catalytic converter lifespan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
catalytic converter lifespan
Does the Catalytic converter on my '82 have a lifespan. My wife and I were talking about them and she asked me if it ever needs to replaced since its purpose is a chemical reaction basically. Figured it was a good question to post here on the boards. My '82 is pushing over 160xxx miles. I drive it every day
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
Likes: 379
From: Plano TX
Yes, absolutely. Replace it with a modern cat and you'll notice better power & economy. Early 80's cats were restrictive when new and it will be clogged by now.
I had a '83 Cadillac once that was untouched. It still passed emissions, and got 22 mpg highway. I replaced the cat and immediately noticed it didn't downshift when going uphill anymore. Next long trip it knocked out over 26 mpg. The new cat was a $90 one from Summit. Well worth it.
I had a '83 Cadillac once that was untouched. It still passed emissions, and got 22 mpg highway. I replaced the cat and immediately noticed it didn't downshift when going uphill anymore. Next long trip it knocked out over 26 mpg. The new cat was a $90 one from Summit. Well worth it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
great thanks for the reply guys, will any modern cat do? One of you have mentioned summit racing, any other recommendations or would getting a new one at the local speed shop suffice?
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Newman Lake Wa
Flowmaster recently used my 1980 L82 to develop their new Force II cat and muffler system. The power increase is noticeable. I would guess 10 %. They did a youtube video titled "Flowmaster Force II System 1980-1981. I am not sure if I can include a link. Will try. They put on a new system from the manifolds back to the tips.
The exhaust sounds better in person and they completely eliminated drone in the interior. Don't know how expensive it is, but is is nice. Sounds throaty in the driver's seat, but you don't have to shout to converse. It is loud enough that you can't drown it out with the sound system, though.
Ray
The exhaust sounds better in person and they completely eliminated drone in the interior. Don't know how expensive it is, but is is nice. Sounds throaty in the driver's seat, but you don't have to shout to converse. It is loud enough that you can't drown it out with the sound system, though.
Ray
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
interesting, thanks for the input, i still have the factory exhaust which i like, im hoping to find a cat i can just directly replace with the one i have currently, if i do a whole exhaust system my wife would forever give me hell for not doing sidepipes.
after looking at the website it looks like flowmaster does have a stainless steel direct fit cat for my car for just under $200, anyone have any feedback on this cat?
after looking at the website it looks like flowmaster does have a stainless steel direct fit cat for my car for just under $200, anyone have any feedback on this cat?
Last edited by pleasants9; Jan 12, 2014 at 03:14 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
FWIW, I think any modern catalyst would be superior to a 35 year old one. IMHO.
The new ones usually look like honeycombs inside, where the old ones looked like a bag full of gravel, as I recall. As a matter of fact, I seem to remember that you could open up the cover of the old cats and vacuum out the pellets.
The new ones usually look like honeycombs inside, where the old ones looked like a bag full of gravel, as I recall. As a matter of fact, I seem to remember that you could open up the cover of the old cats and vacuum out the pellets.
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Pouria Savadkouei
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,487
Likes: 6,967
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I upgraded to a high-flow cat on my daughter's '82 Firebird....
all of a sudden----the "thing" would bark the tires when shifting into 3rd gear.....(it would barely bark 'em in 2nd gear!)
and it's a VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV-6!
all of a sudden----the "thing" would bark the tires when shifting into 3rd gear.....(it would barely bark 'em in 2nd gear!)
and it's a VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV-6!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
FWIW, I think any modern catalyst would be superior to a 35 year old one. IMHO.
The new ones usually look like honeycombs inside, where the old ones looked like a bag full of gravel, as I recall. As a matter of fact, I seem to remember that you could open up the cover of the old cats and vacuum out the pellets.
The new ones usually look like honeycombs inside, where the old ones looked like a bag full of gravel, as I recall. As a matter of fact, I seem to remember that you could open up the cover of the old cats and vacuum out the pellets.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,672
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Not positive about the 82's but the 81's certainly were.
Although I agree with all the posts that these cats clog and are restrictive, they don't really "wear out." Catalytic converters aid in chemical reactions, they aren't consumed by then. Unless they get dirty or are clogged, they should last indefinitely.
Although I agree with all the posts that these cats clog and are restrictive, they don't really "wear out." Catalytic converters aid in chemical reactions, they aren't consumed by then. Unless they get dirty or are clogged, they should last indefinitely.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
Not positive about the 82's but the 81's certainly were.
Although I agree with all the posts that these cats clog and are restrictive, they don't really "wear out." Catalytic converters aid in chemical reactions, they aren't consumed by then. Unless they get dirty or are clogged, they should last indefinitely.
Although I agree with all the posts that these cats clog and are restrictive, they don't really "wear out." Catalytic converters aid in chemical reactions, they aren't consumed by then. Unless they get dirty or are clogged, they should last indefinitely.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
mmmm no ... catalytic converters, while not technically consumed by the reaction they are catalyzing, do indeed wear out. Heat and vibration will cause the catalyzing agent to release from the media over time whether that's beads or a base metal. Running too rich can also cause them to overheat and self destruct in short order.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
That cat is out of lives. Agreed with above, replace with newer and see some gains.
I noticed a real gain when I ditched my original cat on my '76. My long tube headers probably helped too.
I noticed a real gain when I ditched my original cat on my '76. My long tube headers probably helped too.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
got the cat in the mail today just need to go put it on the lift and swap her out. Should I replace anything else while im down there? lukcily the rest of my exhaust is in great shape.