Decat Y piece on 500
Discussion
I presently have a decatted Y piece and no pre cats too. I also have a catted Y piece to put on come MOT time, as I don't believe it will pass the emissions test without the main Cat. I hadn't planned on removing the main cat, but had to when mine 'melted'.
It is definitely louder without the main cat, but it is hard to tell if it makes any difference to the performance. IMO any gains are too small to really notice and would be 'hidden' by other issues such as incorrect fueling maps in the ECU chip, or air intake issues.
If you are into 'chasing numbers' then getting rid of the main cat may help gain a horsepower or two, but getting a better ECU chip, or a smooth bore intake or modified plenum will see bigger gains for the money.
In all honesty if you're simply using the car on the road and not on the track a standard 500 has more than enough engine performance. I think it's better to improve the handling with suspension upgrades, than spend a lot on gaining more power. But this is just my opinion. I did spend a lot on a Taraka upgrade, which has made a noticeable difference, but I chose the Taraka because I wanted to know the engine was solid, as well as enjoying the performance. But I also put new shocks and springs on it and that has made the most difference.
Sorry to ramble on...
It is definitely louder without the main cat, but it is hard to tell if it makes any difference to the performance. IMO any gains are too small to really notice and would be 'hidden' by other issues such as incorrect fueling maps in the ECU chip, or air intake issues.
If you are into 'chasing numbers' then getting rid of the main cat may help gain a horsepower or two, but getting a better ECU chip, or a smooth bore intake or modified plenum will see bigger gains for the money.
In all honesty if you're simply using the car on the road and not on the track a standard 500 has more than enough engine performance. I think it's better to improve the handling with suspension upgrades, than spend a lot on gaining more power. But this is just my opinion. I did spend a lot on a Taraka upgrade, which has made a noticeable difference, but I chose the Taraka because I wanted to know the engine was solid, as well as enjoying the performance. But I also put new shocks and springs on it and that has made the most difference.
Sorry to ramble on...
Edited by The Red Baron on Monday 19th November 12:04
Many thanks for that Red baron,i think in my opinion unless you throw thousands of pounds at these engines your never going to get much more power than what you already have.
Shame there not like the old turbo cars ie cosworths were a new chip and actuator for £150 got you another 50+bhp!
Save my money and be happy with what ive got i think
Shame there not like the old turbo cars ie cosworths were a new chip and actuator for £150 got you another 50+bhp!
Save my money and be happy with what ive got i think
I removed my pre-cats which made little or no change to sound or performance.
I then swapped my original cat Y piece for a flowed ACT de-catted one.
And boy what a difference.
The ACT Y piece gave an instant improvement in throttle response, the engine immediately idled smoother and gave what felt like a good 10 - 15hp increase.
Not to mention the glorious true V8 sound it released
Many consider a full de-cat with the standard silencer box offers the best tone without the annoying drone of the typically over loud "tug boat at idle" sleeved exhaust.
I've loved my ACT Y piece from the moment I fitted it, I've also got the MoT issue covered so it's never ever coming off
I then swapped my original cat Y piece for a flowed ACT de-catted one.
And boy what a difference.
The ACT Y piece gave an instant improvement in throttle response, the engine immediately idled smoother and gave what felt like a good 10 - 15hp increase.
Not to mention the glorious true V8 sound it released
Many consider a full de-cat with the standard silencer box offers the best tone without the annoying drone of the typically over loud "tug boat at idle" sleeved exhaust.
I've loved my ACT Y piece from the moment I fitted it, I've also got the MoT issue covered so it's never ever coming off
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