Hi everyone,
I am having a heads/cam/headers/exhaust package done to my coupe and am wondering if there is any benefit from installing a set of Random Technologies hi flow cats while my tuner has the exhaust apart? Any gains to be had, or would this be a waste of money? This is my idea, and not my tuner's.
Dave

 

With the more "aggressive" heads/cam packages, you probably could see a very small gain with some high flow cats. If you have a car with the pre-cats, make sure they are gone(headers will probably require it anyway) as they will definately hurt your gains. When you get to the Superstroker region(400 + ci motors), the high flows become a necessary item to make the power.

Todd

 

Hi David-

I have the RT high flow cats. I'll tell you why I went with them. There are a lot of comprimises on the Corvette. For me, part of the fun of ownership is eliminating these restrictions. A lot of these comprmises in the exhaust system hamper air flow. i.e.. pre cat and cat converts, the H pipe and so on. High flow cats are a way to maximize air flow coming off the header while keeping the car emissions legal. Ever notice how drag cars have just the header coming off the manifold and nothing else. That's basically what we're trying to re-create with street cars. Just in a milder manner. If you look at my sig you'll see that the car has virtually no air restrictions coming off the exhaust manifold.

My mechanic expanded the tubing around the RT cats becuase they're a half inch thicker than the stock cats. This made for a smoother fit and less welding. Your car is going to be louder but I love the sound. Something to keep in mind.

Forum memebr CW did a dyno with his RT's and had modest gain of 1-2hp. Keep in mind that you do some mods to not LOSE horespower i.e. throttle-body byass tube. The RT's fall in this catergory

Bottom line, a very worth while mod. I'd do it again.

Good Luck

David In Indy :seeya
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2000 NBM M6-Coupe
All Options minus F45
Euros/Lloyd Mats/Chrome Shifter/Ripper/Halltech tric/T-bypass/Taylor
Wires/TTS Headers/High Flow Cats/X-pipe/Indy Corsas/Baers/Z06
Calipers/Russell ss brake lines/Hawk Pads/Porsche DOT4 Hi-Performance Brake
fluid/Redline oils/Zaino/Engine Dress by Auto Buffs and Design Specialties







[Modified by ledfoot, 1:19 PM 8/29/2001]

 

I just had my Random Tech hi flow cats installed this past w/e. SOTP meter tells me there is a small gain in mid to high rpm range. Then again, it could be my imagination because it must be difficult to feel such a small gain. Anyway, I like 'em. :D

 

Ledfoot, how much louder and how does your setup compare to a straight tube (vs your high flows)?

 

Oliver-

My setup is definitely quieter than straight pipes. Cats, regardless of size are always going to be quieter than a strait pipe. Their (cats) basic nature is to "filter" sound. The benefit of the high flows is that you have the performance gain. It's as if your car has straight pipes, but the tone is easier to deal with.

I've encountered one C5 that had straight pipes and it was pretty obvious to me what he had done with his muffler system.

Sounded really cool to me but I don't think most people would like the straight pipe setup. Kinda sounds like a pick-up truck does with aftermarket mufflers.

Hope this helps!

David In Indy :seeya


[Modified by ledfoot, 4:33 PM 8/29/2001]

 

What is the cost of the High Flow Cats and who sells them?

 

check out http://www.randomtechnology.com/ these are about $300. There are also C&L cats which flow well and are cheaper.