Removing cats worth it?
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 66
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From: Buckeye AZ
Removing cats worth it?
I have a 94 vette stock exhaust with 2 brand new cats....I needed them too pass emissions...I don't need to pass for another 2 years now so I was thinking of removing them and putting in some straight pipe...Is the gain worth it? Lose alot of torque? I was going to do this while installing a new magnaflow SS catback system....(I would obviously keep the cats around for emissions)
THANKS
THANKS
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
LT1 exhaust isn't as restrictive as L98, so you won't be able to tell a difference in performance by removing the cats. It will be louder, and the exhaust will smell a bit, but that's about it.
If I was in your situation, I would keep the cats on unless you can get a cheap set of bullet cats. It's not worth the gain, I can assure you.
If I was in your situation, I would keep the cats on unless you can get a cheap set of bullet cats. It's not worth the gain, I can assure you.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton Florida
LT1 exhaust isn't as restrictive as L98, so you won't be able to tell a difference in performance by removing the cats. It will be louder, and the exhaust will smell a bit, but that's about it.
If I was in your situation, I would keep the cats on unless you can get a cheap set of bullet cats. It's not worth the gain, I can assure you.
If I was in your situation, I would keep the cats on unless you can get a cheap set of bullet cats. It's not worth the gain, I can assure you.
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
David Vizzard has shown that the engine needs around 2.2cfm of exhaust flow per 1chp; below that back pressure begins to rob power.
So a 300chp stock LT1 needs 660cfm and a 240chp stock L98 needs 530cfm of exhaust flow.
So a 300chp stock LT1 needs 660cfm and a 240chp stock L98 needs 530cfm of exhaust flow.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,171
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From: Warwick RI
Does Mr. Vizzard have flow numbers for various configurations and muffler manufacturers as well
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
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From: Slidell Louisiana
I'm using high flow cats and LT headers and there was a noticable performance increase with an other wise stock engine. At higher HP levels the factory exhaust becomes an issue.
Mike