PDA

View Full Version : Emissions-legal catalytic converter upgrade



lifespeed
12-06-2017, 11:47 PM
Not sure how many will find this interesting, but there is plenty of evidence restriction after the exhaust manifold (pipes and cats) are a source of horsepower loss. Short of installing long-tube headers, the best you can do is open up the exhaust including the cats. We have 2" from the factory, although it does choke down to 1-3/4" after the rear cats. Even stock engines benefit from less restriction here. Although I can't find the article where somebody did a before/after dyno with exactly this experiment, it was worth about 20 HP on a bolt-on only engine. Modified would be worth more.

As more states adopt the restrictive CARB rules, knowing how to live within the rules without re-configuring your car every few years could be useful information.

If you look at the CARB catalytic converter database (https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/PartsSearchTool/CatalystSearchTool.aspx) you find a list of aftermarket converters that have been officially blessed by application. There are bolt-ons assembled with pipes, but what we want are larger cats with an EO number for our cars. Turns out AP emissions (http://www.apemissions.com/catalog_type/2catalytic-converters/) makes #761015 which is approved under CARB EO D-754-1 (https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/PartsSearchTool/ExecutiveOrderPDF.aspx?AEON=D-754-1). This is a 2" cat, and the same part number is approved for front and rear locations. However, they make the same part in 2-1/4" and 2-1/2" under the same EO number! these are part numbers 761016 and 761017 respectively. I need to confirm, but I believe the numbers stamped on these that are checked at inspection (if your cats have been replaced) are the EO numbers, not the manufacturer part number - the same for all sizes.

So buy some stainless mandrel U-bends from Burns stainless (press bends are verboten for horsepower), make sure you hire a skilled exhaust guy, and go to town!

justbob
12-07-2017, 06:06 AM
Good info. Now trying to find a skilled exhaust guy. Oh wait, that’s me.. [emoji6]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lowndex
12-07-2017, 09:29 AM
justbob,

Are you relocating to northern CA?

88LTDCV351
12-07-2017, 09:44 AM
These aren't high flow, right? Just allow for bigger pipes?

lifespeed
12-07-2017, 10:18 AM
These aren't high flow, right? Just allow for bigger pipes?

I didn't see flow rates published. CARB actually dictates mfg's can't advertise improved flow. Might have to call AP Emissions. That said, the before/after Dyno on the Marauder cat/pipe upgrade was done with stock Mustang cats, not "high flow" aftermarket. I think they may have been 2-1/4". It could be the pipe size of the cat is important. The cross-section of the catalyst is far larger than the pipe.

Lowndex
12-07-2017, 11:37 AM
BRG Racing highly recommends:
http://www.spdexhaust.com/
Ask for Chris!


*************************

Supposedly (no personal reference), high rated auto exhaust shops:

San Jose:
https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Exhaust+Shop&find_loc=San+Jose,+CA&start=0&sortby=rating

Hayward:
https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Muffler+Shop&find_loc=Hayward,+CA&start=0&sortby=rating

Sacramento:
https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Muffler+Shop&find_loc=Sacramento,+CA&start=0&sortby=rating