Hello all, I need some more help with this. I drive a December 1996 Nissan 240SX SE 5-speed (so think like it's a 1997). I'm replacing my exhaust system and it has been recommended to use 2.5" stainless steel all the way. But my cats need replacing also. So...
What are the specifications of the stock pre cat and the main catalytic converters on my car? (size, catalyst type (2-way vs. 3-way), engine specs, materials (100% Stainless or …)
What replacement pre cat and main catalytic converters do you recommend for me and what are their specifications? (brand, size, catalyst type, engine specs, materials…)
What replacement parts can you recommend for my muffler and resonator?
Please keep in mind I would prefer to upgrade to a minimum 2.5” inside diameter and stainless steel parts.
S14 Catalytic Converters in California
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centralcoaster33
- Posts: 2634
- Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:41 am
- Car: 1997 Nissan 240SX #5
- Location: Central Coast, CA
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centralcoaster33
- Posts: 2634
- Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:41 am
- Car: 1997 Nissan 240SX #5
- Location: Central Coast, CA
Re: S14 Catalytic Converters in California (centralcoaster33)
So, nobody knows if the catalytic converters are 2-way vs. 3-way? One place says to look at the sticker under the hood and I did and it is written "CATALYST". Big help. Please, anybody?
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centralcoaster33
- Posts: 2634
- Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:41 am
- Car: 1997 Nissan 240SX #5
- Location: Central Coast, CA
Re: S14 Catalytic Converters in California (centralcoaster33)
Both the pre-cat and the main catalytic converters are 2-way converters. Nissan in Monterey, CA will gladly rape you for $859.18 for the pre-cat assembly and 289.99 for the main cat. As of now, no other parts are legal for this car in CA.
You've got choices.
NA:You can use a ceramic core cat. cheaper than the metallic cores more suitable for NA since it can't take high afr's.
Turbo:You need a metallic core cat if you're going high flow aftermarket. more expensive than ceramic, but can take higher afrs that would melt down those ceramic core ones.
I've looked for high flow cats before, not many of them were all that durable and the catco that I bought before was just a 2 way, not a 3 way that's needed to pass emissions in CA.
so if you're in need for a cat, you have those two core types to choose from. I've seen both cores available from magnaflow. OEM is best and will do the best at cleaning up your emissions so you can pass smog especially in CA, but if you're looking specifically for a high flow that'll still clean up some of your emissions, you got my take on it. Don't waste your time and money on the 2 way cats, many of them out there too. Just as a side note (not directed at you centralcoaster33 but in general) switching to a test pipe won't yield miracles in power and usually not worth the risk especially in CA where I've seen tickets hit 1500 on a buddies WRX. When you see a ticket for 1500 and consider that's about how much an s13 costs in some areas, it's usually a good tell tale sign that something like that ain't really gonna be worth the risk especially for a few hp you can make up the difference for with going on a diet plan yourself or keeping less trash in the trunk.
NA:You can use a ceramic core cat. cheaper than the metallic cores more suitable for NA since it can't take high afr's.
Turbo:You need a metallic core cat if you're going high flow aftermarket. more expensive than ceramic, but can take higher afrs that would melt down those ceramic core ones.
I've looked for high flow cats before, not many of them were all that durable and the catco that I bought before was just a 2 way, not a 3 way that's needed to pass emissions in CA.
so if you're in need for a cat, you have those two core types to choose from. I've seen both cores available from magnaflow. OEM is best and will do the best at cleaning up your emissions so you can pass smog especially in CA, but if you're looking specifically for a high flow that'll still clean up some of your emissions, you got my take on it. Don't waste your time and money on the 2 way cats, many of them out there too. Just as a side note (not directed at you centralcoaster33 but in general) switching to a test pipe won't yield miracles in power and usually not worth the risk especially in CA where I've seen tickets hit 1500 on a buddies WRX. When you see a ticket for 1500 and consider that's about how much an s13 costs in some areas, it's usually a good tell tale sign that something like that ain't really gonna be worth the risk especially for a few hp you can make up the difference for with going on a diet plan yourself or keeping less trash in the trunk.