76 Catalytic Converter
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 67
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From: Cypress Texas
76 Catalytic Converter
Anyone know where I can pick up an original catalytic converter for my 76 vette. Mine is the L48 with an automatic transmission. I am looking for one with the A/C stamping on it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Spring Park MN
Is your car a 100% original numbers matching car? If not, why bother. Modern replacement cats are far less restrictive than the old original and probably cheaper than an NOS original, if you can find one.
Mike
Mike
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From: Midwest
I agree.
I'm fond of originality, so I can relate to anyone seeking it. But it's worth considering that, compared to a modern high-flow cat, the original cat was bigger, heavier and created more exhaust backpressure. Having greater mass, it put off more heat. Decades ago engineers struggled with how to make a cat reasonably efficient. Had the cats then been as good as they are today, the published net horsepower ratings would have been a bit higher.
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Cypress Texas
Cat
Ok, Ok I got the message folks. But I am going for Top Flight and I need an original one with the right date code even the guts are blown out of it. As many of you know some people would destroy the internals to eliminate the back pressure issue and heat. But in order to satisfy the judges I need the pancake with the right date code. It is likely I will reinstall the dual exhaust that it has on it now (without a cat) later on. But for now I am just trying to get it judged. I was only 120 points from making it last year, so the exhaust and a few other odds and ends should get me there. Thanks for your support.
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Cypress Texas