OEM Cat alternative?

[elenitro]

I have been told that both my cats need replacing as the elements are rattling around but think £700+vat from the dealer is a bit excessive.
Is there an alternative place to get the cats? Can I just replace them with straight through pipes from someone like piper or would I then also need a remap etc?

Ta

Leon

[300bhp/ton]

elenitro said:

I have been told that both my cats need replacing as the elements are rattling around but think £700+vat from the dealer is a bit excessive.
Is there an alternative place to get the cats? Can I just replace them with straight through pipes from someone like piper or would I then also need a remap etc?

Ta

Leon

Don't pay that.

What you need are some high flow CATS. Most makers never claim the cfm they just say sports, which doesn't help. At most you'll find the number of cores, but again it helps little.

There are two main types of cat. Ceramic and metal matrix.

Ceramic are fine for most people and on a V engine each single cat only has to deal with half the exhaust gas flow.

Metal matrix ones are the best in terms of flow, but can be more fickle at getting them up to temps for emissions tests. They also cost a lot more money.

IMO - your best bet is go on US Ebay and buy some new good ceramic cats and get them shipped here. Any custom exhaust shop will then be able to fit them for you at vastly less cost than £700.

Magnaflow make some good ceramic cats and metal matrix ones. As do Random Technology. Just make sure you get the correct size diameter inlet/outlet and that the cat will physically fit.


Something like this would probably be ok: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MagnaFlow-94009CA-C...

$78.95 each + shipping. Even if it works out to be $350 (probably under £200) including shipping, handling and VAT for the pair that's a heck of a lot cheaper than what you where quoted. Then find someone to fit them for £100-150.