Catalytic Converters

[Kizo]

Hi people, is it possible to replace OEM Catalytic Converters converters to performance ones.

If so, which brand do you recommend....?

[Q45tech]

You already have high flow performance cats, do you mean wide core thin short life cheap [less than $500 each] aftermarket replacements designed to just make the car pass emissions for a year or two?

Unlike most cars which to save money have 3 cats the Q has a full 4 separate high flow cats...........to match the high performance dual exhaust

[Kizo]

Okay, i know buying cats from the dealer will cost alot. I have read alot of post on this board suggeting to buy parts from from scottsdale , AZ. Do they sale rebuilt parts, or is it pretty much new ones.

Compared to a dealer, how much do you think i can save on on catalytic converters if i bought from them.Thanks for the info

[fxjackso]

You will save 25% off list from Scottsdale, but new converters are very,very, expensive. I just replaced both of my rear ones-due to rust through in the pipes near the header flange, not performance issue. I used rebuilds from Brown and Company. They take used OEM converters , flow test, and replace inlet/outlet pipes and flanges as needed. All have a California/EPA registration and a 2 year warranty. Brown does not sell to consumers but will have a distributor in your area who might if you ask nicely (and, as I did, pay cash.) My cost was about $225 each.Exhaust work is not technical, but dirty and nasty. I ordered new gaskets, studs, bolts, etc from Scottsdale. If you have not replaced your exhaust mount that attaches to the rear transmission mount, do that, you will have it off anyway. Worked out with out a hitch.

[Q45tech]

The Honda guys buy those high flow cats all the time and oversize them so much that the cats won't stay warm in line at emission facility and then they fail the test................those tiny displacement engines don't put out much heat at idle.

Q/J duals are the same since each cat only see half or 1.5-2.25 liters.

[maxnix]

I just replaced both of my rear ones-due to rust through in the pipes near the header flange, not performance issue.

Was this the flange immediately after the catalitic convertor? How many miles were on them?

Thanks for the other information.

[fxjackso]

It was on the tubes leading to the main cats, right after the front flange (the rear of the pre cat). There is a welded bracket for the heatshield there. In exactly the same place on each side moisture got under the bracket and rusted through the tubing. I wanted to get a shop to weld new tubes in, but there was no way they would touch it, for EPA and CARB reasons.

Per my signature the car has 130k miles. It spent quite a bit of its life in Texas, but was apparently delivered in NJ then wholesaled. In its first 10 years it went 70k miles- a recipe for exhaust rust, I guess.

[Kizo]

. I wanted to get a shop to weld new tubes in, but there was no way they would touch it, for EPA and CARB reasons.

I tried to get Midas to fix mine too but they could not do it either. They said i have to get them from the dealer.

Whats crown's number btw, maybe i can give me a call.

Kizo

[fxjackso]

Brown Recycling, (256) 778-8756, , Somerville, AL 35670. They will have zero interest in selling to you, but they may tell you who your local wholesale distributor is. If you look for a rebuild at retail (NAPA,Etc.) it may be one of theirs, and will retail for about $350-375.

Check the phone book, for Catalytic Converters, wholesale. Really, that's how I found my source. Ultimate low tech!