C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Random Tech VS hollowed cat

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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 02:44 AM
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Default Random Tech VS hollowed cat

Which will give the most hp gains? A random tech hi-flo cat or a cat that has been hollowed out?
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 10:49 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (Tim89)

One thats hollow of course. Especially if you have a straight pipe put inside.
Might get resonance that way.
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 10:52 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (vader86)

The hollowed one doesn't have a pipe. I'm running two non-name brand mufflers and headers. Wasn't sure if I needed Random Tech for back pressure or something.
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 11:04 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (Tim89)

You dont need backpressure, it just means that you might need a heated O2 sensor if you dont use a real cat.
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 11:07 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (vader86)

Sorry for the dumb question but how do I do that. Right now theres an O2 sensor plugged into the header with a clip on it.
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 11:12 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (Tim89)

The O2 sensor monitors the exhaust, if you lose heat in the exhaust from not having a cat, it might make the computer richen things up too much. So you might need to replace it with a heated sensor. It corrects the readings.
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 11:14 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (vader86)

How can I tell if I need to go with a heated one, will my service engine light come on to let me know? Also where do I buy a heated one, are common to buy from a company from summit? Thanks for the help.
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 11:24 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (Tim89)

I really doubt you will have a problem with your O2 sensor. My CAT is hollowed out and Im running LT headers on a factory O2 sensor (non heated). Havent had any problems. If you do need a heated O2 sensor, you can get them just about anywhere so I wouldnt worry. I dont have a part number, but if it comes to that, there are a few on here that has gone with heated sensors so they should be able to help.
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 11:28 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (VetteNoob)

Ok I'll try it and see. If my car goes "lumpy when cold" I'll know what to look at first. The headers only have one sensor, is that normal or should there be two? Also after doing a search some people made a new hole for the heated ones. Can't I just use the hole thats there and put a heated one in instead of the regular one?
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 11:37 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (Tim89)

I believe our cars only had 1 O2 sensor and you can use the hole provided by the headers. Some people relocated the O2 bung to the collector to get a reading of all cylinders on that side instead of only 1 cylinder (Hooker Headers). So that may just depend on the headers you have. My guess is that if you need a heated O2 Sensor, the SES light will come on, mine hasnt so Im not 100% sure what will happen.


[Modified by VetteNoob, 10:38 AM 2/22/2003]
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 11:40 AM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (VetteNoob)

Thanks a lot, I'm all set now....I hope, cars are almost as complicated as women :crazy:
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Old Feb 22, 2003 | 07:05 PM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (Tim89)

Tim, You shouldn't have a problem at all. I have been running with both pre-cats removed, and the main cat removed also, with two Targa style mufflers on my '91 for over two years now, no problems or no codes whatsoever...Just GREAT sound!!!Good Luck! :chevy
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Old Mar 1, 2003 | 08:56 PM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (Tim89)

Stay Smog legal....and go for the Random Cat.,
Will save you in the long run, while still giving you a performance increase....
tony
:smash: :smash:
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Old Mar 1, 2003 | 09:06 PM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (oldace84)

Stay Smog legal....and go for the Random Cat.,
Will save you in the long run, while still giving you a performance increase....
tony
:smash: :smash:
:iagree:
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Old Mar 1, 2003 | 10:24 PM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (oldace84)

Can anybody comment on other brands? The Random Tech is $200-ish and I seem to recall another popular cat for $100-ish. I currently have headers, an offroad pipe and resonator tips hanging behind my 383 and will need a whole new system behind the headers. I've got the rear 'y' with crossover tube, and am leaning towards Flowmaster 70's for mufflers, but am undecided on the cat at the moment.
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Old Mar 2, 2003 | 10:41 PM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (RocketSled)

Can anybody comment on other brands? The Random Tech is $200-ish and I seem to recall another popular cat for $100-ish. I currently have headers, an offroad pipe and resonator tips hanging behind my 383 and will need a whole new system behind the headers. I've got the rear 'y' with crossover tube, and am leaning towards Flowmaster 70's for mufflers, but am undecided on the cat at the moment.
I have the Magna Flow hi-flow cats and have no problems, the Random Techs were about $250.-275.ea+install. Got the Magna Flow for $190 ea installed :cheers:

jeff
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Old Mar 2, 2003 | 11:08 PM
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Default Re: Random Tech VS hollowed cat (Tim89)

A few years ago a guy in FL made back to back passes with dual RT bullet cats and with straight pipes bolted in. In both cases the passes were in the 12.0x sec range.

If your O2 sensor isn't heating enough your ECM will not go closed loop or will drop out of closed loop. To check out yours see "How to Use - L98 Field Service Mode" on my site.
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