3D-Aircrew

I got a 1986 Al head convertible that still has original CATS and Pre Cats with 130,000 miles. The car still gets up and goes and it seems it has plenty of pep although I have a slight stumble at idle and what sounds like pinging noises coming from under the car.


THIS


Questions:
1) Do the Pre Cats clog up?
2) How do you know whether your CATS are clogged or partially clogged?
3) Any recommendations on replacement cats and pre-cats?

Thanks,
Robert

vader86

1. Yes. Mine were not clogged when I pulled them for headers, but there were blockages in the matrix from soot or whatever.
2. Usually feels like a loss of power, top end especially. 86 doesnt have any top end to begin with so you probably cant tell until its really blocked up, in which case their temps will go way up. Pipes will glow.
3. I used a Catco cat when I kept the main cat. Random Tech was another good choice.

As far as new precats I don't know, I don't know who is making the replacement front Ys.

billschroeder5842

I cut out the precats on my old 89 and put a new, performance oriented cat in the mid section. I kept the OEM mufflers. The car sounded great and much peppier.

kenmohr

Bill, Any side effects?

billschroeder5842

Zero negative effects. The car ran better, smoother and quicker. Plus, the exhaust sounded great- one of my favorites.

Cost about 300 for the whole thing.

aklim

I think they are out of business. Can someone confirm?

Pres712

Florida use to have vehicle inspection. Therefore I took the system off and gutted the pres and the main. Some welding was necessary and along with Cherry Bomb "mufflers" it sounds great and no codes were thrown. Now, almost 20 years later it still runs and sounds great.

cv67

You may have had some substrate break loose and making noise. When they go real bad youll know the car wont want to accerlate well at all.
May not be your #1 problem but if they are original....due for replacement. Todays stuff is so much better.