Pennock's Fiero Forum
  General Fiero Chat
  Cats

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Email This Page to Someone! | Printable Version


next newest topic | next oldest topic
Cats by 85fieroguy
Started on: 09-30-2019 10:08 PM
Replies: 18 (707 views)
Last post by: theogre on 10-24-2019 02:10 AM
85fieroguy
Member
Posts: 309
From: Chicago
Registered: Aug 2015


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-30-2019 10:08 PM Click Here to See the Profile for 85fieroguySend a Private Message to 85fieroguyEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Settle an argument between 2- 85 GT owners of V-6's One took off his cat converter and has no problems, the other says taking the cat converter off affects performance. Whats your opinion.
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
Patrick
Member
Posts: 36248
From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Registered: Apr 99


Feedback score: (1)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 458
Rate this member

Report this Post09-30-2019 10:13 PM Click Here to See the Profile for PatrickSend a Private Message to PatrickEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by 85fieroguy:

Whats your opinion.


Ask the person driving behind the catless Fiero what their opinion is.
IP: Logged
pmbrunelle
Member
Posts: 4373
From: Grand-Mère, Québec
Registered: Sep 2008


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 62
Rate this member

Report this Post09-30-2019 10:33 PM Click Here to See the Profile for pmbrunelleSend a Private Message to pmbrunelleEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
As a stock Fiero has no post-catalyst oxygen sensor, the presence or absence of a catalyst should not have much effect on engine operation. The ECM is not aware of the catalyst.

If the catalyst was in good shape, removing it will remove some restriction and free up some small amount of power.

If the catalyst was clogged, removing the catalyst can make the engine go from not running correctly whatsoever to running fine.
IP: Logged
wftb
Member
Posts: 3692
From: kincardine,ontario,canada
Registered: Jun 2005


Feedback score: (4)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-30-2019 10:35 PM Click Here to See the Profile for wftbSend a Private Message to wftbEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
if your cat is old and plugged up with 30 years of crap, taking it off will improve performance and help you fill the world with NOX and carcinogenic particulate. Replacing it with a new cat will improve performance an equal amount and improve the environment. Your choice.
IP: Logged
cvxjet
Member
Posts: 3625
From: ca, usa
Registered: May 2010


Feedback score: (1)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-30-2019 11:52 PM Click Here to See the Profile for cvxjetSend a Private Message to cvxjetEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
The new cats are a hexcel matrix that creates no real backpressure- so removing it only makes for more pollution...If the cat-less guy likes pollution, tell him to take up smoking 10 packs a day!

The older cats created some back pressure- which would appear to make removing it an improvement- But most computer-controlled engines are tuned/programmed to have some back pressure- so contrary to "Common knowledge", removing a cat could HURT performance!
IP: Logged
theogre
Member
Posts: 32180
From: USA
Registered: Mar 99


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 567
Rate this member

Report this Post10-01-2019 07:06 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
All monolithic cats have very little to no back pressure.
Fiero V6 has them but many are plugged or worse for engine burning oil and other problems.

Fiero L4 and others regardless engine displacement had (Some still have) "Pebble Bed" cats that does cause some back pressure because of cat design. Has several names over time but all are based on Pellets in them.
Years ago Pebble Bed units could be reloaded/rebuilt by installing new Cat Pellets thru a hole in case w/ a new plug in the hole after.

An old Pop Mech article cover old types.

Burning oil, run rich or lean, "burning" coolant, and other engine problems will plug or poison the cat.
Coolant leaks from intake manifold problems etc. are common cat killers.
Type of Engine Oil and Additives you might add to the sump matters too. Cats get poisoned w/ Zinc (AKA ZZP) and other things sim to having Lead Gas before was banned in most places. Is why new(er) API SJ SL SM and SN have less Zinc. You adding more zinc to current oil types are not good because most use way too much, more then obsolete SF and SG oil or even older classes.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)


The Ogre's Fiero Cave

IP: Logged
Kevin87FieroGT
Member
Posts: 1202
From: Michigan
Registered: Nov 2010


Feedback score: (2)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-02-2019 09:41 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Kevin87FieroGTSend a Private Message to Kevin87FieroGTEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
To answer your question: Had an 86 SE (2.8L) without the cat, straight pipe, but OEM muffler. Put a high flow MagnaFlo universal cat on it. Piping was all stock size. All I noticed was the raspy ness of the exhaust minus the cat was gone after installing the MagnaFlo. Tone was nice with the MagnaFlo. As for mileage or performance there was ”no noticeable” difference! This was on a perfect running 2.8L (37,000mi).

