Gutting Cats!! Worth it, and does it change sound?
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Teching In
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Bowling Green, KY
Gutting Cats!! Worth it, and does it change sound? I was considering gutting my cats and replacing them, and including the rear two oxygen sensor dummies to make sure my Service Engine Soon light didn't glow. I was wondering how this will change the sound of my exhaust and what are the expected horse gains????? For reference, I have the Flomaster 80 series muffler and exhaust from manifold back. Should I consider the cutout????Thanxxx!
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From: Chi-Town, IL
Re: Gutting Cats!! Worth it, and does it change sound? I would gut them, from changing from my "high-flow" cat setup with my FLP's to ORP's I picked up 11rwhp and 23rwtq...I think it was worth it, car smells a little more, but its all good.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: TN
Re: Gutting Cats!! Worth it, and does it change sound? It is a gain. But not that much, it is more flow. So depending on how much power you are making is wether or not it is worth it. I have a ORYP on mine. Also it will have a more tinny sound and be a little more metal sounding. Mine is loud as hell so I can't reallly be accurate.
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From: Orlando
Re: Gutting Cats!! Worth it, and does it change sound? You will, most certainly, have a different exhaust sound. The car is more than likely gonna pick up a raspy, metallic sound during certain throttle applications. For instance, my car likes to make the noise between 22-2500 RPM under moderate/heavy throttle. It's gone quick, but it may drive you crazy if your not used to it. My solution was to install a Dynomax bullet muffler in the I-pipe and I changed the Flowmaster I used to have with a Dynomax Ultra-Flo muffler. Is the rasp totally gone? No, but it is about 80% gone and a LOT quieter than it used to be. You may gain a few HP but to say for sure how many simply can't be done. Ballpark...maybe 8-10 at the tires. Weigh your options and choose wisely.
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Re: Gutting Cats!! Worth it, and does it change sound? Gutted cat shells won't do much for you power wise. An ORY will, but just gutting the cats will really only net you a gain in sound. It will get louder, and one good thing about gutted cats over an ORY is NO RASP!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> I have had MANY exhaust setups, including what you are purposing (Flowmaster with stock everything else and gutted stock cats) and it sounded great! But there were really no power gains. Now, going to a full ORY is certainly worth a gain, but it will be much raspier than the gutted cats (I know this for a FACT as I've tried both). It's your call. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
