Does my Cat need replacing?

[Dyldo]

I bought a shmick mk4 R32 exhaust cat-back from a fellow forum member (word Dainese) and am now getting conflicting reports on the status of the cat.

Some members suggest that the catalyst material disappears or degrades over time, and so the cat is rendered useless.

Others have said they can get blocked.

Still others have said that it is totally fine and not to drop the $400 on getting a replacement "hi-flow" cat.

Can i get a relative forum consensus here please?

[Manaz]

Knowing the direction you're keen on taking, a high-flow cat provides the least backpressure, which will be important to you.

But you knew my suggestion anyway. Of course, you could just wait until the cat proves to be an issue, and deal with it then.

[Rybky]

My thoughts:
1. If it passes an emissions test then the cat is still working ok.
2. If you are experiencing a loss in power then a possible cause is a blocked cat but I think this is a rare condition.
3. If you are looking to do further engine side mods then definitely get a high flow cat, an engine needs to breath easily before you get it to do more work.

Is the R32 exhaust fitted now? Did you post pics somewhere? (I have been away for a while so may have missed it)

Adam

[Dyldo]

Zorst not fitted yet - tough to find the time away from work at the moment to stuff the whole xorst into my car (no mean feat btw) and get it measured, wuoted, and then tacked on. Not to mention the major hassle of how to treat the pipes and rear valance.

I will be putting it up as its own post for the Mk4 owners cause there's tonnes of differing thoughts on how best to handle it.

As for the cat, so far i've had more people say its either "not an issue right now so leave it" or "you don't need the hi-flow yet" for me to factor it into the budgie. But yes, when i need to limit backpressure I will deal properly with the cat.

[Gravey]

Of course, you could just wait until the cat proves to be an issue, and deal with it then.

After last night I'm beginning to think my cat has become an issue - YouTube - Cat attacks TV lol

[Dyldo]

only 4 replies till i got a cat joke.... letting the forums down guys, come on!!

so i guess i save myself the $400 and slide in a new cat when needed?

[Gravey]

hahaha - well I gave it my best and it just so happened I uploaded that vid today.....puuuurrfect timing eh?