I see alot of ppl using HFCs or test pipes with forced induction setup. Is it worth getting HFCs over sticking with stock cats for a N/A VQ? I have full borla catback wit stock cats already. I wuz planning on going with Fast intention HFCs but I'm leery of it being a waste of money, performance wise. Basically am I even going to be able to tell a difference if i change them? Is there any downfalls? Should i simply stick with stock cats? I'm not looking for cheaper HFCs, I just want to know if the stock cats are worth replacing period.
Thanks

 

Depends on what you think is a waste in the hp/$ equation. I personally hate the fuel vapor odor, but I run test pipes because even custom 200 cell metal cats with 3.5" in/out cut my whp by 50-60. The FastIntentions 300 cell metal cats were worse, as expected. Thinking about going another round with 100 cell this time...

 

the cats are a bottle neck and heavy as ****

 

To an extent all bolt-on mods for this car are kind of waste when it comes to hp/$ ratio, and HFC's are no exception. But the more bolt-ons you get, the more they start working together to give better returns, especially with a good tune. When all the money is spent though, only you can say if it's worth the return.

I did it once with my last G which got totaled. I got another G and this time I'm going pretty much for looks and sound because I personally didn't find the performance return worth it.

Do a search and you'll find a ton of information on different HFC's and what gains you can expect. My350z is also a great resource, better than here in many ways, when it comes to performance for these cars.

 

Whycum, old cars that didn't have cats didn't stink like new cars do now without cats? Is it the fuel?

 

^ cause Detroit's **** don't stink

 

"There's no substitute for cubic inches"

 

Yup HFCs are worth it.

That's what she said!!!! LOL sorry couldn't help it. Haven't said that in a while

 

JR why is your avatar a pic of your dog's *****?

 

LOL why are you looking at my dog's *****

Thats how he sleeps. And if he isn't showing them off he is licking them

 

i noticed a difference right away with mine and i have a realitivly stock exhaust setup. little deeper sound and definately frees it up in the upper rpm range.

 

I noticed a pretty good difference with my cats. I think they were worth it.

If i did it again, I'd do performance in this order

#1) plenum spacer
#2) HFC
#3) machined lower plenum
#4) cat-back exhaust

 

It depends on what "worth it" means to you. There's no way I'd go out and buy a new set of HFCs at around $500. But oftentimes you'll come across a set for sale in the marketplace with a few thousand miles on them that go for $200 or so. Then IMO it's worth it.

 

im just about there, except i did the non-revup lower mainly cuz its a ton cheaper

 

HFC's are great if you have an aftermarket exhaust. However, i would not buy HFC's for more than $250. Anything mroe than that would be a waste imo. If you can find a set of HFC's for around $250 or less then go for it. I definitely felt more power after i had the aam hf'c installed. They also make your exhaust sound amazing!