Cat Advice for 240SX

[91240SXGuy]

Here in Alabama, we don't have emission test'n. From the research I've done, I will get more HP w/o a cat than with a highflow cat (ceramic or metalic), isn't this illegal? To run w/o a cat? What should I do...mind u, I live in the STICKS of AL so I'm sure a pig isn't going to check to see if I've got a cat or not...but anyhow, I'm look'n for some in-put/advice...

From what I've read/researched, removing the cat for a high-flow pipe will not decrease my back pressure (too much for a NA car), however, it is illegal - even though AL does not have emission testing and my exhaust would be LOUDER than it is now (w/ a full catback exhaust system - i.e. header & exhaust pipe + muffler).

So, what should I do...highflow cat??? Ceramic or Metalic??? Need more input/advice!!!

Thanx for any advice/help!!!http://www.nissanforums.com/images/smilies/newbie.gif

[orange13donkey]

I live in Mobile, AL and I drive an SR with a test pipe in place of the cat. I have never been checked or questioned by anyone. Lose the cat. I get some good blue flames out the exhaust since I took mine off.

[Vision Garage]

testpipe will have no restrictions. Yes its illegal but it seems like you dont care about being illegal or not so just run a test pipe. its cheaper than a high flow cat also.

[5t341tH]

get that SARD torque thingy. its like a cat with a valve that opens up once the exhaust flow is faster.
supposedly improves low end torque while giving u high end power

[sicarius82]

run a test pipe and have someone weld the heat shield from your stock cat to your test pipe. or just hollow out your stock cat.

[SnakeKack]

I got a 3 inch test pipe with a 2 1/2 catback. It's NA and it is as loud as fuck.

[SexPanda]

Take out your cat. Hit it with a hammer a few times all the way around it. Then start shoving a long metal pole, or something similar, into it. Break up all the honeycomb, and shake it out.

put it back on. It looks legal, but is essentially a test pipe... for free.

I did it to my friends SRT-4. Put that on, with the exhaust off a regular neon (same size, no resonators) and now it sounds like a jet taking off when he gets on it.... Not that your car will sound like that. Im just saying...

[TravisSW]

Funny how this thread popped up. I just stumbled across a R-Tech Hi-Flow cat that was in the corner of my room.

I've been tempted to install this, but I'm not too sure. My car is still stock and I plan to be NA until the motor is built so I can drop in a turbo. Don't ask why, but I have a test pipe as well.

Is it even worth installing the hi-flow cat right now or should I just sell it?

[scarecrow27]

test pipe it

i have emissions so i test pipe it then before i get it inspected i put the stock cat back in place

if your worried about sound just test pipe it then run a silencer then when ur out doing wutever u do just take the silencer out

[Z_Spool]

...Is it even worth installing the hi-flow cat right now or should I just sell it?

Since you live here in CA, I'd install the TP, but hang on to the Cat just in case. Never know if you may get tagged with a fix-it, or need it for SMOG.. JMO.

[!Zar!]

get that SARD torque thingy. its like a cat with a valve that opens up once the exhaust flow is faster.
supposedly improves low end torque while giving u high end power

Sard (TCD) Torque Control Dampener.

I have it on my s14. Wouldn't suggest spending so much money on it though.

Just go with a resonated test pipe.

[drft_n_s13]

test pipe all the way :bigok: i found one with the brackets for the OEM heat shield, and it looks just like it did before =p

[breakindrifts]

don't run a cat.
straight through/test pipe. done.
/thread

[Dream240]

Since you live here in CA, I'd install the TP, but hang on to the Cat just in case. Never know if you may get tagged with a fix-it, or need it for SMOG.. JMO.

I have to chime in here for the sake of our planet...

Yes it's TREE HUGGER TIME!!!

Running a test pipe on a daily driver is just plain stupid, and illegal here in CA. While you're free to do what you want, I'm sure you guys have read the countless threads on here about guys whining when they got popped for illegal mods, or got caught in a state port-a-smog station (yes they're doing that now).

So if you run a test pipe in your car and get pulled over, don't be surprised when you car gets impounded, yes impounded, for 30 days at least, with a nice fat fine to go with the impound fees. And no it's not a fix-it ticket like tinted windows. They are cracking down hard here in Cali. So be prepared to reap the consequences.

Or you could just run a cat, keep your emissions equipment(yes they're checking for that too now), and be able to drive your car around without fear of impounding. That is of course unless you've got an SR on the street. In that case you're pretty much fucked. So why not get all the way fucked? Go catless you've got nothing to lose.

SRs belong in Japan, a smogless U.S. state, or on the track. Not on Cali streets. If you don't like it...then move.

**let's go of tree**

It's your choice. Peace.

[johngriff]

In terms of performance the test pipe is > hollowed out cat, because the cat allows the exhaust gas to expand, then has to re compress creating a back-pressure. If you want nothing but performance, test-pipe is the way to go.

The differences in performance are almost negligible between the high-flow cat and the test pipe though, unless you are up into the t3 series.