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View Poll Results: Which catalytic converter works best | |||
GM (OEM) | 0 | 0% | |
Random Technologies | 4 | 57.14% | |
Catco | 3 | 42.86% | |
Heddman | 0 | 0% | |
Other | 0 | 0% | |
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll |
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02-17-2004, 11:54 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Chesapeake, VA
Posts: 726
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Best catalytic converter recommendations
Well, the time has finally come. The catalytic converter on my stock '86 350 has finally started to do the "death rattle". It was blowing out the white ceramic pellets a couple of years back, but still passes emissions. Now that I've had the valve stem seals replaced, a new cat has a better chance of doing a good job anyway. I think that the "pro" I had do it didn't do the valve cover gaskests right, though-- the side of my block and oil filter is covered in oil...
It's started to idle lower, roughly, and kinda funny the last few days and the cat has begun to rattle-- the same rattle the cat in the Jeep had when it went bad a couple of years ago. At least that one was still under warranty. SO, I'm pretty certain I need a new one. My question is which catalytic converter have y'all had the best luck with? GM, Random Technologies, Catco, etc.? I'm ideally looking for something that will just bolt up and not require new pipes due to a different length. My exhaust is the standard Y-pipe, 2.5" exhaust, AIR at the manifolds, and single stage (no air injection) catalytic converter. This 2.5" dumps into a Flowmaster 3-chamber Delta Flow with dual 2" outlets. Thanks for the input! Kevin
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Semper Paratus |
02-17-2004, 12:17 PM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Lewisville, NC
Posts: 1,836
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I had 2 catcos on my truck, till my holley ruined them because I let the floats get to high and it melted them. Their still under warranty, but I really doubt I could get away with claiming warranty on them since the comb was completely melted pretty much.
I'll be buying two new ones except i'm going to get the universal 12" ones.
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1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle. |
02-17-2004, 02:07 PM | #3 |
LED King
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 2,088
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Catcos are cheap and you get what you pay for. Random tech is the best but also the most expensive. OEM pellet style are restrictive and out of date - I don't even think they sell them anymore. I don't know about Hedmans.
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Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32 |
02-17-2004, 02:10 PM | #4 |
You get what you pay for
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Cherryville, NC
Posts: 4,798
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If you want the best, Random Technologies is it. I have one.
Read my user text.
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Mike 1985 Chevy C-10 |
02-17-2004, 02:28 PM | #5 |
Insert Witty Text Here
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 3,415
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I know this doesn't help you, but mine are "Charlie Brown" brand. I get a good laugh whenever I see them.
Slonaker |
02-17-2004, 02:57 PM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlantic Highlands, N.J.
Posts: 139
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Best Cat?
swervin is right, Random Tech. is the best one. If you have a quality exhaust header / pipe/ muffler system complete it with the best cat.
Also, it is best & most effecient to mount the cat as close to the header as possible, as any cat needs heat / exhaust velocity to really work correctly. Doug
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86 GMC SWB, DK. BLUE, ZZ430,TH400, 4.11'S, HEADMAN CERAMIC HEADERS, WELD BILLETS, BFG 275 / 60 / 15, 325 / 50 / 15 DRAG RADIALS, FIBERGLASS COWL HOOD, B&M SHIFTER. MSD, MARCH PULLEYS / ALT. / PWR. STEER PUMP, BECOOL RAD., BILLET GRILL & GRANT WHEEL. |
02-17-2004, 04:59 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 102
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Love livin in Nova Scotia, not necessairy if your car was built before 1991
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1981 GMC Sierra 1500 4.1L I6 1985 GMC Sierra 1500 5.0L V8 (Parts Truck) |
02-17-2004, 06:09 PM | #8 |
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 1,321
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I always use Carsound. I USED to use Random Tech..but since learning that Carsound's flow JUST as well, and are MUCH cheaper, I wll forever use Carsound.
Also, as a side note, a friend bought a BRAND NEW Catco cat from Summit...turns out, Catco didn't pass smog! (And it said it was a direct replacement!) He installed a Carsound and passed with flying colors. |
02-17-2004, 06:24 PM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 1,704
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Mid 90's Tahoe's are supose to have a good free flowing cat.
I looked in mine. No restriction. 8600 GVWR has me exempt to smogging. Cats are BS. Cats only do somethign when the vehicl is not running right. I had a 79 K5 pas the sniffer 3 years and thye missed the visual to the fact it had no cats. It was cleaner then the 87 FI Merkur we had at the same time.
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Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project |
02-17-2004, 09:49 PM | #10 |
BAD BOW-Silverado XST
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX
Posts: 6,431
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I use a Catgo. Cheap and easy to hollow! Pass inspection and still have high flow.
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02-19-2004, 09:14 PM | #11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: west texas
Posts: 71
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I read in a mag a while back that the GM's off a 96 to 99 truck with the vortec engine flowed better than the aftermarket cats
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