The previous owner of our car reported to her mech that the car had no power going up hills. The mech removed the cat and put the straight pipe on. On our inspection of the old cat, which was in the trunk when we picked up the car, looked good visually. However, you can’t see the center of the cat so who knows if it was good or bad. the straight pipe was the mechs fix. It was nice though that we had the OEM cat. We turned in the OEM cat at a metal scrapper for $100 which payed for the new MagnaFlo (approx $70) and the cost to have it welded on that straight pipe ($30). Ended out being a win/win, new cat and better exhaust tone!

Having the cat will make the exhaust smell better while idling, if ya give a hoot. Who cares about the guy behind you, if he can smell your exhaust he’s to close anyway.👍

[This message has been edited by Kevin87FieroGT (edited 10-02-2019).]

IP: Logged
Steel
Member
Posts: 1255
From:
Registered: Apr 2011


Feedback score:    (6)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-03-2019 09:01 AM Click Here to See the Profile for SteelSend a Private Message to SteelEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Catless, no mufflers install a j-pipe to tune the sound on each side. I use to have a video of mine setup with that I'll see if I still have it when I get home later.
IP: Logged
Tony Kania
Member
Posts: 20794
From: The Inland Northwest
Registered: Dec 2008


Feedback score:    (7)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 305
User Banned

Report this Post10-03-2019 09:10 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Tony KaniaSend a Private Message to Tony KaniaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Mine sounds awesome with no convertor. Stinks to high heaven and pollutes the air. I imagine I will put a new convertor on when I get to it. Getting older in years and wouldn't mind a cleaner, quieter system.

I am all for running with a catalytic convertor. I believe that I am wrong and would like to correct that one day.
IP: Logged
sourmash
Member
Posts: 4558
From:
Registered: Jul 2016


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 50
User Banned

Report this Post10-03-2019 10:30 AM Click Here to See the Profile for sourmashSend a Private Message to sourmashEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Catless cars stink up the general area. Has nothing to do with anyone following too closely. My neighbor and his kid doesn't deserve to have to smell my exhaust on his own property, but he will if start the one I own which was bought cat deleted from someone here. It'll give you a headache or a smell you can't get out of your clothes, hair and nose hair.
I have property in a poorer section of town and the cars in that area make the whole neighborhood worse with their smells. Stop signs, red lights (even after they're long gone) parking lots, drive thrus. It's not just me who thinks that people who drive them are not the sort of people I would trust to tell me I dropped 5 dollars at the convenience store register. There's usually dents in the car, mismatched rims and red tape over the cracked tail light, but plenty of money for cigs and tattoos.

How's that for profiling?

[This message has been edited by sourmash (edited 10-03-2019).]

IP: Logged
DLCLK87GT
Member
Posts: 2694
From: South Jersey, USA
Registered: Feb 2009


Feedback score:    (9)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-16-2019 12:40 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DLCLK87GTSend a Private Message to DLCLK87GTEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by sourmash:
How's that for profiling?


Wow..LOL.
I took mine off when i redid the exhaust because the car came with a straight pipe and i wish i had just put a high flow cat on instead. I plan on dropping the whole thing out of my formula and sticking it in another 88 base we have this winter. When it comes out it'll get a high flow cat before going back in. My opinion is that the performance gain, if any isn't worth the smell or pollution.
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
theogre
Member
Posts: 32180
From: USA
Registered: Mar 99


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 567
Rate this member

Report this Post10-16-2019 04:36 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Add that most Silicon anything kills cats too not just O2 sensor.
So Don't nearly all Silicone Sealers and lubes anywhere in the engine exposed to gas or oil or air going thru it.
Only use "Sensor Safe" sealers.
IP: Logged
stapler8
Member
Posts: 34
From: Canada
Registered: Sep 2019


