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YOUR RESEARCHCatalytic converter replacement options
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converter
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Reported cause
My 02 Boxster had a buzz and while I hoped it was just a heat shield it proved to be a converter.
Leading evidence: 'converter' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'converter' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check ebay and found this one' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Fernando, the FS cats are a good product as long as they are fitted correctly and do no leak.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
In the end is it not better to purchase a product that will last as long as the unit installed on the car from the factory.
Install speedtech 200 cell x-pipe earlier this week
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I just installed SpeedTech 200 cell x-pipe earlier this week.
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Suspected cause
BTW, while the counter person at the salvage yard wouldn't give me a warranty on the things he did indicate that if the converters proved to be just bad from the outset he'd take them back for store credit.
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Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Outcome without a verified action link
In my old VW enthusiast days I took my GTi to a muffler fabricator and had them create a cat-back exhaust system for me and it worked out perfectly.
My cats are clogged and based on my understanding here are my options:
1. Stock cats that cost about $4k to purchase
2. Used cats, not sure what the price is but I'd have to purchase them from an individual and who knows if they will remain functional for a decent amount of time
3. Fabspeed 200 cell cats that goes for about $1800 but I've heard mixed reviews on them
4. FVD 200 cell cats that cost around $2200 but I've not heard as much about them
What would you all recommend? I don't have any issues with exhaust noise and I do track the car occasionally but really I just want something reliable but of course want to get the best deal for my money.
Check out other brands also. I mean, how much different can 200 cell cats be from one company to another. Yes, there are different quality cats but they all advertise they use high quality cats and you really can't verify them. There's others such as maxspeedmotorsports, speedtech, ztek etc also.
Option 3 with reservations as I have also heard about fitment issues.
Option 4 a bit pricey but it seems everyone is really happy who has them.
Option 3 & 4 both use the same cats.
But you can get new OEM factory cats from Sonnen Porsche for $1230.00 each ($2500 total for both shipped).
http://www.porscheoemparts.com/shopp...6searchtext%3D
I'll give them a call and get a baseline so I can figure out exactly where I stand on total price.
I just checked Ebay and found this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZTek-Porsche...9f90c2&vxp=mtr
I also found this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-911-...item4843c1723e
Both are quite a bit cheaper but I just don't know much about them so was concerned about long-term reliability/quality.
I would reconsider stock but it seems people keep having to replace these things more often than what I would consider to be normal. I only track my car 4-5 times per year and participate in autocrossing so if that negatively affects the stock cats I'd rather go with aftermarket.
Speaking of which, is anyone aware of any aftermarket cat failures? Or have all failures just happened to the stock systems?
I agree it is nuts to pay that much when I can get the converter itself for $200 each. I just feel like these hacked systems might not have the right flow and could put me back in a spot where I'd have to eventually shell out the $2k to get the car running right.
In my old VW enthusiast days I took my GTi to a muffler fabricator and had them create a cat-back exhaust system for me and it worked out perfectly. But there are more bends and less space in the 911 so I'm not sure who to trust.
Fernando, Have you made a purchase decision on your cats? I am in a similar situation with one of my cats on the way out, based on the rattle and the occasional CEL.
Any additional feedback is appreciated as I will be purchasing a replacement(s) soon.
To follow up on an above post, Is anyone aware of failures to aftermarket 200 cell cats?
Thanks,
Jeff
I ordered the Fabspeed cats. I know I'm taking a gamble but it appears that for those who did have a good experience with them they end up being pretty satisfied.
I hadn't reported back yet because they are out of stock so it's in the process of being fabricated and I should hopefully have them next week.
FVD does have some in stock but they are roughly $700 more for what appears to be a very similar design. So I took the chance with this one instead.
I'll let everyone know what I think of them after I (hopefully) install them next weekend.
If your cats are toast, purchase some decent quality aftermarket high-flow cats (I like Magnaflow) and take the factory cats to a reputable fab shop and have them cut out the factory cats and replace them with the Magnaflows. It should cost under $500.
Fernando, the FS cats are a good product as long as they are fitted correctly and do no leak. Make sure they are clamped well. You will love sound they make. Do you have PSE or aftermarket exhaust?
Will do! Fabspeed called me today and said they'll try to have it shipped by mid-next week.
I considered that but then I'd have to find a competent shop (which isn't probably too difficult to do) to try to put the pieces together. Plus I figured now is a good opportunity to upgrade from stock and really liked the premise behind the "x-pipe" configuration.
I spoke with them about fitment while ordering and was assured it would plug right in...So I'm crossing my fingers that this is the case.
I currently have PSE on my car but it was installed by the PO and doesn't have the switch enabled so it is always "loud" which is exactly my liking.
Looking forward to how this might enhance the exhaust sound even further!
