Mechanic told me I shouldn't make changes
07-29-2008, 12:24 PM
#61
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Hacker: I'm not sure that is true. In any case it is more rationalizing. City govts that are adding low emissions busses, and the NYC sanitation dept cars are a percentage if not all Prius (attrition). NYC has quite a fleet of cars. And many state gov'ts are exempting a number civilian cars by age when they reach 20 or "x" years of age as "collectables".
CATS became mandatory 30 years ago, so now government vehicles are being changed? What took so long? I was in Milwaukee earlier this year, every bus that went by looked like it was burning coal.
Why are commercial vehicles not forced to change before consumer? 100,000 miles per year on per semi…….you know where I’m going here (I also know the real political answer).
I love hearing people in California chastise those running without CATS. Why not do something about the ships coming into Long Beach? Do some research on how many cars (with our without CATS) it takes to equal one ocean liner.
The general public is raked over the coals while the heavy polluters get off scott free. I’ll stay in Green Bay, where for now we are emission testing free and the local cops could care less that two of my V8 powered cars don’t even have mufflers.
I have friends who own repair shops. Trying to keep modern cars up to date (and they do) with emission equipment is a nightmare. Try telling a customer with a $3,000 car they need to buy a factory $1,500 catalytic converter.
Why not go aftermarket you ask? Most of them are junk and do not last very long. Friend of mine has been “trying” to use them for over 20 years with almost no success. Usually the only customers who buy them are selling the car and want the CEL off. 4-5 months later the new owner stops in asking why their “new” CAT is bad.
It’s just typical government BS like seatbelt laws. If they were really about safety and not revenue, every school bus would have belts installed (along with catalytic converters).
07-29-2008, 12:38 PM
#62
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Hacker:
It's becasue of people like you that we ought to just bring back seal clubbing. If "Cadillac Converters" saved just one of God's creatures, it would be worth it!
How do you like your seal? Rare, or medium Rare?
It's becasue of people like you that we ought to just bring back seal clubbing. If "Cadillac Converters" saved just one of God's creatures, it would be worth it!
How do you like your seal? Rare, or medium Rare?
07-29-2008, 01:01 PM
#63
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Medium rare with a good 2001 Cabernet
07-29-2008, 08:28 PM
#65
If people want to "Cure the CO2 problem" plant more trees, they really eat that stuff up. 
07-29-2008, 10:03 PM
#67
07-29-2008, 10:59 PM
#68
Race Car
Hi,
I was talking to a mechanic I have done lots of business with in the past about my 928 (he has not worked on the 928, but I wanted him to do a few things for me). I told him that I was thinking of putting a Y pipe on it, and removing the cat (it is an 82, and in my state nothing older than 83 needs to pass emissions). He told me he thought it was a bad idea because the car was made a certain way, that engineers at Porsche had sat down and planned how to get the most power out of everything, and changing anything would throw all of that engineering off. Granted, he is not specifically a Porsche mechanic, but I trust this guy a lot. What he is saying makes sense, but I really don't know. I read about you guys tweaking and changing everything. What do yo guys think? I want more power!!!!
If I put a Y pipe specifically made for my car on, and remove the cat, am I going to get warning lights coming on and things like that? Anybody done this to an 82? I've been told it is the quickest/cheapest way to get a good performance boost, and I can understand why (less restriction = more power). I just don't want to mess her up!!! If the engine is expecting a certain amount of back pressure, and it is not there, then what happens?
Thanks,
Joe
I was talking to a mechanic I have done lots of business with in the past about my 928 (he has not worked on the 928, but I wanted him to do a few things for me). I told him that I was thinking of putting a Y pipe on it, and removing the cat (it is an 82, and in my state nothing older than 83 needs to pass emissions). He told me he thought it was a bad idea because the car was made a certain way, that engineers at Porsche had sat down and planned how to get the most power out of everything, and changing anything would throw all of that engineering off. Granted, he is not specifically a Porsche mechanic, but I trust this guy a lot. What he is saying makes sense, but I really don't know. I read about you guys tweaking and changing everything. What do yo guys think? I want more power!!!!
If I put a Y pipe specifically made for my car on, and remove the cat, am I going to get warning lights coming on and things like that? Anybody done this to an 82? I've been told it is the quickest/cheapest way to get a good performance boost, and I can understand why (less restriction = more power). I just don't want to mess her up!!! If the engine is expecting a certain amount of back pressure, and it is not there, then what happens?
Thanks,
Joe
The mechanic was right and wrong.
Right: Keep it stock and invest in regular maintenance to keep the car in superb driving shape. If you prioritize modifications ahead of maintenance, you compromise the car overall. Wisdom here.
Wrong: Keeping car stock is a purist opinion. My car, my property, and if others have proven success with modifications it is not irresponsible to take measured risks with my own car. Pleasure here in doing it my way.
Whatever you choose to do, do it with your eyes wide open. It is getting harder and harder to find mechanics that know these cars and if all you can find is a purist, it might be wise to learn to turn some wrenches.
I am generally unwise.
but Good luck and ENJOY!
07-29-2008, 11:32 PM
#69
And if they were so concerned about polluting, how come they're not banning all types of racin??? I don't see anyone even picketing outside the raceways for the ruining of our atmosphere, much less the fuel they're wasting. Just think, week in & week out, from Dale Jr. to John Force, to Dannica Patrick, to the average Joe enjoying his track car. All those cars needlessly going round & round, spewing out pollutants without the cleansing effects of having cats. 
07-30-2008, 04:50 AM
#71
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Catalytic converters are not there to reduce CO2. They are designed to reduce other toxic fumes.
We've seen 928 smog test results here with and without cats. The difference was about 20 times more toxic fumes without cats.
I think I missed the "snake oil" solution that reduces CO2 without reducing the amount of gas one burns.
07-30-2008, 05:23 AM
#72
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Think about it this way: If your neighbor verbally abuses his wife and gets away with it, does that mean you should do the same to your lovely spouse? Wouldn't you rather get upset at your neighbor's poor behavior than copy it?
Otherwise I agree that there is a lot of pollutioin that has never been addressed, and that car owners should not be the only ones asked to take responsibility. Also, it will be interesting to see how China and India's growth will affect air quality around the globe. It sure won't get any better than it is...
BTW: Did you know that the Formula 1 will introduce Hybrid Race Cars pretty soon? Pretty cool - isn't it? This may demonstrate that fun with cars and reduction of emissions are not mutually exclusive. We'll see...
Last edited by Nicole; 07-30-2008 at 05:43 AM.
07-30-2008, 06:08 AM
#73
Race Director
I also have mechanic friends who are careful about changing cars from stock. In their situation it is not because of legal implications but instead years of experience of badly executed improvements.
Last edited by sweanders; 07-30-2008 at 06:27 AM.
