Catalityc converter
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 200
Likes: 2
Catalityc converter Hello everyone,
I have a 383 LT1, 1996 trans am. Tuned by PCM for less. Everything is running great. I got a Magna flow catalytic converter installed on the single 3" Y-pipe that collects from both L and R headers. My car wouldn't pass inspection without a cat. The car seems a little quieter and also a little less powerful. I am wondering if I messed something up bad?
I have a 383 LT1, 1996 trans am. Tuned by PCM for less. Everything is running great. I got a Magna flow catalytic converter installed on the single 3" Y-pipe that collects from both L and R headers. My car wouldn't pass inspection without a cat. The car seems a little quieter and also a little less powerful. I am wondering if I messed something up bad?
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Adding a cat would put in an exhaust restriction, even if just a small one and would generally result in a slight power loss depending on the output of your motor in trepidation to your exhaust flow. And yes, a catalytic converter will dampen exhaust sound as well.
A cat isn't going to kill anymore then a few hp(if that)...get yourself a high flow if you feel that you loss power. I'm running a single high flow cat cut in half on the Vette mocked up to look like I'm running 2 to pass visual w/ everything tuned out. Id imagine you could probably do the same for the LT1 pcm.
TECH Resident
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 853
Likes: 32
From: Kernersville, NC
You don't mention what headers you are running, but I'm running Kooks. They offer a dual cat y-pipe and that's what I have with my headers. They are made in the same way that the stock LS y-pipe is....with the pipe flattened out on the driver's side for ground clearance.
http://www.ace1252.com/images/1996_L...s/DSCN3934.JPG
http://www.ace1252.com/images/1996_L...s/DSCN4002.JPG
If your header manufacturer does not offer a similar one, if you get a couple of high flow cats, a good exhaust shop could fab you up one.
http://www.ace1252.com/images/1996_L...s/DSCN3934.JPG
http://www.ace1252.com/images/1996_L...s/DSCN4002.JPG
If your header manufacturer does not offer a similar one, if you get a couple of high flow cats, a good exhaust shop could fab you up one.
