Kill my Cats?!!!

[Red]

So I was told that I should replace my cats with test pipes and that I will get more power, better sound, and more fun out of my 2003 otherwise stock car.

I am concerned about computer issues, O2 sensors, and engine issues that are rumoured to happen to "mortal" cars if you do this - is the NSX just that different?

Should I do it?
Should I worry?
Are there any downsides?
Am I asking too many questions? :biggrin:

 

[ncdogdoc]

The only thing you will get with replacement pipes is a louder exhaust sound and check engine lights that will screw up your emissions sticker testing if you have to do that sort of thing. In the later model cars, it does little to nothing to the horsepower. It does drop 40-50# of weight in the rear. Not worth it unless you are going for a track primary vehicle and trying to get it as light as possible. JMHO.

 

[D'Ecosse]

The OBDII sytem requires the post Cat O2 sensors (there are 4 sensors in total; one pre & post on each bank) - ECM won't work properly without the cats in place.

Besides it will stink ............. <!--StartFragment -->

 

[CK_SB]

If you want to avoid cats and you need an O2 sensor signal you can always build a circuit like I did for my track car. I use 2, GM, O2 sensor simulators and 2 small ballast resistors to act as the resistance that the ECU is looking to see to verify the O2 Sensor's heaters are working. No check engine lights and no problems. Just a thought if you really want to shed the cats on the street.

Best Regards,

Chris

 

[NetViper]

Running without cats is LOUD as hell and smells like crap. Maybe try some hi-flow cats, however, as previously stated, there are little to no power-gains. Why bother?

 

[rbirling]

Running without cats is LOUD as hell and smells like crap. Maybe try some hi-flow cats, however, as previously stated, there are little to no power-gains. Why bother?

I have to disagree with this. We saw a 5 hp gain on the dyno with before/after runs putting Random Tech high flow cats on my car. This was the only change before/after the dyno. My car also has the Cantrell AIS, and Taitec GTLW. :smile:

 

[BioBanker]

isnt that illegal here in Ontario Stu? do we know what the penalties for getting caught without cats is? in some places they impound your car; dont know what they do here, but Id want to check that out first....

 

[TypeRTurbo]

isnt that illegal here in Ontario Stu? do we know what the penalties for getting caught without cats is? in some places they impound your car; dont know what they do here, but Id want to check that out first....

We (RPM NYC) are in the process of developing stainless steel high flow cat replacements that is street legal and pass the smog sniffer test. We'll keep you guys updated once we have the prototype done and ready for production (They will be listed on RavSpec's site). The catalytic converter we're using is the same one used in the British Touring cars, which are required to use catalytic converters on their racecars. Pics are on their way! :biggrin:

BTW, here in NYC, if you get caught without cats, the fine is immediate vehicle impound and if you're not prepared to pay out the a$$ in fines, your car gets sold on the auction block!

 

[Red]

We (RPM NYC) are in the process of developing stainless steel high flow cat replacements that is street legal and pass the smog sniffer test. We'll keep you guys updated once we have the prototype done and ready for production (They will be listed on RavSpec's site). The catalytic converter we're using is the same one used in the British Touring cars, which are required to use catalytic converters on their racecars. Pics are on their way! :biggrin:

BTW, here in NYC, if you get caught without cats, the fine is immediate vehicle impound and if you're not prepared to pay out the a$$ in fines, your car gets sold on the auction block!

My a$$ is too small for big fines, and to many other's points, I don't want the crappy smell.

I was hoping for a bit of extra noise while keeping my stock exhaust and boosting my power - seemed like the best of all worlds, but I couldn't understand how you won on all sides and nobody was doing it.

I await your new cats!