Just throwing out another option, AWE makes cats for the 996. I've had a set for a few years and have no compaints, a little louder but sounds good. Price is $1,845. By the way they fit a 3.4 just fine, that's what I have.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/products/p...96exhaust.html
2002 911 carrera - needs new Cats alas - DEC reasobaly priced, if there is such a thing as reasonable?
Any comments, suggestions, reviews appreciated
Thanks
Replaced both converters on my 02 Boxster using ones bought from a salvage business. $450/each vs. the over double that price (each) from the dealer. (I had the tech replace the converters when I had the car in for something else.)
I gave both converters a good shaking to ensure there were no rattles, which if there is is probably due to a loose "brick", which means the converter is no good. This was the problem with one of my car's converters.
BTW, I owe someone here an apology.
When I posted on this subject months ago someone said it was not legal -- I forget the exact words but these are close enough -- for the business to sell me used converters.
Without even bothering to research this I responded this was -- not the exact words but close enough -- nonsense.
Well, let me open my mouth and remove my foot or maybe a better analogy would be to remove my head from you can imagine where.
A while after posting my response I came across info which indicated the poster was right and I was wrong. Just searched for the info but can't find it but I recall it confirmed the other guy was right and I was wrong.
Anyhow, the used converters appear to be working just fine. They are quiet, which is always a good sign, and the CEL has not come on once for any converter problems. (There was a CEL event, actually two events, but the codes do not in any way suggest the converters are at fault. I think coils are due -- they have 286K miles on them -- and possibly some O2 sensors, or perhaps a MAF. I am not sure, I'm taking a wait and see attitude on this.)
Added:
Wrong and ignore:
So my advice would be to consider used converters. BTW, while the counter person at the salvage yard wouldn't give me a warranty on the things he did indicate that if the converters proved to be just bad from the outset he'd take them back for store credit.
Even though I admitted I was wrong and there a prohibition against fitting used converters, and I found the details I didn't read them very thoroughly and believed there was a loophole, that is a legitimate way to use used converters. Something about be certified as performing ok.
However, this loophole was closed circa July 10, 2008.
So I retract my advice to buy/fit used converters.
It looks like the choices are new OE converters or possibly some aftermarket but CARB approved converters.
I still have the Fabspeed X-pipe which sounds great and has survived a few track events. I recommend as long as you are okay with how it changes the exhaust sound. Some might think it's a bit loud but I like it.
I have fabspeed x pipe cats
Agree that they are a bit loud but so far they have been great
On car for about a year
They are German made HJS I think so no quality issues
It is illegal in California for a business to sell used cats. No ifs, ands, or buts. Even though a used cat might have years of use left in it and decrease your emissions.
If you have an OBD-1 car (like my daughter's BMW), and you need a replacement cat, you can't buy the OBD-1 cat for $200 that the residents of the other 49 states can purchase. You need one of the OBD-2 cats, which go for $500.
The emissions rulings the state comes up with drive me around the bend. If a car passes smog inspection, and that's the goal, why does the state care how you got there?
I just installed SpeedTech 200 cell x-pipe earlier this week. I also already had a Fabspeed MaxFlow exhaust and Fabspeed CF Competition Intake. The x-pipe cats have definitely changed the sound. It is actually a little bit quieter when cruising and a bit more exotic sounding above 4K. I haven't turned on my stereo since installed. It also seems to have added a bit more grunt and improved fuel economy, which is surprising, because I can not keep my foot out of it now.
Great info and options here, thanks!
Don't want to hijack, but my car has 120k and I don't have good records. Runs fine/no CEL, but I do have a little rattle from cats or mufflers. Fister mod is on my short list, but how will I know when the cats are done?
Unfortunately you are right.
Question: Are certified used OE converters rebuilt with new or refurbished parts?
Answer: No, used OE converters are simply tested for their remaining level of performance. Those that pass testing conducted by an ARB authorized business may be currently offered for resale in California. Cosmetic refurbishing, such as polishing of the converter�s shell, or replacement of end pipes or flanges is legal. As discussed above, the legal sale or installation of used catalytic converters will end July 10, 2008.
Here's the link:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermktcat/amcatq&a.pdf
I was remiss in recommending the OP buy/fit used converters.
While it is sad that a Quality used cat can save you a small fortune and still not be legal.
In the end is it not better to purchase a product that will last as long as the unit installed on the car from the factory.
I strongly recommend the Speed Venture X-pipe and high flow cats. I have had mine for a little over two years and no issues. I have passed smog here in California twice without problems. Of course, you have to watch out for the visual check in which case, none of these aftermarket systems will pass
Check with Speed Venture and talk with John D II and ask about the RL discount
Good luck
Actually, I found a number of converters certified for use with your car.
If you want to do your own search, here's the web site.
https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/PartsSearchTo...ol.aspx#header
Aside from the rattle mine got so clogged I couldn't rev past 4k RPM. I would get a CEL each time I tried.