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-16-2019 11:37 PM Click Here to See the Profile for stapler8Send a Private Message to stapler8Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Bought mine catless with a huge can. Absolutely hate it. Wakes up the neighbors and smells like **** if I have to do work with the engine on. The moment I can afford a new exhaust or find one at a scrapyard I'm putting it on. A little louder is fine, but it's just too much.
IP: Logged
cam-a-lot
Member
Posts: 2120
From: Barrie- Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010


Feedback score: (3)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 99
Rate this member

Report this Post10-17-2019 06:23 AM Click Here to See the Profile for cam-a-lotSend a Private Message to cam-a-lotEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
My experience has been that there is no justifiable reason to remove a catalytic converter on a car designed to have one. A functioning catalytic does not slow you down at all, and greatly reduces the pollution you produce. A new catalytic now is less than $100. If a person can't afford $100 to keep the environment much cleaner and be considerate of drivers behind them, perhaps public transit would be worth a consideration...

[This message has been edited by cam-a-lot (edited 10-17-2019).]

IP: Logged
Dennis LaGrua
Member
Posts: 15139
From: Hillsborough, NJ U.S.A.
Registered: May 2000


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 328
Rate this member

Report this Post10-17-2019 03:38 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Dennis LaGruaSend a Private Message to Dennis LaGruaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
On a Fiero CATS are a fire hazard. One oil leak and there's a fire. I don't use em!

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

IP: Logged
David Hambleton
Member
Posts: 1580
From: Stoney Creek Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2012


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-17-2019 09:12 PM Click Here to See the Profile for David HambletonSend a Private Message to David HambletonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

On a Fiero CATS are a fire hazard. One oil leak and there's a fire. I don't use em!



So you must change your valve cover gasket before the smoke comes up through the grills on hard braking...

IP: Logged
theogre
Member
Posts: 32180
From: USA
Registered: Mar 99


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 567
Rate this member

Report this Post10-18-2019 01:09 AM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Guys, Don't go by just what text on a DMV web site because Most only have bare minimum of the fully state laws/rules.
And don't think is a joke or whatever when you read people dropping emissions and/or safety equipment.

 
quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:
On a Fiero CATS are a fire hazard. One oil leak and there's a fire. I don't use em!
What a load of crap. Anything hitting or dropping/dripping on any exhaust parts in any car can be a fire hazard. A plastic bag you drove over last few days, grass/leaves parked over, and more likely have started more "Car Fires" then oil leaks. Is no more dangerous then most cars including recall cars made in last 5-10 years. Is far less problem compared to recalled Takata Air Bags that hurt or killing people even for very minor accidents. Many current recalls are for Electrical fires unrelated to battery problems for E-cars.
IP: Logged
tampalinc
Member
Posts: 774
From: Columbia, MO
Registered: May 2001


Feedback score: (1)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post10-20-2019 07:03 AM Click Here to See the Profile for tampalincSend a Private Message to tampalincEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
34 years old cars
Would either car manage to put 100whp down on a dyno?
Replace old cat with a modern cat, or even better put both cars on the same dyno and validate if there is a measurable difference.
IP: Logged
theogre
Member
Posts: 32180
From: USA
Registered: Mar 99


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 567
Rate this member

Report this Post10-24-2019 02:10 AM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Related Note:
EPA is now going after many "Off Road" scammers selling Diesel "Delete" hardware and ECM/PCM reprogramming services needed to use the hardware.

In Very Short, Diesel "Delete" is removing the Diesel "Cat" and part using DEF liquid.

I was always surprise they didn't stop "test tube" makers/installers to eliminate cats for decades. Has been illegal to remove emissions equipment since at least 1975.
NY and others using private inspections have been fining or arresting inspection shop owners/staff for selling stickers for fail safety inspection or emission tests for 40+ years. Most only get a sound bite in the local news when that happens is why most don't hear about them.
Too bad US DOT(NHTSA) and many others don't go after selling/installing crap "upgrades" for cars.
IP: Logged

next newest topic | next oldest topic

All times are ET (US)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Back To Main Page

Advertizing on PFF | Fiero Parts Vendors
PFF Merchandise | Fiero Gallery | Ogre's Cave
Real-Time Chat | Fiero Related Auctions on eBay



Copyright (c) 1999, C. Pennock