Sushi911

Hey folks, I’ve been looking to get rid of the stock Cats on my 991.2 C2 to get a little bit more volume and free things up for a tune eventually.

I’ve read through pretty much all the sport cats/cat delete threads on this forum and have decided to go with a full cat delete over sport cats.

The consensus seems to be that the cheaper quality sport cats (non HJS) are not as durable and likely won’t hold up to continued aggressive use. I’ve seen the stories of people blowing cats/other issues from many other cheaper brands.

However, I can’t find many experiences with cheaper cat deletes. Higher end companies such as fabspeed and soul sell cat delete pipes for 1500-2000$.

There are other much cheaper options that I see for 500-800$, such as 2M Fabrication or Racing Dynamics. I assume these are drop shipped parts based on the prices, vs others built locally or marked up due to brand.

I’m usually a big proponent of paying for quality, but it seems to me that not much can really go wrong with these over other options as long as there are no fitment issues. At the end of the day, it’s just a straight pipe.

Interested to hear experiences of anyone who has installed these on their car before pulling the trigger.

vanlieremead

Doesn’t the catalytic converters serve a purpose of improving air quality? Maybe I got that wrong.

thesaintusa

I think a huge aspect is going to be the fit and finish.

Having a piece in a modular system that fits perfectly makes it much easier to work with, and to upgrade your system in the future / go back to stock.
Also, I am always concerned about a modular section that doesn't fit perfectly. It will lead to increased stress on the adjoining components and may lead to failure.

The quality of the material used and the welds / lack of pin hole leaks / exhaust leaks / and mating surfaces of the gasket will be variable.

That being said, if you can find a set of cat deletes for 1/3 the price and they fit then go for it. But remember what your time is worth, and the hassles/headaches/cost $$$ to make things work, or the increased time installing the components.

I have had the Soul Trackback exhaust at it was literally a bolt on affair. As for the Soul HFC, they were/are a perfect fit to the OEM PSE.

I have definitely used 'cheaper' exhaust parts versus higher priced options, but have been quite selective about when and where.

1. A mid-pipe / cat delete for my RX-7 - it works, but definitely takes some work to line everything up. That being said install is significantly easier than install cat deletes on the 911. Most of my cars have had the catalytic convertors switched to HFC or removed (after they die).

2. On a Japanese econobox decades ago I installed a header (of non-Japanese origin) that fit perfectly, and lasted the life of the car. Was 1/3 the cost and worth it.

3. It comes down to how you value your $$$, and how you value your time $$$. If it fits, go for it! and make sure you share your experience with the install.

Irfan

I am in a similar situation. Since I am going without cats, big brands really don’t matter, since like you said it’s straight pipe. However I have been narrowing my list to 3 companies. RD is made over-seas so as the other two brands. CEES and HMD. I have been chatting with the HMD factory rep for last few days. What it seems like lot of the somewhat known brands just buys their products and slap there logo on it. Haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

AlexZTuned

I run catless downpipes from a small shop out of São Paulo Brazil that cost me $400 shipped and they’ve held up perfectly for over 3 years. No issues whatsoever with fitment or quality.

No reason to pay a premium for what’s essentially a 90 degree pipe with a flange.

VacantSky

I run the 2M test pipes with no issues. good quality. However if you were to run sport cats I would go with a reputable brand with high quality cats

9.1.1

​​​​​can you share their link ... I'm interested

B Russ

I am far from a rule follower and mod most of my cars. I went with Soul 200C cats on my last 991.2. When I went to trade it I had to sign a disclaimer that the car had cats in it. Never saw that before. Just saying to think about your exit from the car and how much work it will be going catless if you have to swap back just to sell it.

Dark_horse

Totally worth the time and effort going back to stock. I been switching back to cats every 2 years in my other cars to pass smog and then convert right back.

Haven’t done smog on the 911 yet back coming up soon and I’m more than happy switching back and forth every 2 years. I’ll first try to pass with the high flow cats which it should.

Recently discovered that removing the intercooler cage assembly makes it 100% easier to do the cats and exhaust!

I have headers, high flow cats and exhaust and thinking about having a set of gutted cats. The wife wants it louder! So this is a very good post as I wondered the same thing.

B Russ

We value our time differently 😎

Dark_horse

That may be true. It only takes me an hour and 30 mins to get the job done. I do understand regarding time. I have a 1 year old now and I’m happy to pay for the bigger jobs just so I can spend more time with the family.

Sushi911

Thanks everyone for the feedback! Good to hear some positive reviews of the cheaper brands.
I think I’ll probably try out a set of 2M’s deletes.

At 500$ (vs 4k for a good quality sport cat), I feel the penalty to pay isn’t too high if I end up hating them due to the sound or smell and go to something else.


will post my results here!

Sharknaydo

Wouldn't there be registration renewal considerations if you have to take your car in to be smogged before renewal?

There is a range specification that each car has to fall within. Do you know if this mod would meet those specs?

I only ask, because I don't know and its a pain in the backside when these cars fail renewal smog tests.

Sushi911

Im in CA - we have to pass smog only every other year when renewing registration.
I just had it done 2 months ago so I’ll be good for another 2 years on the 911.

On some of my past cars(M3s, AMG GT) with aftermarket exhausts, I kept all the stock parts and put them back to stock for smog. Never had any issues besides having to pay for the labor (and clamps) to swap the parts back and forth.

I chalk it up to just another California tax for our great weather and driving roads

9.1.1

Let us know...