The original cat must have been severely congested - the replacement significantly changed the responsiveness of car when revving. Definitely less sluggish. ymmv tho.

My S failed the NO portion of the smog test. Mechanic said the cat is probably the cause. I got a o2 sensor also, just in case. As for the cat..

Brand or seller id?

livewirevoodoo · livewirevoodoo's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd157k

My S failed the NO portion of the smog test. Mechanic said the cat is probably the cause. I got a o2 sensor also, just in case. As for the cat..

Brand or seller id?

Seller's ID is macautopartsdiscounts

Hope this helps.

zedsn · 08-23-2007, 09:02 AM

Hi, just get yourself a generic cat. Measure your pipe first, diamiter and the lenth of the total opening as as they make them with different pipe sizes and different length of the cat itself. I believe most of your discount auto parts store will carry a universal cat.

harryrick · 08-23-2007, 09:55 AM

I got a Magnaflow Hi-Flow for $60 bucks, and had it welded on. Its about 1/3 the size of the original. I eliminated the pre-muffler (resonator) too. Car sounds throatier, and is more responsive. I added a K & N too, I figured more flow out needs more flow in to balance things out.

csmall · 08-23-2007, 03:37 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys. I ordered a direct fit eastern CC (hi-flow)..... took me awhile to find an internet place that sends exhaust parts to Hawaii...not sure what the logic behind that one is.... I like the idea of putting an Ansa on too, the original muffler looks a little beat... guess I better save my pennies. - Chris

Todd157k · 08-31-2007, 05:19 PM

thread resurrection -

I finally passed smog today. here's what I did:

1. Change the oil
2. Replaced O2 sensor ($20 on ebay - universal type)
3. Changed the cat ($180 including labor). The new cat is some no-name thing from "Magic Muffler" that is 13 in. long.
4. 15%-20% xylene
5. Disconnected one fan because I have a 160* Thermostat and I wanted the car toasty. It ran up at 3/4 guage while on the smog dyno.

worked like a champ. "NO" went from a failing 1250 to a passing 88. wahooo