Catalytic Converters on a Euro Spec 308 | FerrariChat
Buy

Catalytic Converters on a Euro Spec 308

Discussion in '308/328' started by 1960Italia, Dec 4, 2022.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. 1960Italia

    1960Italia Rookie

    Dec 4, 2022
    5
    Full Name:
    LeRoy
    #1 1960Italia, Dec 4, 2022
    I'm hoping someone might be able to help with a question I have regarding catalytic converters in Euro spec 308's. My understanding is that US spec 308's added additional louvers over the engine to compensate for heat created by required catalytic converters. When catalytic converters are installed on Euro spec cars to meet State emission requirements, does the added heat become a problem, or even a fire risk, due to the lack of additional louvers over the engine bay? Thanks in advance for any input.
     
  2. ragtop1

    ragtop1 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2006
    5,224
    Ontario
    Full Name:
    Larry Warren
    #2 ragtop1, Dec 14, 2022
    I think the extra louvre in the US cars was installed due to the much higher summer temperatures. Europe is predominately cooler than US.
     
  3. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2014
    1,139
    Mansfield, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron
    #3 ferrariowner, Dec 14, 2022
    Issues caused by federalizing Euro cars is dependent on how good a job was done by the shop. A lot of the shops were real hacks back in the day. If they didn't add some type of lambda or fuel control (frequency valve) then your cat may run hotter than designed and cause overheating or even a fire. Otherwise, I don't think a properly tuned car will see any adverse effects. US cars had wrapped headers, retarded timing and other changes to assist the cat efficiency which contributed to under hood temps.
     
  4. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,603
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #4 Steve Magnusson, Dec 14, 2022
    +1 -- they also added much more insulation to the underside of the rear trunk area (above the exhaust system) and the vertical wall between the engine compartment and the rear trunk.
     

Share This Page