I’ve been diving deep into performance modifications for my car, particularly focusing on the impacts of using a high flow catalytic converter versus going catless altogether. Both options seem to have their merits, but I’d love to hear from others who have experience with either setup.
High Flow Cats
- Power Gains: Many claim that high flow cats can provide a decent power increase while still keeping the car street legal. How much of a difference should I expect compared to the stock setup?
- Sound Levels: Do high flow cats generally produce a more aggressive sound? What’s the noise level like compared to catless?
- Legal Concerns: In some areas, high flow cats are still permissible, while catless setups can lead to legal troubles. What’s been your experience?
Catless Setups
- Performance Improvements: From what I understand, removing the cat entirely can lead to better flow and potentially more horsepower. Has anyone measured their gains after going catless?
- Sound Quality: I’ve heard that going catless significantly impacts exhaust sound – is it all that people claim it is? Does it create any droning at highway speeds?
- Emissions and Legality: This is a huge consideration for me. How have others navigated the legal implications of going catless? Any tips?
Conclusion
I’m struggling to decide which route to take for my build and would appreciate any insights from those who have made either choice. What’s the real-world difference in performance, sound, and legality between high flow cats and catless setups? Any personal experiences or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!
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I’m all about high flow cats! They provide a nice performance boost while still keeping emissions in check. I noticed better throttle response and a slight increase in power after I switched mine out.
That sounds great, but what about the sound? I’ve heard catless setups give you a more aggressive tone, which some love.
Catless setups do sound awesome! The burbles and pops are intoxicating, but just remember those can attract unwanted attention. You might lose a bit of low-end torque though.
Interesting point! Does that mean high flow cats are better for daily drivers? I’m considering my long term needs here.
Absolutely! High flow cats typically provide a great balance of power and practicality. They enhance flow without compromising too much on emissions or sound. Perfect for a daily driver.
I’m leaning towards high flow cats as well. The performance gains seem solid and the legality is better too. Catless might be tempting, but I need to pass smog checks in my area.
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Speaking of legality, I’ve heard some pretty mixed opinions on catless setups. Some swear by the performance gains, while others have had trouble with law enforcement. Anyone faced issues with cat deletes?
I’ve had friends who got pulled over because of the noise. The performance might be fantastic, but the risk can be high depending on where you live.
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You have to factor in local laws. Personally, I’m all for high flow cats. They’re a safer long-term choice. Plus, I like my cars to sound great but without being obnoxious.
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Honestly, the choice boils down to what you use the car for. If it’s mostly for joyrides, go catless! But if it’s a daily, high flow cats do the trick without the potential headaches.
And let’s be real, if you do go catless, you might need a good tune to optimize performance. It’s not always plug-and-play with those setups.
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I’ve seen a few forums where people talked about that. Any recommendations on good tuners for catless setups?
This is such a great topic! When choosing between high flow cats and going catless, it’s crucial to consider local emissions regulations and legal implications. High flow cats generally comply better with the law while still providing performance benefits.
Definitely! I’ve seen people get hefty fines for removing cats altogether. It’s not worth risking your ride for a little more sound.
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It’s interesting to see how emissions regulations vary by state. Some places are really strict, while others might let you slide. Make sure you’re aware of your local laws!
Exactly! Even if you get a high flow cat, it’s always best to research how it might affect your emissions test.
I’ve been using a high flow cat on my car for over a year now, and I haven’t faced any issues with legality. Just make sure it’s from a reputable manufacturer!
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Totally! Even within the same state, counties can have different laws. Always check local regulations before making changes.
If you’re in an area with strict emissions, it might be safer to stick with a high flow cat. The slight performance difference might not be worth the risk of fines.