I need to change my Cat converter. The stock converter is huge, and I am wondering how much it acts like a muffler. I plan on replacing it with a very small converter from Random Technologies. Can anyone comment on how much louder my system might get with a new converter? The rest of the exhaust system is stock.

Thanks,
Steve

It will have more of an effect on a 92 or 93, as those 2 years didn't have a factory-installed resonator. However, your muffler appears to be stock, so any cat change would be barely noticed if at all. The combination of Cat and Muffler, with the lack of a resonator, is what really affects the sound.

The pipe diameter isn't smaller, though, right?? :?

I had a performance muffler on when i got my high flow cat installed and it was definatly louder. i have the stock resonator too.

Pipe diameter is the same all the way through the SSEi'*. 2.5"

A performance muffler will allow you to hear the difference in cats, but the different cats won't be as obvious through a stock muffler.

The one from Random Technologies is just smaller in the catalyst area, not the pipe diameter, right?


That'* what I meant, Will.

I heard a big differance with a high flow cat on my 93 SE but I dont have a res.

IMHO, the new convertor will be slightly louder, but maybe not for the reasons you think; it would probably sound louder because it'* new and clear, whereas your (12-year-old?) original convertor is probably at least a little corked-up by now.

I can tell you from experience that if the rest of the exhaust system isn't there, the difference in noise levels between a convertor only, and nothing at all, is the difference between Loud and D*mned Loud. So there'* some noise muffling ability, but your old one is doing more of that than your new one will.