Ok.. I can not find any direct-fit convertors (reasonably priced anyway) for the 944.


So I am going to have installed a universal one. The ones made by Random Technology (www.randomtechnology.com). But I have a few questions..


First, what size should I get? I called up the Random Technologies guy and he asked me what size.. I had absolutely no idea. The three "sizes" they offer are as follows:

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The 9000 Series - designed primarely for V8 and high performance 6-cylinder engines, they offer the highest air flow capacity of any catalytic converter. Available with diameters up to 4", 9000 series converter bodies are 13" long, 7-3/4" wide and 4-1/4" thick. Universal models have an overall length (including end tubes) of 17".

The 8000 Series - ideally suited to 4- and 6-cylinder and dual converter V8 engines, 8000 series converters are extremely efficient. Available with inlet diameters up to 3", 8000 series converter bodies are 10" long, 6-1/2" wide and 4" thick. Universal models have an overall length (including end tubes) of 14".

The 8100 Bullet Series - designed for vehicles with severe space limitations, Random Technology Bullet converters are only 4" in diameter and 8" long. Universal models have an overall length (including end tubes) of 11-1/2".
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So which will fit in the 944?


Also, how much will it cost to have one of these welded in ?? Will it affect performance / engine note any?


Thanks!

 

I got my aftermarket CAT welded in for $20.

 

I got an aftermarket cat installed by a salty old mechanic in Oceanside, CA. Oceanside is ususally a ripoff but the guy had built good rapport with myself and other customers so that justified it for me. I got a CATCO universal cat w/installation for $150. It was much larger and oval shaped like a muffler so it had to be rotated to fit well but they did an excellent job. It sounded a little deeper than before and the non-calibrated body dyno thinks there might have been a slight power increase It worked for me

 

Ok thanks for the infos


Should I have a Porsche mech weld the cat in or should I just go to Meineke or something?


Also, of those three sizes offered by Random Technologies - which would be best?

 

I would say the 9000...if it fits...in 2.5" size.
Basically the less back pressure the better...to a point...with a 2.5" exhaust removing some back pressure with a higher flow cat will give some more hp...

--Adrial

 

I have no idea if a 2.5" 9000 will fit, or even how to find out? :-)

 

Ask for the technical specifications of the cat. They should include the size. If they can't give you the deminsions, then I'd look elsewhere. A properly designed product should have available technical drawings showing size, shape, and deminsions.

As for my replacement cat, it's a "new car" takeoff from a 911 performance upgrade - just happened to be on the rack next to mine when the work was being done. Sometimes you win....

 

The problem for me is that I don't know what size cat (of the three) can fit in the 944.. ?

 

When I was messing around with my converter this summer, best I can remember is that it was round (not oval) and maybe 18 inches or so long. So, given your original message, I think maybe the smallest one might fit. I'm not sure the others wouldn't but at 4.5 inches wide you might find it close to the underbody. As far as who can weld it in---just about any decent muffler shop and might as well go to an independent guy who might be cheaper. In case you're still not sure, do you have a NAPA near you? I believe they have a replacement part that's supposed to work.

 

yeah I think my best bet is to go to an (independant) muffler place and have them check it out.

 

I'm no pro here but that bullet thing sounds way too small for your car at 4" by 8". True the original cat was round in shape but it was at least 12" long. I know this doesn't really answer your question...sorry.

 

Are you totally sold on the random technology cats? A lot of people on the board have installed aftermarket cats. In fact the price of the OEM parts are so rediculous I'm sure only the purist stick to the factory ones. I was looking at Tabors' web site and think he just installed one. Might want to ask him directly.

 

I can vouch for the quality of the Random Tech stuff - a friend of mine put one in his Maserati 228 (you thing YOU'VE got weird car problems?) and their stuff is nice and they're a good company to do biz with.

But I just got a nice used exhaust system, everything after the manifolds, for my '88 plain-jane 944 from PartsHeaven for $275. And since it's a complete factory system, I'll install it myself with hand tools for $0.

Bryan