What issues should I be prepared for???

[Silent Majority]

2000 Camaro, 3.8L

I am putting on a Catco Cat. Converter (2.5 inch) and a FlowMaster 80 Series Catback system (2.5 inch).

What issues should I be prepared for?

Thanks

dave

[Tyler]

umm..nothing really.. since your getting the highflow cat with 2.5inch outlets, you might as well upgrade your I pipe to 2.5 also, as well as the S pipe. you'll have a nice sounding exhaust and experience some performance gains

[Silent Majority]

Sounds good, thanks for the feedback...

I thought the catback system would include the "S" pipe, "I" pipe and any other pipe needed after the Cat. Converter?

dave

[ April 17, 2002: Message edited by: Silent Majority ]</p>

[shortdog273]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Silent Majority:
2000 Camaro, 3.8L

I am putting on a Catco Cat. Converter (2.5 inch) and a FlowMaster 80 Series Catback system (2.5 inch).

What issues should I be prepared for?

Thanks

dave<hr></blockquote>

It's a 50/50 chance you'll get the SES light due to the Highflow Cat.

[Silent Majority]

If I do receive the SES light from the high flow cat, what are my resolution options?

Thanks

dave

[sped214]

Best fix would be to get an O2 sim.

[Silent Majority]

Sounds good,

I will continue to revisit this post if anyone would like to provide input.

Thank you in advance.


dave

[John_D.]

I believe the catbacks don't actually go all the way to the cat. They stop a little short and use the existing s-pipe (the two 90 degree turns coming off the back of the cat). My borla cat-back should be here in about a week, so I'll see if that is correct.

So if you are replacing the cat, you will need to cut-off and keep the existing s-pipe, to put between the new cat and the cat-back system.

Or do like some folks on here (and I am doing too) and order two 45 degree mandrel bent tube sections to make your own freer-flowing s-pipe.

Check the od/id combinations if you want to get slip-fit connections. JC Whitney is the only place I found so far with the 45's. Everybody has j-bends, most have 90's, but nobody had the 45's.

I've seen at least of couple of posts around here saying that the existing s-pipe is as restrictive (if not more) than any other component in the exhaust. One person even claimed dyno hp numbers to back it up.

[Skullcamaro]

I personally would upgrade your I pipe and S Pipe to match the cat and muffler size/diameter. Plus you may need a o2 simulator depending on the year of your car and where the O2 sensors are located.

[NBMA4V6]

my advice dont waste your time on a 2.5 inch exhaust..theres no point..get 3 inch

get a 3inch in and out high flow cat and then get a 3 inch S pipe the 3 inch I pipe, 3 inch over axle pipe and whatever muffler you choose..

whatever size you decide on make sure your cat is 3 inch in or you will have major install problems i think..since the stocker is 3 inch.

as for SES let me know i think im orderin teh cat and S pipe stuff today

Jeff

[Tyler]

i had SES codes but then i just reset my PCM. that was about 2 months ago, and i havent had one since. everything is harmonizing very nicely now with my exhaust system

[ItalianStallion1]

For the cat and SES light situation. It all depends on how if you're going to replace the after cat pipe which has the sensor in it which is directly after the cat. I think if you leave it then you should be okay. But if you don't be prepared for a light. See, the thing is that the pipe you replace it with won't have a O2 bung. So the guy will have to make one into the new pipe. Just make sure he makes it as close to where the existing one sits as possible.

I think you should stick with 2.5. If you're catback is going to be 2.5 why put a larger after cat pipe? It doesn't make sence.

Read this thread and my post, I pipe power loss?

[ April 19, 2002: Message edited by: ItalianStallion1 ]</p>

[Silent Majority]

Okay, alot said...

So, what do I do?

I am sticking with the 2.5 inch catback. Do I still get the 2.5 inch. Catco Cat or is it a waste?

My thoughts are, even if I find a 2.5 inch "s" pipe configuration, I am still running into the issues with putting a hole in the pipe for the O2 sensor, unless I buy the simulator.

Is there really a big gain to install the Cat and "S" and "I" pipe besides the catback system?

By the way, A BIG THANKS for all the information, FlowMaster finally came clean and stated their Catback system goes as far as the "S" pipe...


dave

[John_D.]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Silent Majority:
I am sticking with the 2.5 inch catback. Do I still get the 2.5 inch. Catco Cat or is it a waste?

My thoughts are, even if I find a 2.5 inch "s" pipe configuration, I am still running into the issues with putting a hole in the pipe for the O2 sensor, unless I buy the simulator.

dave<hr></blockquote>

Dave,

Your factory current cat is 3" in, 2.5" out, I believe. If you are staying with a 2.5" system, the stock cat will be fine, unless it is giving you problems.

The O2 sensor after the cat does not effect emissions or performance. It's only for diagnostics, to tell you when the cat is going bad. So the sim would work ok, or having the bung welded in.

The s-pipe is rumored to be the biggest single restriction. I would tackle it while you're under there. Probably instead of replacing the cat.

[ItalianStallion1]

To add on to what John_D. said, I've been told by 2 mechanics and 3 exhaust techs that our stock cats are good. Being that you have a 2000 you might want to stick with that cat. If you do decide that you want an aftermarket cat because you want your exhaust to flow the best it can then you'd probably want to get the same dimensions as the stock cat. As for the after cat S pipe, I had the bung welded in and the light is always on. I have had no problems with the way the car runs. Infact, I have been told by a coupld of mechanics that this can actually improve the performance. I don't recall the reason but that's what they said. So, I think definetly get the 2.5 inch S pipe and cat is your personal preference. Just remember if you think you'll ever want to change it, if you're going to have the car for like 5 years and you drive it a bit, it might be a good idea to just go ahead and change it now.