355 cats

My 1995 F355 has 7800 miles and it looks like the right cat just went bad. Loud clanking and rattling which is localized at the cat and tell-tale white residue at the tailpipe.
Looks like I will get Hyper Flows since my state does pollution tests and I see no downside to them, except cost, over test pipes.
It looks like a DIY job, but my question is, since I assume the ceramic crap is now in the muffler, that should be replaced too. That involves removing the bumper, airboxes, heat shields, etc. Looks like it can be done as a weekend project, I have a large heated garage and a zillion tools.
As far as I can tell, the manifolds are okay. I am thinking that replacing those, which is apparently inevitable, is a bigger job, and could be done in a year or 2 when it needs an engine out service. The last major was done by the previous owner January 2005 at 5400 miles.
Do any of you experts advise just doing it all now, or will the new cats and mufflers lower back pressure and heat enough to coax another 4-5K miles out of the original manifolds. Can the manifolds be replaced by a DIY'er with the engine in?
I think I will go with the Capristo's, but haven't ruled out X-Host, or Tubi to go with the Hyperflows.
Manifolds are between insulated Tubi's and NAPerformance. The NAP are lifetime guaranteed, I don't think the Tubi's are. The NAP are better looking, but I get differing opinions about Jet-Coat versus heat shields. The Tubi's are much more expensive.
Any and all comments appreciated!

 

I would just change the cats to hyperflows. As for your muffler any "ceramic" that may have gotten in there will find its way out as once that ceramic breaks down it turns to dust pretty quickly.

 

That sounds like the least painful option...just want to be not be penny-wise/pound foolish!!
Any idea if that can be done without removing the bumper and muffler?

 

Barry I wouldn't worry about removing the mufflers either. As Oz said,You would most likely just have some dust in there in a short while. It would be very easy to backflush the tail pipes/ mufflers after removing the cats with a leafblower just to be sure.



Darrell.

 

Barry - Just did my muffler. The cats can be removed w/o taking the bumper, etc off. If it was me I would do the cats and muffler all at once - which does mean removal of the bumper. My buddy Butch and I did my muffler in about 3 hours, not knowing what to expect.
Just doing the cats means getting the car UP in the air. Doing both can be done very easily with just a floor jack.
You will need some , other than basic tools to get it done. The mechanic at LFSC told me I had to remove the F1 pump, etc to do it. Well Butch has been a mechanic for a long time and found ways around the removal of the pump..I guess you don't have to worry about the pump..

 

I had my right cat go, dust in tailpipes etc had new cats, wiped the dust out of the end of the tailpipe and its not come back. I guess the tailpipe catches the powder as it exits and the flow of gases through the silencer keep it clear. Although I did have an aftermarket (loud) silencer.

I would change the cats, which as said can be done without too much hassle and then see what you think of the sound. Its not double the work to fit a new tailpipe later and then you can see how each item effects the sound of your car rather than doing it all in 1 hit.

 

Thanks,
That is what I thought about the logistics....can get to the cats easy if remove bumper/muffler. Probably need a lift to do cats by themselves. Debating whether to save $3000 and try it with hyperflows and the old mufflers, but your car and Cyndi's and almost all our friends have aftermarket mufflers.....they all sound so good!!!!! I think I have "Muffler Envy"!!!!!LOL
Have to figure out which I like best....Capristos or X host or Tubi or.....life can be so difficult!!!!

 

Easy choice - Call Daniel and have him send you the HyperFlows and a X-OST - Done deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure he will give you a decent price for buying all at once..
www.ricambiamerica.com

Daniel----are you listening, I am trying to make brownie points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

This is a dangerous road to go down. It is true that the ceramic substrate will break down over time, but the question is will it do it before it causes any damage? I have seen a piece of substrate get lodged in the main baffle of a muffler before that has caused enough backpressure to overheat the new cat and or the manifolds. Not worth the risk IMO. Besides, a 355 is one of the best sounds on this planet with a good aftermarket muffler. We have all heard this sound before, however I personally can't get enough of it.
Listen.

http://media.putfile.com/Ferrari-355-wTubi

 

Hi. I realize your original post was in 2005; however, thought I would respond just in case you were still in the market for an exhaust. I prefer the Capristo. My friends have it on their 355 and 360; and, in my opinion, they sound so much better than the Tubi; however, it's all about the sound you want -- if you want to amplify that F-1 sound that's innate in the 355 engine, then, to me, the Capristo sounds great.

You might also want to check out the Mille Miglia muffler; I have that one on my 328. On the 512TR, Tubis. I had Tubis on my 328, but I got rid of them for the Mille Miglia.

If you want to listen to some sound clips go to Nick's Forza Ferrari; I don't remember the URL, but if you go to my website, http://www.AlfonsoFaustino.com, scroll down toward the end of the page to Ferrari Enthusiast, I have a direct link to his URL.

Keep me posted and send sound clips once you get the muffler on. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Be safe.

 

Sounds very nice!!!!
My original idea was to replace the CATS and mufflers at the same time. I appreciate all the opinions on that. Since I have been tossing the idea of new mufflers for a while, the CAT problem just will make me make my decision sooner. Since I will be pulling the bumper and muffler anyways, makes the most sense to do both at the same time.

