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Which Hi-flow cat to buy (not a pipe with the cat, JUST the cat)
So I already have a catless midpipe, I figured I might as well just buy a highflow cat and get it welded in instead of buying another pipe.
All I know I need to look for a cat with a metallic core, but which one flows really really well, and how does one know the flow (I was reading up on 300/200/100 cells per inch etc, not even sure what that means)
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated
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I was thinking the same thing. Why but a full high flow cat when you can just buy a mid pipe and have a high flow cat welded in at a much lower cost. all you'd have to deal with are the O2 bung locations.
Magnaflow if you want to go cheap. A metallic cat wil last longer but cost a $#!7 ton more. You wcould also see what a muffler shop has. SOmetimes they can get high quality stuff if you ask for it.
I am looking at the Random Technology Metal Matrix Cats (~$200USD), as well as the Metalcat (no idea on price)
But any others would be awesome.
Like I said, if the $700 cat from europe meets all emissions, out performs the other cats (depends on my whp goals I assume) it would be worth it to get it. I have until school ends til decide (because until then I have almost 0 time to do it)
What I use is a german touring car FIA racing cat that can handle 2000 degF, but with today's crappy exchange rate and the current cost of platinum it's probably more like a $1000+ now compared to when I bought mine in early 2005. So sorry, I just didn't consider the time lapse difference. I've never had any emissions issues with it, but it's not certifed as a street cat per se. IMO none of the cats being sold for the RX-8 are either, at least not per a strict interpretation of the EPA regulations.
How good a cat is dependent on it's materials. The materials needed to sustain high temperatures are expensive. The precious metals used for the gas conversion process; platinum, rhodium, etc. are also very expensive. The heavier the precious metal coating, the better the life and conversion quality, but also the more expensive it is to make. You have to pay to play if you want a quality cat converter.
I ran mine at 14.5 - 14.9 AFR under WOT for quite a while without issue. That said, with improper tuning you can burn up any cat, but a cheap cat will simply burn up sooner and easier. Even the OE cat won't take 1600 degF for very long under WOT conditions.
__________________
Es gibt keine verzweifelten Lagen, es gibt nur verzweifelte Menschen.
- Heinz Guderian
I am looking at the Random Technology Metal Matrix Cats (~$200USD), as well as the Metalcat (no idea on price)
But any others would be awesome.
Like I said, if the $700 cat from europe meets all emissions, out performs the other cats (depends on my whp goals I assume) it would be worth it to get it. I have until school ends til decide (because until then I have almost 0 time to do it)
Melted both. Enjoy. The random lasted about 5 months, the Metal cat about 3 weeks.
Team: Give up the manufacturer of your cat. I would like to talk with them.
It would be interesting to see a test of this one.
__________________ Don't try this at home. It could be dangerous. I have years of experience.
Emissions and fuel economy haven't exactly been areas of strength for past rotary power plants, but absolutely no one with a soul has ever cared. - Autoweek
Rotary History:1982 RX7 GS, 1985 RX7 GSL-SE, 2004 RX8 Sport-Continuous Rotary Owner since 1985
Racing History:SCCA Solo II 1979-1986, Skip Barber Comp School 1983, SCCA Club Racing 1987-1993, 2004-2011 Track Days
i guess i am going to be the beta tester for one..
beers
I think the Magnaflow is a 300 cpi cat. It wouldn't be as free flowing as the 100 cpi. Team's cat was a 100 cpi.
__________________ Don't try this at home. It could be dangerous. I have years of experience.
Emissions and fuel economy haven't exactly been areas of strength for past rotary power plants, but absolutely no one with a soul has ever cared. - Autoweek
Rotary History:1982 RX7 GS, 1985 RX7 GSL-SE, 2004 RX8 Sport-Continuous Rotary Owner since 1985
Racing History:SCCA Solo II 1979-1986, Skip Barber Comp School 1983, SCCA Club Racing 1987-1993, 2004-2011 Track Days
I've actually sold several to rotary guys. I unfortunately have no additional facts on the cats. The manufacturer doesn't provide them. I can tell you anecdotally that my rally customers are getting several seasons on them using full anti-lag, which also raises exhaust temperatures to ridiculous levels. The farther back you can place the cat the better though - both for flow and for longevity.
Best regards,
Dave LaTourette
Davesport, LLC
Street Race Off-Road
Vehicle Preparation and Tuning www.davesport.com
ph. 425-888-4444
fax 425-888-6444
__________________ Don't try this at home. It could be dangerous. I have years of experience.
Emissions and fuel economy haven't exactly been areas of strength for past rotary power plants, but absolutely no one with a soul has ever cared. - Autoweek
Rotary History:1982 RX7 GS, 1985 RX7 GSL-SE, 2004 RX8 Sport-Continuous Rotary Owner since 1985
Racing History:SCCA Solo II 1979-1986, Skip Barber Comp School 1983, SCCA Club Racing 1987-1993, 2004-2011 Track Days