NEED NEW CATS

You can either get some test pipes, or you can disconnect the cat sensors

 

Mark, you could try using Graeme at RPM in Glasgow for anywork, he's very good, and supports alot of race guys at knockhill. Not sure where your based.

He's mostly Porsche but has a few 355 customers.

0141-946-0666 mention that Paul Ingram gave you the number.

He had a 355 in recently with a new full exhaust system and it sounds awesome.

 

Your options:

1. Get new OEM cats (I know someone who paid £1,000 for them)

2. Find some used 355 cats

3. De-catt the car (this is the cheapest option... maybe £200??? Ask manu at Scuderia systems for price of tubi test pipes)

4. Get some hyper-flow cats (most expensive £1,235 plus import duty and vat, but better than OEM)

 

Are the CATS not guaranteed for a certain length of time i.e. 7 or 8 years?

 

No, they are normal wear & tear just like tyres etc...

 

Option 3 might not be an option. You'll need cats at MoT time - unless you have a very friendly Mot tester.

 

I know where you can get used cats for £200, I would knock the old material in the cats out and use them as 'test pipes', then just use the used cats for mot's

 

http://bmcatalysts.yourswap.com/searchmakemodel.php?tablechoice=petroltable&Manufacturer=FERRARI&Model=F355

Retail outlet for above cats http://www.autobits.co.uk/store/view_product.php?product=2853
(dont make ceramic anymore so only option is metal @£303)

Metal matrix monolith (runs cooler than standard ceramic) a few kilo lighter than standard so less stress on your headers, probably better flow but wouldnt guarentee it. 3yr warranty and £610 for a pair.

They come plated (nickel or chrome - not dull as photo's) welds look horrible but functional - 3 sensor holes with a bung to fit into 3rd hole if your car is 2.7, fit is not ideal on 5.2, there pipe thickness is slightly thicker than standard I think which makes the silencer end a squeeze.

Also, somewhere there are people who will fit a new monolith into your old casings - I have seen 355 cat cases that have been opened and welded closed again with new monolith.

Problem with standard 355 cats is they were designed for 1994 hence 12 year old technology, modern ones flow better, run cooler and are lighter. I believe Ferrari prices for OE range from £500 to £1000 each, depending on what faze the moon is in no doubt.

One thing you have to be careful of is precisely why your old ones went. If its wear then OK but if you have an over-fuelling issue the new cats will be toast within a few mins of running and that won't be covered by warranty.

Just looked, Eurospares list price for OE as £565 each but special order only so price could change.

Finally, prepare yourself for the cost of replacement sensors, its not unusual for your current sensors (6 of them in 5.2) to have become a permanent part of your cat casings (heat weld)...the cost of these can mount up at Ferrari prices. If going down the test-pipe option the best thing as mentioned above is to carefully remove the collapsed monolith then you can still use your old sensors. When I fitted pipes to mine (£180) I didnt do this (1 cat was OK) and ended up spending £200 on a couple of sensors.

Also, I beleive a 5.2 car can JUST scrape an MOT without Cats - they are marginal apparently. There is also a trick to lower your emissions just before the test, cant remember exactly what but if you search Fchat you should find it.

 

Hi Mark, no probs at all with My car it should be into Carlos for a service either this weekend or next, man You certainly have not had your problems to seek on that car, why not give Carlo a call and see what he says?