High-Flow Cats-Worth it??

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Mar 26, 2014 | 02:08 PM

JWGchevy

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High-Flow Cats-Worth it??

Is it a myth that high flow cats are worth it or are they just a waste of money. Wanted to get y'all's opinion.

Mar 26, 2014 | 02:18 PM

Darkman

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From: Spring, Texas

It probably depends on the car, since different years start with different factory cats. On my 2005 CTS-V (LS6) I picked up 25 HP with 2 modifications one being high flow (Random Tech Cats) and the other being a lightweight flywheel. I believe at least 15HP can be attributed to the high flow cats. (Since I did not dyno with each of the two changes however, I cannot prove it.)

Mar 26, 2014 | 03:07 PM

DANOZ28

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darkman you must have had some really restricted cats WOW! on our ls1's i would guess removing the cats would save you upto 8 rwhp & switching to high flow should get you halfway there. so maybe 4 rwhp. just my one cent opinion.

Mar 26, 2014 | 03:47 PM

Darkman

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From: Spring, Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by DANOZ28

Another factor may be the difference in catback systems. The CTS-V has a high-flow cat back consisting of a resonator that is actually an X-pipe and low restriction mufflers connected with a true-dual 2.5 inch stainless steel system. So, on the CTS-V, once the factory cats are gone you are accessing a pretty good catback. I don't know how restrictive the LS1 cat backs are.

Mar 28, 2014 | 10:26 AM

MikeWS6

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They are too expensive and dont last long. Run no cats.

Mar 28, 2014 | 10:54 AM

WS6ICK2k

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeWS6

They are too expensive and dont last long. Run no cats.

+1 Doesn't flow better than running without them.

Mar 28, 2014 | 01:11 PM

Justhereforinfo

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But it sounds like ****. Id rather sacrifice the 4whp personally than listen to that raspy crap

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Mar 28, 2014 | 03:13 PM

joecar

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From: So.Cal.

Cats are for appeasing The Authorities... high flow cats can't get an EQ#... so The Authorities disapprove... so high flow cats do not help you, leave them off, you're no more illegal than with them on.

(not to mention your budget)

Mar 28, 2014 | 03:19 PM

#10

Rise of the Phoenix

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From: Jefferson City, MO

If you're needing them for inspection reasons, just hollow them out. Visually, they will be there, but nothing more than an open pipe.

Mar 28, 2014 | 05:34 PM

#11

LPE 403

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OP - not sure what you're you dealing with cube or power wise, but I gained a few gutting mine. Kooks duals....

Mar 28, 2014 | 06:17 PM

#12

Goosecaddy05

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Justhereforinfo

But it sounds like ****. Id rather sacrifice the 4whp personally than listen to that raspy crap

it depends on your mufflers... some will sound absolutely terrible when you remove the cats... i hate raspy tingy mufflers also... they make your car sound like a cheap barn door pos.... i recently removed the cats from my system and it just got a little louder... still has the same deep thunderous tone as before

... cant beat b&B exhaust for sound quality