Guys, I have got a chance to look at the OEM CATs, to me it looks like melting? here is the photos of it. Technical guys, please help or should I upgrade to Sport CATs Image Unavailable, Please Login
Oh this doesn't look good at all. Which side of the cat represents this picture? Headers side or muffler side? I would really check the root cause of these impacts.
This is the muffler side, and something on the header side. I will get some pic as well later on. SfefVan, you think he CAT is actually starting to melt down, I show this pic to a ferrari mechanic, he told me that the CAT is OK. It is not cracked into pieces nor really melt like ice cream. The other side of the CAT looks completely normal.
Guys, here is another side of the CAT (header side) I think it's a bit more healthy. Image Unavailable, Please Login
My technical opinion is that the cats are fine. The catalyze process is a chemical change and needs several things: 1. Catalyzer (rare earth elements still in place and ready to do their job) 2. Adequate Flow (The factory cats are quite good and the image does not indicate any obstruction to flow. Even if those channels of the honeycomb were clogged, I would "guess" that there is plenty of flow left) 3. Heat (not an issue I am sure) So in summary, I would drive and be happy. If you start to get "Slow Down" warnings, then report back here and we can discuss further.
Thanks Pat for the other picture. The second picture clearly shows that something went through your cats as the 4 impact holes are located exactly in the same position as the other side of your cat. I'm not worried about the cat itself, the cat itself is fine, but I'm wondering what went through them. As I said, it would be still important to find the root cause and make sure that your exhaust headers are fine and not disintegrating.
Hi Pat, The cats look fine to me. I do not believe that those imperfections are impact locations. Rather, they appear to be where the "corners" of the cat material was folded. I think you should be fine. Jeff
I say they are fine. Have seen many that look like this. But the holes can be diffrent sizes. Here is one look you dont want to see... Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks guys, for your advices and comment, now I shall proceed with the re-installation, of the new FAB speed headers, with the OEM CATs. To Stef, my OEM headers might have problems, I noticed a lot of white insulations powder in the engine bay after a 2 hours drive. I will let you guys know how does it feel from sport CATs to aftermarket headers and OEM CATs.
The white powder is probably insulation material from the main muffler coming out of the seams which expand when heated - nothing to worry about. Cheers
I think there is tiny melt down ( let say 2 cells) in around folding areas. I do not get CEL and other funny things when these OEM CATs are on. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have the answer to my question, after putting back the very same CAT, car runs fine so far. Then the feed back, of what I have put on. 1. I installed a set of Sport-Cats, car was louder, more responsive. But I sometimes get the CEL. Worth doing it if you don't mind getting CEL. I had my dealer to look at the fault codes. They were p420 & p430 which says the CAT is doing it's job. 2, I installed set of sport headers, with OEM CATs. Result 5 times better than the previous set up. No wonder some of the F-chatters were so excited about their same upgrades. I don't intent to get figures from the dyno, but I just know by feeling the car is getting a lot more powerful. It actually can get my wheels spinned in the second gear with Pzero Corsa tires, In a perfect weather. This was not able to achieve in the stock nor previous set up. I actually feel I am driving a Scud or a 458. Fantastic result so far. Specially thanks to Stef, his ideas and inspires. Although my set up was not exactly same as yours.
What brand headers did you install? Did you have the ECU remapped? Did you change the air filter to BMC?
My pleasure Pat, you're always very welcome OBD P420 (bank 1) and P430 (bank 2) means that the values read by the upstream and downstream sensors are identical in closed loop which shouldn't be the case and will trigger a CEL. While the downstream sensor in closed loop should have a fairly steady value, the upstream sensor waveform should fluctuate. This means that the cat converter is not working as expected and according to the mapped values. I would still have a look into to this to make sure all is fine.
Pat one quick question please. Have you managed to eliminate the P0420 and P0430 error codes now that you are back with the OEM cats? Just trying to solve mine, as they are exactly the same. Thanks for your input. Harry
Hello I know some guys who take honeycomb, mesh, out of the catalyst, ok I know that ecology is not good, but how is it OK for a car or it is no problem at all. They done like straight pipes
Yes, eliminated those codes by change the whole set up. Now, I have aftermarket headers, OEM CAT, and OEM exhaust. No more CEL, and sound a lot better, performance also improved.
Don't really agree with you. Even with the Sport CAT, you will get CEL. If the honeycomb is disttoyed, I am almost sure the CEL will come. Good luck!
