EMPTY CAT
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Posts like a V-Tak
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: RICHMOND, MO.
EMPTY CAT
When I was doing some exhaust work on my 92 SSEI, I discovered that the cat was just a shell with nothing in side of it and I know there should be something! Should i replace it or is it really necessary on this year. I would guess it went bad and the owner before me gutted it out.
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Posts like a Turbo
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I replaced my cat with a magnaflow a while back because I got the "low catalyst efficiency" code. Figured my cat was plugged. When the guys brought the old one back to me it was completely hollow like yours. I am 100% no one gutted it, everything just burnt out. You don't HAVE to replace it just yet if you're short $$... but you'll be missing a lot of gas mileage and power if you don't 
It made a HUGE difference for me in both those areas.
It made a HUGE difference for me in both those areas.
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Posts like a Ricer Type-R
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You MIGHT notice going from a stock cat to a hi-flow cat. 5-10hp.
You WILL notice going from a plugged old stock cat to a hi-flow.
You WILL notice going from no cat or a gutted cat to a hi-flow. You've lost low-end torque by decreasing your exhaust gas velocity.
You WILL notice going from a plugged old stock cat to a hi-flow.
You WILL notice going from no cat or a gutted cat to a hi-flow. You've lost low-end torque by decreasing your exhaust gas velocity.
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Posts like a Northstar
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From: Ladysmith B.C. Canada
My day is complete, I learned something alread and I haven't even had breakfast yet. 
I am surprised that a Cat will actually add power and fuel economy. In the past, I've actually gutted cats to save a few $$ instead of replacing them, but that was on cars with a lot less power to start with.
I am surprised that a Cat will actually add power and fuel economy. In the past, I've actually gutted cats to save a few $$ instead of replacing them, but that was on cars with a lot less power to start with.
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True Car Nut
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Central Florida
The secret there is as Bill W. described and has to do with exhaust velocity.
I've seen many a person make the mistake of automatically assuming that a larger than stock diameter exhaust will gain them power, when in fact they end up losing low end and sometimes more, depending upon how big they went.
I've seen many a person make the mistake of automatically assuming that a larger than stock diameter exhaust will gain them power, when in fact they end up losing low end and sometimes more, depending upon how big they went.
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Posts like a V-Tak
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: RICHMOND, MO.
UNBELIEVEABLE!!! It is like a brand new car. I picked up a Magnaflow cat. and installed it, when I got done, I drove her WOW! It is like the difference between night and day. It is hard to believe a bad cat. would weaken the engine so, but it did. Thanks for the advice.
