Catalytic Converters

[Viceroy]

Just wanted to get your opinion. I got a rust out leak coming out of the main catalytic converter - a sign that the 11 year old system is due for an overhaul. Considering the difference between the $1600 factory and the $600 aftermarket catalytic converter systems (btw how many cars out there use 3 catalytic converters and then two mufflers...thoughtful though expensive design, no?), I expect to make the obvious choice for my 929-pillaged wallet.

Before I whack the ol' cc, I just wanted to ask if anyone has experience to relate here?

[felixTibs]

Wow, you have 3 Ctas!!! My 1991 has two Cats and 2 mufflers. Each cat aftermarket runs about 150 on online si tes. OEM is probably the best you can get, but expect to pay for it. I think as long as you are running a fully aftermarket system instead of a mix between old and new, you should be ok.

[Viceroy]

Thanks for the response, Felix. I'm surprised this didn't generate more of a discussion. Is everyone still driving around on their original cat?

BTW I've notice that the two cat aftermarket makers are Bosel and Catco. The Bosel parts at least appear to be more expensive.

[felixTibs]

Imstarting to think I will have to buy a new cat for the driver side. Its so crusty and oil clogged from a nastyoil seep. You cant get them used, so I will roably by an aftermarket. **** OEm, not for a catalytic convertor or anything. Too expensive and the cat is a universal product.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/catalyti...1992~parts.html

http://catalyticconvertersite.com/epcprodu...icconvertersite

[Viceroy]

I bringing this topic back to ask folks who've had cat converter experience whether they would recommend the OEM aftermarket replacement versions of the 2nd generation 929 (the ones I've come across are made by Catco) or if they'd lean toward the "freeflow" cat converter that uses a "honeycomb" inside to reduce emissions while being considerably less restrictive on airflow. I've read mixed reviews. Some reviews I've read extoll the freeflow style - that they are more technologically advanced, get significantly better throttle response, without any downside. Some others are less enthusiastic saying that the freeflow style hasn't made a big performance difference, sometimes fails state exhaust emissions tests, may wear out faster, and the precat embedded O2 sensors tend to trigger the Check Engine light.

So that's my situation, OEM aftermarket or the freeflow style?

[Viceroy]

Me again. Y'know I've been assuming the original cat was pellet style, but perhaps it's the high flow honeycomb style. And the OEM replacement by Catco and others...Any chance that if the original was honeycomb, that they'd slip a pellet style as a replacement and still call it OEM-style?