Hi-Flow Cat or Cut Out for LOWER ETs!! Need Help!

[BradC]

I'm done a search but I can't really find a good answer. Here's the situation. I want to get a cable operated cut out for the track and for show off purposes, but my dad think I should get a hi-flow cat for better all year performance and fuel economy. I told him that the hi flow cat on a V6 doesn't make a whole lot of difference and on top of that it would cost over $100 for the cat and install. So, should I go for a cutout for a lot of power for a little time or a new cat for a little power a lot of time?

[ March 26, 2004, 01:33 PM: Message edited by: BradC ]

[2000camarostud]

why not just go with both? that way you have the Cat for better performance all the time, then when you're at the track you can really open that ***** up. even though that'd cost a little more, but that might be an option too. you can find cats and cutouts here for pretty cheap if you look or ask.

[BradC]

I can get a cat on eBay(of course) for $40. I just need to know if it's going to make a difference in performance comparible to a cutout.

[2002firebirdguy]

both, I might get a cut out this summer and I already have a cat bypass. Gave the car a nice kick in the pants with the flowmaster cat back

[BradC]

Originally posted by 2002firebirdguy:
Gave the car a nice kick in the pants with the flowmaster cat back

You mean with the cat bypass?

[BradC]

I can't get both right now. Which would give me more power? Surely somebody tried them both...

[MustangEater8251]

If you have the stock cat I would definitely replace it...

I owuld not get one of the crap ones on ebay, I woudl get a CATCO... I have heard peopel have problems with the ebay ones.

[Timbo1969]

I'd do a cut- out over a high flow cat. There are various catalytic coverter makers. Catco, Carsound, and Magnaflow to name a few.

[BradC]

Originally posted by MustangEater8251:
If you have the stock cat I would definitely replace it...

Why? Wouldn't the gains from the cut out outweigh the gains from a hi flow cat? That's all I need to know, really... No one can give me a straight answer. I'm going to put the cut out before the cat so it doesn't matter. I just need to know which would give a lower ET, plain and simple.

[DARK SDE '02]

I'm about to do something about my cat as well. Electronic cutouts are nice but it's still not the best flowing because of the downward angle. I'd go with a removable straight pipe with a flange on each end so you can swap in the cat when it comes time for inspection. Costs MUCH less than an electric cutout and is at least as effective as one. Of course you could always just use a regular cutout for near the same effect and still have to crawl up under the car to pull off the plate.

So if you've got the money and are lazy go with the electric cutout. But if you're like most of us, broke *** college kids, just do a cutout or straight pipe.

[V6Firebird94]

you could just elimintate it, put a pipe there u can do the work urself and itll cost 10 bucks just need a pipe and two clamps...saw zalls are nice to do the job............oh ya if u do decide to that its not legal for road use so dont say ya did it but im pretty sure its legal for offroad use so u could always claim its a track car

[BradC]

If I took the cat out wouldn't that mess the car up? aren't there sensors in the cat?

[Seppo Kaitainen]

!cat and cutout is the best for drag racing.

[BradC]

So if I do the cut out before the cat it will be in effect !cat plus the cut out! Alright!! Assuming the in/out on the cut out is 2.25in, will it fits between the y-pipe and cat?

[DARK SDE '02]

I believe the in is 3" and the out is 2.25", at least it looks that way on my car.