Vert Catalytic Converter

[94_240sx]

I went to state inspection last Sat. and my vert failed. It looks like a catalytic converter is going bad. My 1995 Mazda daily driver failed with exact same reason last year and passed after I replaced a catalytic converter. On my Mazda, Carbon Monoxide dropped from 1100ppm to 24ppm.

I bought a direct fit 240sx catalytic converter from Autozone, and it's 11 inch long, but mine is actually 14 inch. Just found out vert has a different part number for it. Anyone has an experience with bad catalytic converter on a vert and replaced it? Or could it be some other reason?

[Hijacker]

Are you sure they didn't give you the precat that comes of the exhaust manifold? Every convertible I've worked on has the same large cat (the one after the DP) as regular 240s.

[94_240sx]

I think that's what it is because precat is exactly 11" long. They had both direct and universal fit and both were 11 inch long. I think Autozone has wrong parts in their system. These are what they have.

http://www.autozone.com/N,1600...t.htm

I did brief search, and it looks like I should get 3" Catco from FRSport. I have to take care of this in 2 weeks otherwise I have to pay again for inspection. BTW, I called dealership to ask some questions, and vert has a different part number for the catalytic converter.

[biggie]

Yes, just get a 3 or 2.5" Catco, they work fine.

[Hijacker]

BTW, I called dealership to ask some questions, and vert has a different part number for the catalytic converter.

There are few parts that the dealer's computer will tell you are the same. Most vert P/Ns will almost always go through as vert only.

[94_240sx]

Thanks for the info guys. I've tried to buy one locally, but shops only carry 2-1/4" one. They have Catco 2006 catalog and 3" catalytic converter is not on there. Anyway, I just ordered 3" one from FRSport, and they will ship it out today. Good company...

[cmkelly]

Does this quote bother you?

**For off-road use only, due to the nature of this item**

[biggie]

Does this quote bother you?

**For off-road use only, due to the nature of this item**

If that's from the Catco, it doesn't matter. As long as somone sees a cat on there and not just an empty tube they'll pass the inspection.

The disclaimer might even be there just for the the added noise, like a lot of catbacks.

[Hijacker]

Does this quote bother you?

**For off-road use only, due to the nature of this item**

That's there to get the company out of liability. Most of my car is considered "intended for off-road use only". I guess about the only thing that is good for on-road is the chassis and body work. For now.

[94_240sx]

That's there to get the company out of liability. Most of my car is considered "intended for off-road use only". I guess about the only thing that is good for on-road is the chassis and body work. For now.

Try to buy some aftermarket suspension parts. All of them say "off road use only." I've searched, and Catco catalytic converter works just fine.

[ishkabibble]

Magnaflow is another cat option. It tends to get better reviews than Catco (more reliable). I think it's a lot cheaper, too.

[cmkelly]

Magnaflow = $96.

http://www.autopartswarehouse....240sx

[ishkabibble]

$87 with free shipping on Ebay. (search for Magnaflow 22767)

I got one for $78 shipped a few months ago, but the seller isn't selling it anymore.

[cmkelly]

I love eBay!!!

I just ordered my exhaust from Greg at BRM and can't wait to install it.

[94_240sx]

I was looking for a 3" cat. I'm planning on getting a 3" exhaust in the future, so I thought it's not going to hurt. Local shop had Magnaflow and Catco stuff about $90-$100 including tax, but they were 2 1/4"-2.5" ones.

cmkelly what size did you get?

[cmkelly]

I got a 2.5" CatBack with the thinking that if and when I do go KA-T I will probably not do too much boost and the 2.5" was a better fit for my goals: lower end torque vs. top end power.

I have not ordered the Cat yet but may depending on how much more I can gain by opening that aspect up a little. I honestly don't know what to expect from the exhaust let alone a new Cat.

I'll take a lot of pictures and do some comparative driving/testing and publish my results here.

[biggie]

If you are sure you are going boost then 3" is the way to go. NA 3" has still been proven to not lose any lowend torque compared to the 2.5.

[cmkelly]

I was going on AZHitman's recommendation regarding size. I'm not a speed freak and will probably not boost for another year, even then it will be minimal. If I don't gain an extra 50 hp with the exhaust I'll just send it back

Seriously, I'm not sure I could tell the difference in the two anyway. I know that all these little mods add up to a greater performance gain. I'm looking for the best mix for a street car. I've got the Pathfinder as my daily driver but spend $20 less a week in gas with the Vert so I've been driving it every day for months now. I almost hate to put the miles on it but it's too much fun not to.

[cmkelly]

Okay, I got the exhaust today. What's the consensus on the catalytic converter? North Carolina doesn't check emissions on 1992 cars; they just do a safety check. Will a Catco or Magnaflow catalytic converter do me any good with my new 2.5" BRM exhaust?

Thanks, Chris

[ishkabibble]

I wouldn't replace the cat if you're not subject to emissions. Not a whole lot of bang for your buck in N/A form, and you might go 3" after you go turbo.

[94_240sx]

I just installed it, and it's not a direct replacement. It's 1-1.5" shorter than stock cat, but I had to give it a shot anyway. Everything got pulled forward and exhaust is tilted. Pipe got close to subframe and stuff too. It looked perfect before. I removed it after I see that. Oh, well... I think I'll go to local shops and see what they got. Catco is not for my car I guess.

[ishkabibble]

I think the Magnaflow is shorter, too. The hangers on my car are stretched to the limit. I have an aftermarket, round exhaust, so tilt (if there is any) isn't an issue.