Front/dump Pipes + Cat Upgrade

[Draen]

Some trivial questions for you guys.

Looking at completing my exhaust. I have an a/f cat back system (w/ 2 mufflers).Was looking at upgrading the front/dump pipe and the cat.

1. Just curious if most front/split dump pipes are equal? Was planning on going to the local exhaust shop and picking up what they have on offer. Otherwise I know bablm has his ones sold for $380.

2. Also is it worth getting a new high flow cat, or just gut the stock one? Any disadvantages using a stock gutted cat?

3. WIth a high flow cat, its a given that the exhaust will be louder keeping all other things equal right? I want to keep my exhaust the way it is - quiet but deep.

[r32woohoo]

batmbl ones seem pretty good for the price

gutted cats r illegal as far as i know (not worth the $10k or so fine), unless ur in NZ

and yeh the exhaust will b louder, but the turbo will spool faster

[Draen]

batmbl ones seem pretty good for the price

gutted cats r illegal as far as i know (not worth the $10k or so fine), unless ur in NZ

and yeh the exhaust will b louder, but the turbo will spool faster

Thanks will shop around for front/dump pipes. Will keep batmbl ones in mind though. Are most front/dump pipes equal though as long as u get a split dump?

How restrictive is the stock cat, say if i upgraded just the front dump pipe and use stock cat?

[r32woohoo]

i dont see any reason for them not to be the same, a pipes a pipe but im sure there are many ppl here that can correct me on that

as far as the cat goes, its always the most restrictive part of an exhaust system, have a look at it, from the flange its like a bottle neck.

even if u just upgrade the cat itself u will get some gains.

check out this thread http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/in...2&hl=batmbl

Edited January 27, 2007 by r32woohoo

[$weetDreamZ]

Changing the cat and front/dump pipe in one hit will also save on labour. Even if you are DIY it'll save you the hassle of having to jack the car up and unbolt everything again.

[gt-t_r34]

the front dump pipes of batmbl are a bolt on if thats what your getting at, i had a 3" hi flo cat pu on i would say its louder at idle or driving normaly but when u sink the slipper into it, sounds more meaty up high, 4g up then before. i also have one of batmbl's split front and dumps i put it on my self pretty easy there a good upgrade

[Cubes]

Get a good metal cat.

You'll notice bugger all if any difference in spool compared to a gutted cat.

[mspek]

batmbl is 1st rate trader no complaints. I had a 3inch turbo exhaust end-to-end, and for compliancing purposes, a stock cat was fitted.

I purchased the Catco Metal cat 3inch, with 5inch barrell, to the amazement of my mechanic it bolted on no dramas.

I am sorry to say but it made no difference in performance for me. (Apart from the exhaust my car was stock).

Noise wise, it was exactly the same loudness both, before and after the cat refit.

Maybe if I do further mods like ECU refit, Side mount, and up boost, and fuel, might it help...But sorry in my experience to date, it just didnt do anything for me?

[xRHETTx]

I got a batmbl stainless split dump/front pipe and a 5 inch metal cat in a group buy a while ago. Had both installed for $80, as i couldnt be bothered risking breaking the turbo exhaust flange studs and having my car stuck at home...

Anyway there was a noticable increase in power, at a guess 15-20kW? And it seems to spool faster as well. My car is completely stock power mods wise except for the cat back exhaust and pod filter, and now the new bits.

I would also think that the 5 inch metal type cats would probably be less of a restriction than a 3 inch home-gutted stock cat.

[khunjeng]

I better than stock zorst will always help spool.

The stock cat. eps if its like 10 years old will be about screwed.

Get a good hi-flo like a Catco...I got an Apexi dump pipe and 720CFM catco. Seems to do the job.

[Cubes]

When these metal cats die... Do they break up in to chunks as my last ceramic crap cat did or do they just melt in to a lump of metal?

[khunjeng]

When these metal cats die... Do they break up in to chunks as my last ceramic crap cat did or do they just melt in to a lump of metal?

I think they melt or become blocked and then u notice some serious restrictions at high rpm. A mate of mine had some hi end issues with his NA and it was the cat...replaced it, was good as gold.