Catalytic converter replacement options
03-22-2012, 04:53 PM
#16
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Location: Richmond, VA
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Just throwing out another option, AWE makes cats for the 996. I've had a set for a few years and have no compaints, a little louder but sounds good. Price is $1,845. By the way they fit a 3.4 just fine, that's what I have.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/products/p...96exhaust.html
http://www.awe-tuning.com/products/p...96exhaust.html
11-07-2014, 01:58 PM
#20
Race Director
I gave both converters a good shaking to ensure there were no rattles, which if there is is probably due to a loose "brick", which means the converter is no good. This was the problem with one of my car's converters.
BTW, I owe someone here an apology.
When I posted on this subject months ago someone said it was not legal -- I forget the exact words but these are close enough -- for the business to sell me used converters.
Without even bothering to research this I responded this was -- not the exact words but close enough -- nonsense.
Well, let me open my mouth and remove my foot or maybe a better analogy would be to remove my head from you can imagine where.
A while after posting my response I came across info which indicated the poster was right and I was wrong. Just searched for the info but can't find it but I recall it confirmed the other guy was right and I was wrong.
Anyhow, the used converters appear to be working just fine. They are quiet, which is always a good sign, and the CEL has not come on once for any converter problems. (There was a CEL event, actually two events, but the codes do not in any way suggest the converters are at fault. I think coils are due -- they have 286K miles on them -- and possibly some O2 sensors, or perhaps a MAF. I am not sure, I'm taking a wait and see attitude on this.)
Added:
Wrong and ignore:
So my advice would be to consider used converters. BTW, while the counter person at the salvage yard wouldn't give me a warranty on the things he did indicate that if the converters proved to be just bad from the outset he'd take them back for store credit.
Even though I admitted I was wrong and there a prohibition against fitting used converters, and I found the details I didn't read them very thoroughly and believed there was a loophole, that is a legitimate way to use used converters. Something about be certified as performing ok.
However, this loophole was closed circa July 10, 2008.
So I retract my advice to buy/fit used converters.
It looks like the choices are new OE converters or possibly some aftermarket but CARB approved converters.
Last edited by Macster; 11-07-2014 at 08:22 PM.
11-07-2014, 03:29 PM
#22
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I still have the Fabspeed X-pipe which sounds great and has survived a few track events. I recommend as long as you are okay with how it changes the exhaust sound. Some might think it's a bit loud but I like it.
11-07-2014, 03:56 PM
#24
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It is illegal in California for a business to sell used cats. No ifs, ands, or buts. Even though a used cat might have years of use left in it and decrease your emissions.
If you have an OBD-1 car (like my daughter's BMW), and you need a replacement cat, you can't buy the OBD-1 cat for $200 that the residents of the other 49 states can purchase. You need one of the OBD-2 cats, which go for $500.
The emissions rulings the state comes up with drive me around the bend. If a car passes smog inspection, and that's the goal, why does the state care how you got there?
If you have an OBD-1 car (like my daughter's BMW), and you need a replacement cat, you can't buy the OBD-1 cat for $200 that the residents of the other 49 states can purchase. You need one of the OBD-2 cats, which go for $500.
The emissions rulings the state comes up with drive me around the bend. If a car passes smog inspection, and that's the goal, why does the state care how you got there?
11-07-2014, 04:48 PM
#25
I just installed SpeedTech 200 cell x-pipe earlier this week. I also already had a Fabspeed MaxFlow exhaust and Fabspeed CF Competition Intake. The x-pipe cats have definitely changed the sound. It is actually a little bit quieter when cruising and a bit more exotic sounding above 4K. I haven't turned on my stereo since installed. It also seems to have added a bit more grunt and improved fuel economy, which is surprising, because I can not keep my foot out of it now.
11-07-2014, 06:15 PM
#26
Rennlist Member
Great info and options here, thanks!
Don't want to hijack, but my car has 120k and I don't have good records. Runs fine/no CEL, but I do have a little rattle from cats or mufflers. Fister mod is on my short list, but how will I know when the cats are done?
Don't want to hijack, but my car has 120k and I don't have good records. Runs fine/no CEL, but I do have a little rattle from cats or mufflers. Fister mod is on my short list, but how will I know when the cats are done?
11-07-2014, 08:17 PM
#27
Race Director
It is illegal in California for a business to sell used cats. No ifs, ands, or buts. Even though a used cat might have years of use left in it and decrease your emissions.
If you have an OBD-1 car (like my daughter's BMW), and you need a replacement cat, you can't buy the OBD-1 cat for $200 that the residents of the other 49 states can purchase. You need one of the OBD-2 cats, which go for $500.
The emissions rulings the state comes up with drive me around the bend. If a car passes smog inspection, and that's the goal, why does the state care how you got there?
If you have an OBD-1 car (like my daughter's BMW), and you need a replacement cat, you can't buy the OBD-1 cat for $200 that the residents of the other 49 states can purchase. You need one of the OBD-2 cats, which go for $500.
The emissions rulings the state comes up with drive me around the bend. If a car passes smog inspection, and that's the goal, why does the state care how you got there?
Question: Are certified used OE converters rebuilt with new or refurbished parts?
Answer: No, used OE converters are simply tested for their remaining level of performance. Those that pass testing conducted by an ARB authorized business may be currently offered for resale in California. Cosmetic refurbishing, such as polishing of the converter’s shell, or replacement of end pipes or flanges is legal. As discussed above, the legal sale or installation of used catalytic converters will end July 10, 2008.
Here's the link:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermktcat/amcatq&a.pdf
I was remiss in recommending the OP buy/fit used converters.
11-07-2014, 09:33 PM
#28
Former Vendor
While it is sad that a Quality used cat can save you a small fortune and still not be legal.
In the end is it not better to purchase a product that will last as long as the unit installed on the car from the factory.
In the end is it not better to purchase a product that will last as long as the unit installed on the car from the factory.
11-08-2014, 03:59 PM
#29
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I strongly recommend the Speed Venture X-pipe and high flow cats. I have had mine for a little over two years and no issues. I have passed smog here in California twice without problems. Of course, you have to watch out for the visual check in which case, none of these aftermarket systems will pass
Check with Speed Venture and talk with John D II and ask about the RL discount
Good luck
Check with Speed Venture and talk with John D II and ask about the RL discount Good luck
11-08-2014, 04:29 PM
#30
Race Director
Actually, I found a number of converters certified for use with your car.
If you want to do your own search, here's the web site.
https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/PartsSearchTo...ol.aspx#header
If you want to do your own search, here's the web site.
https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/PartsSearchTo...ol.aspx#header