Apart from the increase in bhp (up to 20bhp?) are there any other advantages to de-catting a 348? I've been told that it prevents a lot of problems such as with manifolds etc.
You can replace the stock cats with high-flow cats and get nearly the same performance of a catless system, but still meet emissions. Our local 348 Fchatter (Spider348) did this to his this spring and it sounds great as well as passes emissions. Birdman
Sure. You get that "lovely" smell of unburned gasoline permeating through your entire neighborhood as if you were driving a 1960's era mass-polluting smogger. Grin! F348 cats are ceramic (87% flow); run *extremely* hot...so going to modern metal cats reduces the heat under your hood, as would forgoing cats altogether if you want a track car. "Universal" high-flow metal cats (92% flow) cost a mere $110 each...cheaper than track/test pipes, so there are better alternatives to going catless (100% flow) available, and you don't have to pay $1,600 for direct fit Hyper-flow cats (95% flow) unless you want the very best.
How difficult is it to remove the cats and the muffler on the 348 and replace yourself with Hyperflows and a Tubi? I understand removal of the rear bumper is involved. What else is there that can make the job difficult?
No rear bumper removal involved at all. Here's the thread to my cat/muffler replacement. Nothing really difficult, just be gentle with your oxygen sensors. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39631
cats and muffler removal is a VERY straightforward job...I would suggest loosening up the rear bumper (your talking about 4 bolts) so that the muffler will slide out a little easier. The only other thing you need to do is remove the airbox and the heat shields....thats it! Its very very easy...just get some penetrator to get those cat bolts off...
no...I meant that post I just did above. I've reposted it here. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66784
Take the cats off and run the race pipes. I was scared of the smell and this and that. Car does not smell, I fire it up in my garage and no problems. Now just add a tubi and LOOK OUT! No doubt the car runs cooler also.
I just installed the Hyper-flow cats in my 348 Spider. It took me about four hours. The lower cat bolts are tricky if you don't have a lift. Everything bolted up just fine. No need to take off or loosen the bumper. The air box must come off and I took down the muffler. (I felt it made it easier for me). I also changed to a K & N air filter at the same time I did the cats. I didn't hear much of a change in the tone of the exhaust but I did feel a difference in power. It feels as if it revs up to the redline faster. So far, I have only taken her for a 2mi test run since the new cats and air filter were done. I'll let you know how it goes when I really get some time behind the wheel. It's also exhilarating to get rubber in 2nd and 3rd gear. Daniel from Ricambi America was the best. Very helpful and informative. He stated that if I needed to call him if I had any questions or help with the install that he would have his cell phone on. (This is on a Saturday). I highly recommend him. Thanks again Daniel.
I bought a couple of universal high flow cats for my old 928 from these guys (and they delivered in 2 days instead of the 1 week promised): http://a-1performance.com
