New converters for a 348, worth it? | FerrariChat
Buy

New converters for a 348, worth it?

Discussion in '348/355' started by Mera, Jan 20, 2007.

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

  1. Mera

    Mera Formula Junior

    Aug 13, 2005
    768
    Milwaukee, WI
    Full Name:
    Rodney Dickman
    #1 Mera, Jan 20, 2007
    I'm new to the 348's. On my 1990 with 17,000 miles I am wondering if it would be worth changing to the aftermarket high flow catalytic converters. I am hesitant to buy a new exhaust. I may in time. We'll see. I read somewhere that the original converters are somewhat restrictive. If they are and I change them I may gain some horse power and also maybe my exhaust note will sound better? What aftermarket converters are available and how hard is it to change them? Has anyone changed their converters but left in the factory exhaust? If so how did the exhaust note change? Another option is to change the exhaust and leave in the stock converters. What is the better choice? I don't want it too loud.

    Rodney Dickman
    1990 348 TS
     
  2. tclark

    tclark Formula Junior

    Jun 4, 2004
    604
    Mechanicsburg, PA
    Full Name:
    Tom Clark
    #2 tclark, Jan 20, 2007
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67084
    Hyperflow cats from Daniel (Ricambi) with stock exhaust. I can't really say that there is any noticeable HP gain, but the sound is a little nicer. My main reason for switching was the recurring "slow down" light issue caused by the exhaust ecu's.
    If I could do it over again, I would buy the Hyperflow cat/X-ost package from Daniel that he has a special on right now.
     
  3. jmiff348

    jmiff348 Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 30, 2006
    2,369
    Texas, USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrett
    #3 jmiff348, Jan 20, 2007
    Rodney, my 348 is running a Tubi exhaust with stock cats. From what I've read/heard on a few other threads, the Tubi is a bit "throatier" than the X-Ost set up, which BTW is super cheap right now at ricambi! Someone circulated a video a couple weeks back with this setup and it sounded incredible. You might also try running a search on all forums for "348 exhaust" and see what you come up with. Personally, I like the sound and the performance of mine as is, but I also wouldn't mind having more of either one! So as soon as the budget will allow (the 30K service being first on the list), I plan to replace the stock cats with Hyperflows. Hope this helps.
     
  4. Mera

    Mera Formula Junior

    Aug 13, 2005
    768
    Milwaukee, WI
    Full Name:
    Rodney Dickman
    #4 Mera, Jan 20, 2007
    Can the muffler be changed in a 348 without removing the engine?

    I'm concerned about the sound level. I had the impression that the X-Ost was louder than the Tubi. If that is not true I would prefer the X-Ost over the Tubi. I don't want to be too loud. How about using the X-Ost muffler with the stock cats. Are the hyperflows noticeably better? louder?
     
  5. jmiff348

    jmiff348 Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 30, 2006
    2,369
    Texas, USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrett
    #5 jmiff348, Jan 20, 2007
    http://www.the348.com/

    The 348 site has some very detailed step by step instructions with photos that can help you with the exhaust removal/replacement (check the timing belt section). "PAP 348" also posted an array of sound bites (see link to thread below) comparing stock exhaust, x-ost, etc. I believe PAP's car is running stock cats. This may give you some idea of what you are getting into in terms of sound levels. As a suggestion, you might try running some searches to get answers to questions like this. It could save you sometimes days of wait time gathering responses. :)

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=132911
     
  6. Lagerlout

    Lagerlout Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2006
    468
    West Sussex, UK
    Full Name:
    Mr. LL
    #6 Lagerlout, Jan 22, 2007
    X-Ost de-cat is definitely louder at idle and low rev range than a Tubi-decat.

    Take a look on Club Scuderia . co . uk for some vids in the ************ section.

    X-Ost's we have in the UK seem to have some fitting problems on the LHS exit, they touch the bumper. Apart from that they do sound nice and evil. Tubi more F1/shriek.

    As for cats only. Forget it, I have some X-Ost cats on mine, and the only difference is the engine temps, which has got to be good for HP yes (and not catching fire!), but sound, no, no difference, or if there is it's so subtle can't hear it.

    I liked the X-Ost sound a lot, sounds fantastic underway.

    Daniel - any comment on the fitment issues? I know you're not the UK supplier but was suprising to see it. This was on 2 cars.
     

Share This Page