Need a new Cat
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,726
Likes: 46
From: Waukesha WI
St. Jude Donor '15
Need a new Cat
It is time to get a catalytic converter for the 86. My folks moved and they now have inspections to pass before they can get new plates on the car.
Right now the exhaust is LPE 1 5/8 headers -> LPE Front Y -> 3" SS Pipe -> Borla rear Y and mufflers. The best thing to do, I suppose, is replace the "test pipe" with a cat.
My guess is that a Universal cat is my best bet. Are there any preference on brands? I see Summit carries Catco, Magnaflow and Dynamax. They all are about $60 +/-.
Are there any cheaper places to buy... deals... etc.?
Thanks!
Right now the exhaust is LPE 1 5/8 headers -> LPE Front Y -> 3" SS Pipe -> Borla rear Y and mufflers. The best thing to do, I suppose, is replace the "test pipe" with a cat.
My guess is that a Universal cat is my best bet. Are there any preference on brands? I see Summit carries Catco, Magnaflow and Dynamax. They all are about $60 +/-.
Are there any cheaper places to buy... deals... etc.?
Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 897
Likes: 12
From: Land of Whiskey Rebels, PA
The combination of "1990" and "catalytic converter" got my attention.
Here's my thought:
If you're just using it to pass the test and put the pipe back on, then buy the cheap one. If this is going to be permanent, get a "hi-flow" or "free-flow" cat. Do a search in this forum for the names of companies.
I'm looking at replacing mine with a hi-flow model, maybe next year. I'll be interested in your choice.
Mike
'90 'vert
Here's my thought:
If you're just using it to pass the test and put the pipe back on, then buy the cheap one. If this is going to be permanent, get a "hi-flow" or "free-flow" cat. Do a search in this forum for the names of companies.
I'm looking at replacing mine with a hi-flow model, maybe next year. I'll be interested in your choice.
Mike
'90 'vert
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
If you care about good performance, then you may not want to go with the cheapest. I have Random Technology cats on mine and love them. Not sure how much better they would be than the cheapo ones, but I'm a fan of 'you get what you pay for'
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,726
Likes: 46
From: Waukesha WI
St. Jude Donor '15
My intention is not to go with the cheapest - just the best value. Those just happen to be the ones I found quickly searching Summit/Jegs.
Where would be a good place to look for Random Tech cats? And, how are they better than the Catco and Magnaflow... what makes them worth the extra cost?
Where would be a good place to look for Random Tech cats? And, how are they better than the Catco and Magnaflow... what makes them worth the extra cost?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,726
Likes: 46
From: Waukesha WI
St. Jude Donor '15
Oh yeah... The 86 will keep the cat full time. The inspection guys said all we have to do is put something on there that "looks" like a cat and they will pass it. Apparently, there is no actual emissions test - only a visual inspection.
