Random Technology. My 86 has their true dual system in SS.
Catalytic Converter Recommendation
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
Catalytic Converter Recommendation
Hi!
Converter issues again: I am redoing the entire exhaust system on my '89 in preparation for a move to San Diego, and need to replace the main catalytic converter (the car uses pre-converters). Can anyone recommend a good main converter OTHER THAN the Magnaflow/Carsound converter (I have had quality issues with two such converters)? I am already aware of the Random Technologies converter.
Many thanks,
/s/ Chris Kennedy
Converter issues again: I am redoing the entire exhaust system on my '89 in preparation for a move to San Diego, and need to replace the main catalytic converter (the car uses pre-converters). Can anyone recommend a good main converter OTHER THAN the Magnaflow/Carsound converter (I have had quality issues with two such converters)? I am already aware of the Random Technologies converter.
Many thanks,
/s/ Chris Kennedy
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 426
Likes: 16
From: Concord CA
There are the DynoMax or Dynatech one...you can find them in the SummitRacing catalog.
Not sure about the DynoMax ones.. but I have heard a few good things about the Dynatech ones, but it is listed as a Race only part.
I have not really talked to anyone that has used them.. most people I know have just used the Magaflow ones and then take them off and back on as needed to pass the smog test.
Not sure about the DynoMax ones.. but I have heard a few good things about the Dynatech ones, but it is listed as a Race only part.
I have not really talked to anyone that has used them.. most people I know have just used the Magaflow ones and then take them off and back on as needed to pass the smog test.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
The problem:
The main inlet tube for EACH converter was not welded at a 90 degree angle to the main body of the converter---there was a slight offset to one side in each converter. The upshot is that this causes the back connector to the rear y-pipe to also be offset to one side, which throws the fitment off for everything there on back. Maybe there is enough free-play in the entire system to compensate (i.e., mounting the converter at a slight angle--although, this might require jiggering the front y-pipe, too), but, you, know, there are so many potential problems in fitting an exhaust system that I think it is stupid to start off with something you know is not right. Anyway, I have talked with the vendor and with Magnaflow (who said the angle should be 90 degrees but claimed they couldn't have someone in the warehouse check a bunch of these out and send me a good one), and have just decided to get another brand. The problem is that this is the brand that most of the Corvette suppliers sell. Maybe I should just spring for the Random Technologies.
Regards,
/s/ Chris
The main inlet tube for EACH converter was not welded at a 90 degree angle to the main body of the converter---there was a slight offset to one side in each converter. The upshot is that this causes the back connector to the rear y-pipe to also be offset to one side, which throws the fitment off for everything there on back. Maybe there is enough free-play in the entire system to compensate (i.e., mounting the converter at a slight angle--although, this might require jiggering the front y-pipe, too), but, you, know, there are so many potential problems in fitting an exhaust system that I think it is stupid to start off with something you know is not right. Anyway, I have talked with the vendor and with Magnaflow (who said the angle should be 90 degrees but claimed they couldn't have someone in the warehouse check a bunch of these out and send me a good one), and have just decided to get another brand. The problem is that this is the brand that most of the Corvette suppliers sell. Maybe I should just spring for the Random Technologies.
Regards,
/s/ Chris
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
Any good muffler shop will be able to weld in any brand Catalytic Converter in the stock location, with no problem and also, warranty their work.
Last edited by GKK; Jan 10, 2009 at 12:09 AM.
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
I'd go with an OE style converter, to be safe, since those damn Cali tests are hard to pass. High-flow cats = fail miserably. The sniffer will bust you if it smells any worse than stock.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: vancouver bc
high flow cats don't seem to last as long as oem cats(in terms of passing emmisions tests); i was told high flows have less of the precious metals etc than the oem cats;
not sure how strict california is, but couldn't you install the cat with flanges and have a test pipe made that you could swap once you pass the test? (not that anyone would ever do that right)
not sure how strict california is, but couldn't you install the cat with flanges and have a test pipe made that you could swap once you pass the test? (not that anyone would ever do that right)