Another thing I noticed when I switched over (and this could just be because again mine were clogged) was that it takes a little higher RPM to launch the car. So it almost feels as if the car lost a touch of low end torque when I upgraded. But it does feel more powerful at higher RPMs than before. Just an observation though, don't have any before and after numbers to back it up.
The noise may not be from the converters. It can be from the heat shields or something else "back there".
If there hasn't been a CEL with a converter error code (P0420, P0430 to list 2) I'd hazard a guess -- no bet though! -- the noise is *not* from the converters.
My 02 Boxster had a buzz and while I hoped it was just a heat shield it proved to be a converter.
However, I hoped against the odds as my car's converter, the loose one, every once in a great while would trigger a P0430. What would happen is the loose brick - the source of the noise -- would shift out of position slightly and this would affect the exhaust flow through the brick and the CEL would come on and I'd pull the P0430 error code.
As long as the engine runs ok, as long as the CEL stays dark (and if it does come on offers up an error code that points to a bad converter) you might just take a wait and see attitude. I drove my Boxster with the converter problem quite a few years, but the car always managed to pass emissions testing, though this last time took some extra effort.
Has anybody on here done this? I have a 2007 base Cayman with bad CATs and was considering buying high flow Magnaflow CATs and having them wielded in. Does anyone know the dimensions of the stock CATs at the fattest point? The exhaust pipe is 2.25", right? Do the CATs have to have 2.25 inlet and outlets or 2.5 to fit over the exhaust pipe? Sorry for the dumb questions. The oxy sensors are mounted before and after the CATs so they should still be in place, right?
I have had resonators removed on an '03 VR6 Jetta and an '09 2.0T Jetta by the same local shop and they had to fabricate a bent pipe to replace the resonator on the 2.0T. I have been very pleased with their work on those two cars and would trust them to do the Cayman.
That being said, has anybody here in the 996 forum purchased aftermarket high-flow cats and taken the factory cats to a reputable fab shop and had them cut out the factory cats and replace them with the after market CATs?
I purchased CARB-legal cats by Magnaflow, direct bolt-on (no fab/weld/cut needed). Also had bungs for O2 sensors.
Look here to see if they have one for you Cayman:
https://www.magnaflow.com/catalytic-converters/
Best of luck
Thanks for the reply. Have you had them on for a while and no issues or CELs? They do have those Maganaflow bolt ons for the Cayman at about $400 a piece. Of course then I'd have to pay to have them installed too. I read a post from one guy that said it should only cost about $500 to have a couple hi flow CATs welded in place of the OEMs at an exhaust shop and thought that might be a good way to go since the CATs by themselves are less than $100.
Magnaflow requires installation by a shop to keep the warranty. My local indy charged $145 (passenger side) and $200 (driver side).
Bought the cats from HOTTEXHAUST.COM (free shipping, authorized dealer). Ask for a 10% discount coupon (saved over $200 for both). Best of luck.
I did some research on a mfg number I found on some cats offered by various companies and found the company that makes them.
go here:
http://www.discountconverter.com/
I know the name sounds shady, but I've used them on three different P- cars now and they are great.
Roughly $340.00 per side shipped.
Hi all. Started getting an engine light for the catalytic converter. My shop tried replacing one of the O2 sensors to see if it would go away but no luck. So it looks like I'm going to have to replace the converters which they're saying is going to be a couple grand.
I'm thinking of giving it a go myself if it's a bolt on solution.
Has anybody gone through the process of deciding between discountconverter.com and magnaflow.com? It seems like they're the best non OEM options. Would appreciate any thoughts on selection and/or replacing them myself.
Hey my thread came back from the dead!
My x-pipe is still going strong and makes a wonderful sound at high RPMs. Let me know if you have any questions on it. Here is a video I took when I first installed it to capture the sound:
You Tube
any chance you could please link me to the mini cats? Also which brand you referencing with the 200 cell cats?
whoa 25hp and 32lb torque bump. has anybody seen that kind of improvement on others?
also looking at your signature i feel like i have a lot to learn from what you've done!!!
Fabspeed might claim that but I don't really believe it. Maybe with some other mods but I mostly did this because I needed a new cat and because I figured it would sound great. Honestly I've had it so long now that I don't know if it improved performance or not. I didn't run any tests with before and after metrics so have no idea. Plus with 175k miles on it I'm not going to be dumping the clutch and doing 0-60 runs on it anytime soon!
I bought these... to add to the Agency Power headers and sport mufflers that came with my car.
https://www.topgear.co.uk/porsche-91...ll-sports-cats
Package was shipped from UK and they arrived in like 2 or 3 days. Under $900. No CELs and fantastic sound. Torque seems better than before... They have less restrictive 100 cell Cats as well, but no regrets on may part buying these. Very happy.
Good luck