 

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7457929205294321094&hl=en


It only gets better with the HyperFlows!!!!
I have more of those if you really need convincing!!!!!!!!!!

 

Does sound nice!

 

"Anything" can happen but verifying/clearing the flow path of the muffler for "possible" blockages is not rocket science. It is far easier for me to recommend replacing the whole exhaust system just to be on the "safe" side.

1. You "never" know what condition the manifolds might be in, so change those too since they are "known" to go bad and cause expensive repairs. Price range $2k from QV to almost $4k for tubi.

2. Cats???? Go bad, same as #1. Price about $2k for hyperflow.

3. Muffler? It might have a lodged piece of catalyst? Instead of removing the possible blockage. Just buy another muffler! Price range $1k for used tubi to almost $4k for a Badass Capristo!!

If the owner wants a different sound great, though sometimes they just want to address what is wrong. I try not to spend other peoples money. If they have plenty to spend, I am certain they can do it without any help.

BTW here is a sound clip of mine with a "stock" muffler that was "verified" to have no blockages from the previous cats that went bad. Which have since been replaced with hyperflows!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6IULItYusQ

 

Well, I did it. Took out the old cats, the right one had big broken off pieces of ceramic loose inside. The left was fine. Decided to take off the bumper and muffler.....The old muffler still had chunks of ceramic rattling around in it, certainly NOT just powder.

Decided to go with Hyperflow cats and Capristo Level 1's. This was on the advise of Nick at Nicksforza, who spoke directly with A. Capristo. He confirmed that many spider owners were pleased with the level 1's. I didn't like the Bass resonance of the Tubi's and I think the XOST sound good, but too loud for a spider. The level 3 Capristos are just too loud, the level 2's probably would be ideal in a Berlinetta.

I did the work myself and and feel better connected to my car! It really is a one man job, and except for maybe a bit of help wiggling the bumper off and putting it back on, I'm not sure what a second person could have done to help.

Anyhow, I have driven it over 150 miles this weekend, and Cyndi drove it when I followed in her 360 for several miles.....The verdict is 2 thumbs up!!!!

When I started it the first time, it actually sounded pretty stock. After warmup, I went for a drive, and it sounded pretty mild for an aftermarket exhaust. Then I gave it some throttle after letting the rpms drop, and WOW!
When the bypass opens, the part of the muffler that the exhaust goes through must be straight through, because it then SCREAMS like an F1 car! It doesn't have to be at high rpm, I can get that sound whenever I choose with some throttle changes. The higher the rpm, of course, the louder, but no trouble cruising at a sound level not much louder than stock. I can't imagine wiring open the bypass all the time, it would be deafening!
Tunnels and even going under overpasses sound great. Too cold to put the convertible top down.

I definitely think I made the right choice. Want to thank Nick for good advise, a decent price, and prompt shipping. Also thanks to Chaa for great tips on his posts on FChat and Club Scuderia. He also has a spider with Capristo level 1's.

Too bad I had to cover the beautiful Capristo with the heat shields and bumper!

 

Great news!! I too like the sound of the capristo, I think the cost is well worth it. Congratulations!!

Now, since you have a bad stock muffler with cat chunks in it. How much $ would it take, to get it off your hands??

 

It only has 7999 miles on it, and I'm sure I can shake or blow out the chunks. I'm going to keep it for now in case I get tired of the loudness once the convertible top is down. It is winter here, just snowed 2 inches and is 20 degrees here today.

 

According to muffler man it may not be worth the "risk"..... So if you change your mind on the stocker or if/when you get tired of the capristo's loudness........ you know where to find me...

Anyway, congrats on the new exhaust!! Did you notice any "seat of the pants" power delta with the new exhaust setup??

 

Seems like quicker, smoother power, hard to tell without dyno proof, but I'm betting the Hyperflows are responsible.....although the mufflers may add an hp or 3. Was chasing Cyndi in her 360, no trouble keeping up at all. I drove both on the same day, hers has Capristo 3's, but stock cats, and I can't tell any hp difference in the 2 cars.

 

Wow, 360 performance?! That is great! I am considering the capristo myself, I like the workmanship/quality. The quieter the better on the low rpm's for me. Though when I get on the throttle I want it as loud as possible. According to your experience, those are the characteristics of the setup you have, right?

I currently have hyperflows and have been reluctant to go aftermarket muffler because some are too loud or kill the f-car sound. The reason I wanted your stock muffler is for dimension purposes. I wanted to make a race exhaust for my car and not have any downtime of removing my exhaust.

Post some pics of your setup!!

 

I haven't driven it with the top down yet, but with the windows open (it's too cold here)only. Seems very civilized until I want to unleash the famous Capristo scream. Level 1 is perfect since you are looking for the same sound that I was. You already have the Hyperflows, so you are almost there!

Mine is out of the car...what dimensions do you want? I can measure it for you....it is just sitting there being lonely.

Pictures coming......

 

photos
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more.

All that polished stainless disappears under the heatshields and airboxes!!!!
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But YOU know its there, and so does everyone else when the pedal goes to the metal, nice pics - better get saving