SDL and overheated cats/headers

That cat looks like a metallic core cat to me.

 

From what I've read, Ferrari did not start using them until the 99 model.

 

Difference:
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Thanks for that, John. That's very interesting.

 

Regarding cats, Hyperflows just barely fail on my 95 car in CA. Stock units pass with flying colors.

Good luck fixing the car.

 

Correct, but his could have been replaced in the past few years with the later version.

 

Go for the Fabspeed re-cores. Other aftermarket will only pass the visual inspection if they don't check so you are only buying another potential problem. Inspections in CA are only getting more strict. Mine look completely OEM, pass both visual and sniff test, have 200 cell metal cores and cost less than hyperflows by a few hundred bucks. Its a no lose choice for a CA car.

 

My non rattling OEM cat. 10/96 build date on the car.
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That's a very helpful image. Thanks for posting, Bob. It would appear Ketel's CATs have been changed at least once before.

 

Fabspeed called me back today ..recore runs about $2200. I hope they bring my exhaust back to sounding like it did..

 

Where is the Trojanfan's discount???

 

Holy YIKES Batman, I think that's close to double what he paid

That's a lot of coin. I have a couple sets of stock ones maybe I should start a re-core business, that's enough to get me out of retirement

 

I understand the "stock" look need for CA, but for that coin I'd go with Hyper flow

 

No can do in California. They ran out the existing companies.

You guys get Fabspeed caught doing this there will be a ****storm that will make some lawyers very happy.

 

Get a couple of hyper flows, cut open the OEM cats and weld the body of the hyper flows inside and zip it all up.

 

That shouldn't be right. They sell their own cats for $1,995 and I was told that they were going to charge about $300 less for the re-cores, which should be $1,695. That was the price that they informed me that they would be. Unless there has been a major jump in the core prices, I can't see why they would charge more for the re-cores than they do for the entire nice shiny cats. I'm going to PM Evan and Chris at FabSpeed to see what is up. Were you having anything else done like ceramic coating? I know that was going to be extra.

 

TrojanFan, when we originally did them for you, that was the very first time we had completed that procedure. It ended up being more complicated and taking much longer than we had expected.
With everything involved in cutting open the heat shield, and repairing the cat properly, it is a very labor intensive process. It is not a usual request, and not a simple one either (If you want it done right).

For pricing on repairing your OEM Catalytic Converters, or for pricing on our Aftermarket Sport Catalytic Converters, please PM me for details.

 

Some interesting reading on aftermarket cats. Did Fabspeed do this the right way? As Brian said it may be a slippery slope.

https://www.catalyticconvertersonline.com/x-federal-epa-aftermarket-catalytic-converter-fact-sheet-7

In general, what are the requirements for manufacturers?
Manufacturers of new converters are required to run two worst-case vehicles with their converters installed for 25,000 miles each and then conduct testing. The testing must show that the converters will meet certain performance levels for reduction of emissions. Re-manufacturers of used converters may only use OE converters and must test each converter on a bench test to show that it is still performing satisfactorily. Both new and used converter manufacturers must comply with certain record keeping and reporting requirements. They must also have a system to notify installers of the requirements and restrictions which apply. Manufacturers of new converters are also required to provide a warranty on the converter shell and end pipes for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, and for 25,000 miles on converter emission performance.

* (Vehicles with less age or mileage may be entitled to free repairs by the vehicle manufacturer under the emissions warranty if the original converter was defective.)

All converters are required to be labeled as previously outlined.

 

Are you hyper flows?

 

I don't know on the labeling but it seems pretty clear in there that recoring with something other than OEM is no good.

And it also stipulates what the warranty will be on the aftermarket units as well. Great information to know no matter how you go.

 

Nick: Understood. Mine was a test case. If more work is involved, I think that we all can understand the price increase.

 

Yes, I thought this from the moment I first read about it a while back.

 

I the email I received today was a bit more than I was quoted it is $2495. Dave I have Flow thru cats now...I dont like the way it sounds. The best pitch I have heard from my car was stock cats with the Tubi exhaust.... I have a SS exhaust on the shelf not sure how that will sound. I may put it on and give it a try with the flow thru cats..

 

So, for all you keeping track at home, I pulled the Bank 2 plugs today and they appeared normal for plugs that I just replaced 4 months ago. Not apparent fouling or excess carbon buildup or oily residue.

Now onto the next item in my process of elimination. Possibly the injectors.

ketel
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So for all of you keeping track at home, I pulled the Bank 1 cat today and it was normal. From the PO's service records, it appeared both cats were replaced with new OEM units in 2007. This looks like a 7 year old cat. You can still see the honeycombs inside although they are now a caramel color as is the canister.

So, from our process of elimination what we know now is:

1. The Bank 2 cat got fried.
2. The Bank 2 plugs all looked normal and consistent across all cylinders
3. The Bank 1 cat is fine.

Next step is to perform a compression test. I am also leaning towards going ahead and ordering a set of Hyperflow cats -- probably from EvoFlow -- since I need at least one new cat anyway and the cost of just one OEM Bank 2 cat would be more expensive than a pair of brand new aftermarket Hyperflows.

Input appreciated but let's keep it constructive, not snarky.

ketel