Did somebody have any problems after replacing cats by testpipes ? Any problems with Lambda sensors or with termocouple ? Any slow down lights or check your engine lights on ? I plan to replace cats with test pipes this winter and to replace muffler ... So what are the problems i could expect ?
I bought my Mondial T a few years ago with test pipes installed which the previous owner had had built. Still have the original cats, which I've never reinstalled. No issues with ECU or running status. Besides you can expect modest HP gain in the order or 4 to 6 horsepower, and a much more agressive (or Ferrari-like, if you prefer) exhaust note - and less heat build-up around the transmission/clutch housing. So take off, I say!
Bob, I haven't had any major problems since I removed my cats. However, the removal of the cats will expose any problem you may be currently having with the thermocouples and/or oxygen sensors. Let me explain. The thermocouples are EXTREMELY delicate. Improper handling of them when doing the job or at any other time will cause them to break. As a result, you will have "Check Engine" lights on the dashboard. The same is true for the oxygen sensors--be very careful. Now it's possible that your thermocouples and/or oxygen (lambda) sensors at this moment may be on their way out. That is, they may be defective, but not causing any problems. As soon as the cats are taken off, you'll know whether these parts are defective because you'll see some kind of warning lights on the dashboard. I was lucky, but according to Manu at Scuderia Systems in the UK, a few 348s out of every 10 experience these problems when the cats are taken off. Take the chance and don't worry about it if you have these small problems after removing the cats. Just replace whatever sensors need replacement :_ As for "real" problems, removal of the cats won't cause any. It actually will make the car safer, for you won't have any chance of the cats and/or the car catching fire. Actually, now that I think of it, I am lying because my lambda sensor on cylinder bank 5-8 is going bad (I think). But this is 4 months after taking off the cats.
I know the O2 sensors are made by Bosch (and are therefore available and cheap to replace), but who makes the Temp Sensor and are they pricey?
