sirux

Going to get a new header and take off my cat converter,
Is that bad for the engine?

D.T.P

not having a catalytic converter is illeagal. also you will not pass e-test.
i have a "fake" cat since i blew one and never got around to fixing it. the sound of your exhaust changes and gets really annoying.

Trybal

^^^ ditto

It's all good for track days, but not on the street.

MPR

Keep the cat, you'll need it to pass e-test. Just get a high flow cat, they don't restrict the flow very much and it will be a little louder.

k_r_a_c_k_e_r

iTrader: (3)

Its illegal like the others have said..

and I think if you get caught without one they'll pull your car off the road.. (is this true??.. anyone?)

Trybal

I've heard of that. That or they make have the car inspected right away.

D.T.P

they should do it, but they dont...ive been driving with a fake cat no problems. but would not recommend. every time i pass by a cop, ill let of gas and go into neutral not to attract attention lol. little paranoid. this is getting fix soon anyways.

sirux

I only have to go for a e-test in 2 years from now so I'm just thinking of putting a straight pipe something that'll be easily interchangeable when I have to go for a e-test..
will it cost more on fuel and whats the performance benefits ?

I doubt a cop will look under your car and see if you have a cat... and it won't be super loud cuz I have a apexi ws2

k_r_a_c_k_e_r

iTrader: (3)

this thread is a fail..

seems everyone lately asks for advice, but wont take it when they get it?.. anyone else notice this?

sirux

Well you guys say its illegal and I need to have it for a e-test, those both don't apply to me (or it don't matter to me) so I'm just wondering generally would a straight pipe make a positive difference.

Trybal

Seen...lol

Do it once, do it right. When i get my headers and high flow cat (already have an Apexi WS catback), I'm going to get a test pipe (no cat) for the TRACK ONLY.

If you run around without a cat and you get in **** for it. Don't come back here complaining about tickets and fines.

Trybal

Of course you'll have some gains, just like going from OEM to high flow.

sirux

How would anyone know is the question.. lol

MPR

Police do random vehicle checks. Not saying they will pick you but if they do, and they can smell your car, they will look under and check for a cat.

It's better just to have one anyways. The difference between high flow cat and no cat isn't much and you wouldn't feel the difference with a d-series either.

It's up to you in the end if you want to risk it.

I'm building a full custom 2.5" exhaust for my car and I'm putting on a high flow cat. Firstly it's gonna be LOUD and I want the cops to see a cat under there if they stop me so they can't give me a ticket for improper exhaust. Secondly, when time comes to do an e-test, I don't want to have to worry about getting a cat and installing it just for the test, then pulling off again after.

To me, it's not worth the 2hp gain nor the ticket from the cops. (will be gaining a lot more from upgrading to jdm itr ported header and full 2.5" exhaust anyways).

FiveO

You haven't been around much, have you?

The cops regularly conduct random roadside inspections throughout the spring/summer/fall season where they stop cars driving by off the road and direct them into mobile vehicle inspection stations set up in parking lots throughout the city.

At those mobile inspection stations they will have MTO and MOE staff to inspect your car's mechanical safety systems and pollution control systems. If you are found without a cat, they will pull your plates on the spot and they can impound the car. On top of potential towing and impound charges, the minimum fine for no cat is around $400.

Besides the mobile inspection stations, the MOE also operates "sniffer" trucks. They park these vans beside a road and "sniff" the exhaust of passing vehicles. In Mississauga a couple of years ago, I saw one of these setups complete with a chase car that periodically go after any vehicle that "smelled" bad.

Besides the above, if you're driving without a cat, your car is going to be louder than usual and this is what is likely to get you caught the fastest. All it takes is one cop to question the legality of your exhaust, maybe take a look, and you're looking at getting caught that way as well.

If you're smart, you'll go out and install a cat. There are all sorts of universal-fit cats out there that don't cost much.

If you're stupid, you'll think that you can do without.

D.T.P

^^ yup
plus there is a difference between having a loud exhaust which is functioning properly
AND
loud because of no cat. you get this annoying high pitch sound which gets sooo annoying.
before i blew my cat it sounded nice. deep and not too loud, now its too loud in higher rpm because of the high pitch sound.
also a cop just needs a metal wrench and bang it on your cat. real cat will sound different. empty pipe sound vs filled pipe...
imho not worth it.

EDIT: Not to be an *** or anything just my opinion/advice

fingolfin

100% true...
and expect 0 sympathy from the cop

fingolfin

a cop went on his knee's to check the piping on my old M3 to confirm there was a cat.

sirux

I had no clue of the severity of having a cat converter.
I'm actually from New-Brunswick and we don't even have 'e-tests' over there.
You guys convinced me that I should keep it on.

Five0 thats nuts tho.. I didn't know cops had such a setup to catch people.

FiveO

The courts are full of people who had no idea...