anyone replace their catalytic converter? is it worth it? is it even legal????

 

Wow! There must be dozens and dozens of posts on this topic... try searching under HFC or Cats... you will get all the info you are looking for.

Edit: I see you literally just joined... maybe you weren’t aware of the search function. You need to go to the technical form and click exhaust/intake or whatever it says (close to that)... once in the forum look towards the upper right of your screen there is a search feature - that's where you enter Cats or HFC... it will provide all the posts regarding your question.

 

The basic answer is yes they help a little. Most of them can pass smog tests. They will make your car louder.

 

The major down side is they are cheaply made and don't last as long as oem quality because the catalyst plating is thinner and the reduction area is smaller due to the larger holes in comb.

Oem must last 80k [Federal requirements] whereas most aftermarket are 12k warranty.

Be sure to save your old ones to reinstall when you sell or fail emissions.

 

Or just get test pipes and register your car somewhere they don'e do emissions testing.

 

thanks!!!! i guess i'll just have to check with a few suppliers regarding sound, emissions, and LAWS! i read somewhere that you're not aloud to change it unless there's a problem and you have to have it documented. anybody else hear that? is it even worth it - HP and tq wise?

 

There are speed limit laws, there are decibel laws, there are emissions laws, etc... I am not condoning breaking the law - but if you want to stay "legal" then no, do not get after-market cats... because yes, technically it is illegal.

Will it be an issue, that's a whole other topic. Personally I will probably get HFC and keep the OEM - when it comes time to smog I will swap if needed.

 

i don't understand why they don't make the aftermarket hfcs look like OEM. how hard can it be to find similar shielding?