cat-back?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Yakima WA
cat-back?
Ok, I am absolutely new to owning a Vette and I know you guys are probably laughing at your terminals right now, but what exactly does Cat-Back mean? I have already installed Flowmaster exhaust, but does Cat-back mean a free-flow catalatic converter? Is this something I should add and how much should it cost if I have a muffler shop do it? And what kind should I get? OH, and what is phelum? Also, I have heard that 160 degree termostat may not be best way to go, some have said a 175 degree stat. What is the stock one set at? 185? 180? Sorry, lot's of Q's in one post.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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Re: cat-back? (dbwade36)
I run a 160 stat in my 86, no problems. It stays above 50 degrees in SC basically year-round, and its 100 with heat index during summer. With my chip reprogrammed to make the fans come on at 195, my temps have only gotten to 210 OIL and about 205 Coolant. The stock one is 195.
Catback is what it says, from the catalytic converter backwards. So thats a rear y-pipe and new mufflers. If your rear Y is Flowmaster then you already have a new catback.
The plenum is the thing on top of the intake manifold, that the TB is connected to and the air comes thru it and down into the Runners.
Catback is what it says, from the catalytic converter backwards. So thats a rear y-pipe and new mufflers. If your rear Y is Flowmaster then you already have a new catback.
The plenum is the thing on top of the intake manifold, that the TB is connected to and the air comes thru it and down into the Runners.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: cat-back? (dbwade36)
"Cat-back" is just the reference to the exhaust after the catalytic converter back. On 84-91 vettes, this is made up of a rear Y pipe and your mufflers. If you already have Flowmaster exhaust, you probably already have a Flowmaster "cat-back" system (unless you only got Flowmaster mufflers). The Plenum is the top most piece of your intake. It is what the runners (tubes) attaches to from the intake manifold. It is also what your throttle body is attached to (see pic below). Thermostat is something completely up to you. It controls when the coolant is allowed to flow through your system. The lower the stat, the sooner coolant will begin to flow. Opinions differ when it comes to what temp stat you should use for any particular situation. Keep in mind that the stat wont do a whole lot for you if your fans are not set to come on sooner to take advantage of the earlier coolant flow. Im sure more people will chime in and give you some more info.
Added: My stat is 160* with fans programmed to come on at 200*.
Plenum:
[Modified by VetteNoob, 3:19 PM 8/4/2002]
Added: My stat is 160* with fans programmed to come on at 200*.
Plenum:
[Modified by VetteNoob, 3:19 PM 8/4/2002]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Re: cat-back? (VetteNoob)
Ok, thanks for the info. Now, if I want to go with a 180 degree stat, how hard is it to install and are there any sites that give step by step instructions? Do I need a particular brand and can I buy locally, or must order via Mid-America, etc?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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Re: cat-back? (dbwade36)
Just go to Autozone and get one.
The thermostat is directly underneath the TB, youll see the big hose coming into the manifold.
Now what you really need, if you want to do work on the car, is a Helm Shop Manual, its ten times better than the Haynes crap they sell at Autozone or Advanced or wherever. The manual is about $100 though, its still worth it.
I think you can get them from http://www.helminc.com or helm.com, i dont exactly remember.
[Modified by vader86, 4:24 PM 8/4/2002]
The thermostat is directly underneath the TB, youll see the big hose coming into the manifold.
Now what you really need, if you want to do work on the car, is a Helm Shop Manual, its ten times better than the Haynes crap they sell at Autozone or Advanced or wherever. The manual is about $100 though, its still worth it.
I think you can get them from http://www.helminc.com or helm.com, i dont exactly remember.
[Modified by vader86, 4:24 PM 8/4/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
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From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: cat-back? (vader86)
I feel like Vader's stalker or something.. :lol: I got my service manual from eBay. It was like $65 shipped with electrical schematics (new). You can check the forsale section, Curtis629 is selling one for an 86 vette.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=356118
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=356118
