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Catalytic converter replacement

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Old 01-14-2014, 06:23 PM
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ehanauer
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Default Catalytic converter replacement

I've had a rattling sound which has been traced to one of the catalytic converters. My 1995 C4 passed California smog last summer, so I'm good on that until mid 2015. The question is how long can I live with the rattle.

Replacement cats are incredibly expensive, from 2 to 3k. I've got Fister Stage II mufflers, which sound wonderful, but I'm leery of sport cats and their louder sound, as well as California smog tests.

Any suggestions for replacement cats at a decent price? Or shall I just turn up the volume on the stereo?
Old 01-14-2014, 06:34 PM
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NYC993
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Id go with sport cats. Great sound with fister 2 and cheaper than stock.
Old 01-14-2014, 06:35 PM
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NYC993
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Originally Posted by NYC993
Id go with sport cats. Great sound with fister 2 and cheaper than stock.
Oh yea and 15lbs? lighter
Old 01-14-2014, 07:16 PM
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C4SJOHN
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Are you sure it is the cat? Their are heat shields next to the cat and also next to the mufflers that can be loss or rubbing on something.....
Old 01-14-2014, 07:20 PM
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P-daddy
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Sport cats!
Old 01-14-2014, 07:21 PM
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jerbroo
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I don't know what is legal in CA... But, there is a selection of high flow cats out there for far less than 2-3k. Try Jegs

Sent from my iPhone using Rennlist... typos should be expected
Old 01-14-2014, 07:31 PM
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race911
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IF you've truly determined it's the cat................

THEN, being in CA you're at the mercy of the smog guy, and how vigilant he is. Also consider CA legal cats, the added expense, and that you're not going to get a company to ship a 49 State cat to a CA address. Of course, wholly irrelevant if you source a used cat and (illegally, but who'll know) replace yours.

The gist of it is here, and yeah for OBD 1 cars things are different: http://www.magnaflow.com/02catalytic...california.asp
Old 01-14-2014, 11:28 PM
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Ed Hughes
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Originally Posted by C4SJOHN
Are you sure it is the cat? Their are heat shields next to the cat and also next to the mufflers that can be loss or rubbing on something.....
After fully surveying my system recently, this is the first thing I'd look at. One of the 4 receivers for the 1/4 turn bolts snapped Saturday, due to age. A new one is ordered, but I can see where if that happens, it could cause a rattle.

My guess is you don't want Sport Cats, Eric.
Old 01-15-2014, 01:18 AM
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TheOtherEric
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My money is on the heat shields. Has your cat ever been removed? I ask because perhaps the reinstalled didn't feel like removing the bumper cover to attach the couple hidden screws. This could possibly cause rattling. Or simply corroded heat shields.
Old 01-15-2014, 09:42 AM
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Ed Hughes
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Originally Posted by TheOtherEric
My money is on the heat shields. Has your cat ever been removed? I ask because perhaps the reinstalled didn't feel like removing the bumper cover to attach the couple hidden screws. This could possibly cause rattling. Or simply corroded heat shields.
You can get to the rear heat shield bolts without removing the bumper cover. You will need a 6mm combination wrench.
Old 01-15-2014, 09:55 AM
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Rick
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If you do decide to replace with OEM cats, I know there are several very low mile cats that folks have laying around when they converted to sport cats or no cats.
Old 01-15-2014, 10:20 AM
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+1
The CAT shield hardware is available and something to re-new
as there's plentiful corrosion at the exhaust shield over time. I'd clean mine up when performing the LPMM muffler DIY. A rattle coming from inside the CAT .... I don't buy it, not at first.

Originally Posted by Ed Hughes
You can get to the rear heat shield bolts without removing the bumper cover. You will need a 6mm combination wrench.
Old 01-15-2014, 12:57 PM
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TheOtherEric
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Originally Posted by Ed Hughes
You can get to the rear heat shield bolts without removing the bumper cover. You will need a 6mm combination wrench.
We're talking about the quarter-turn fasteners slotted for a screwdriver, right? I can't see how a combination wrench would work there. I really need to know, or else I need to remove my bumper cover to get those stupid fasteners in!!
Old 01-15-2014, 01:25 PM
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Ed Hughes
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Originally Posted by TheOtherEric
We're talking about the quarter-turn fasteners slotted for a screwdriver, right? I can't see how a combination wrench would work there. I really need to know, or else I need to remove my bumper cover to get those stupid fasteners in!!
I am talking about the qtr turn bits-2 @ front, 2 @ rear of cat. Truthfully, I can't remember if they are slotted, but mine had a 6mm hex head. Not much room to work there, and I don't have small hands-but I removed and installed my cat recently, when I pulled my motor for the clutch job. I most certainly kept my bumper intact.
Old 01-15-2014, 01:28 PM
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JSA993
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Eric,
If you find the heat shields are not the cause of the rattle, it could very well be the converter. I had the same issue years ago with my '95. The internal (ceramic?) coating was breaking up. As a temporary fix, I removed the converter and "emptied" the broken pieces. A couple of taps on the ground and back in it went. Lasted probably another 4K before it happened again. I ended up replacing the converter. Good luck getting it sorted.

Jeff

Jeff


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