Exhaust question
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1
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Exhaust question
I have a 1996 LT-4. The cats are completely blocked on it. What I was wondering is would it be better to hollow them out or replace them with just pipe? And on that, does anyone make replacement pipe for the cats or do I have to find someone? Thank you.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If you life where emissions testing is required, you will need to replace them with factory cats or an aftermarket version. There are some high-flow cats available that should work well. Even if you don't have to go thru testing, cats do help the environment and keep the air cleaner.
If you eliminate them, you will most likely need to replace the O2 sensors with heated versions. The stock sensors need the heat from the cats to work properly.
Federal law makes it a crime (IIRC, it's a $10,000 fine
) for a shop to remove catalytic converters and not replace them. The chances are that no reputable shop will cut them off and insert straight pipe.
I would go with replacement OEM cats or an aftermarket high-flow design. The OEM cats do flow pretty good and you can install shorty headers made for the LT1/4 motors that will add HP and torque and the cats will bolt up to them.
If you eliminate them, you will most likely need to replace the O2 sensors with heated versions. The stock sensors need the heat from the cats to work properly.
Federal law makes it a crime (IIRC, it's a $10,000 fine
) for a shop to remove catalytic converters and not replace them. The chances are that no reputable shop will cut them off and insert straight pipe.I would go with replacement OEM cats or an aftermarket high-flow design. The OEM cats do flow pretty good and you can install shorty headers made for the LT1/4 motors that will add HP and torque and the cats will bolt up to them.
C4cruiser gave you the correct answer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,079
Likes: 3
From: Clearwater FL
St. Jude Donor '06
I think the 96s come with heated O2 sensors. I'd look for some used factory cats(cheap route), or upgrade to headers, longtubes, with some bullet cats(more expensive route). What are your long term visions for the car performance-wise?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Originally Posted by Ks_96_LT4
I have a 1996 LT-4. The cats are completely blocked on it. What I was wondering is would it be better to hollow them out or replace them with just pipe? And on that, does anyone make replacement pipe for the cats or do I have to find someone? Thank you.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Nipomo CA
mine came apart not too long ago and i pulled the pipes off and gutted the material inside. Then reinstalled the factory cats that where hollowed out and no rough running. Until i get the money to put on headers and new cats im running around with gutted factory units. I think i maybe only picked up 5-10hp max. Didn't feel much improvement on a stock LT1.
