Empty Cats Available?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 823
Likes: 57
From: Austin TX
Empty Cats Available?
For my year ('82), Texas no longer considers the catalytic converter to be emissions equipment. It is only regarded as an exhaust component, and therefore is not required to be functional in terms of reducing emissions. Is there a source for a new Cat that doesn't have the restrictive (and expensive) innards? Also, if I install such a cat, will the EFI still work properly?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 823
Likes: 57
From: Austin TX
The car must have something that looks like a CAT in order to pass state inspection. There's no emissions test though. I was hoping one of the manufacturers might have something available so I don't have to screw around with it.
Thanks for the info on the gutted CAT.
Thanks for the info on the gutted CAT.
Last edited by 454Luvr; Apr 9, 2016 at 12:20 AM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Is it different in Austin?
My 98' Mustang GT wit a Dynomax Cat delete X-pipe passed inspection at a Jiffy Lube....did not know that they were searching for it....unless they just did not care.
Jebby
My 98' Mustang GT wit a Dynomax Cat delete X-pipe passed inspection at a Jiffy Lube....did not know that they were searching for it....unless they just did not care.
Jebby
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
You are going to have to gut your own cat... drive a long screwdriver or pipe thru it. Messy. Possibly the catalyst can be sold as its valuable.
It will not affect the TBI as long as the O2 sensor is not disturbed.
It will not affect the TBI as long as the O2 sensor is not disturbed.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 823
Likes: 57
From: Austin TX
The inspection issue is hit or miss. Some stations use a mirror for a quick look under the car. The problem is, if it fails for any reason, you're out the money unless you bring it back fixed within 30 days.
I haven't been able to find this for an '82 Vette on eBay. Have you actually seen one for this application?
I haven't been able to find this for an '82 Vette on eBay. Have you actually seen one for this application?
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 823
Likes: 57
From: Austin TX
Not interested in a universal, need something that bolts in so I can do it myself without welding. OK, sounds like I should just buy a standard Cat and be done with it. This is the last thing it needs to pass inspection. Then I'll be able to change from Antique to normal vehicle registration and drive it everyday. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 17,571
Likes: 3,461
From: Fresno California
They haven't made the restrictive, pellet type cats in years. The new replacement cats are monolithic design (you can see through them) are much better, and really aren't restrictive at all. If your '82 is otherwise stock, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a new type cat and no cat performance-wise....just a lot less exhaust stink with the cat in place.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
They haven't made the restrictive, pellet type cats in years. The new replacement cats are monolithic design (you can see through them) are much better, and really aren't restrictive at all. If your '82 is otherwise stock, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a new type cat and no cat performance-wise....just a lot less exhaust stink with the cat in place.
With a correct flange....one would have about $140 into it.
And yes they flow very well.....actually an upgrade....
The original pellet cat was a joke.....a real cork in the system.
The beauty of a modern cat is once you have it on there....just leave it.
Jebby
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 61
From: Medina Ohio
..was gonna tell you to do the straight pipe exhaust and clamp or tack your old shields over it to look like cat.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 823
Likes: 57
From: Austin TX
I haven't found the direct-fit Magnaflow for less than $200, so I've decided to order a Walker. They're about $120, and there's a rebate. That plus a new rear Y-pipe will seal the exhaust. Thanks for everyone's ideas and advice!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 503
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From: Florida
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