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Catalytic Converter Questions!!!



I'll let you know that the Magnaflow cats are considerably shorter than the factory ones. So, you'll need some extra pipe with you if you're doing it yourself. The cat I got was for my Camaro, not the GP. The Camaro's exhaust is 2.5". I would get the 2.25" for the GP otherwise you'll need pipe size converters.
 
yeah, i thought 2.25'' was the one after someone else said the same. I'm gonna do some measurements soon of the current cat to get an idea for the size. But it will be installed at a shop, I don't have any of the welding skills or equipment.
 
UCF04GPGTPCompG said:
yeah, i thought 2.25'' was the one after someone else said the same. I'm gonna do some measurements soon of the current cat to get an idea for the size. But it will be installed at a shop, I don't have any of the welding skills or equipment.
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Which would make life easy...since you would just let those guys worry about the extra pipe from a shorter converter base.
 
bluegtp91 said:
Which would make life easy...since you would just let those guys worry about the extra pipe from a shorter converter base.
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correct, but still has to fit as far as width & depth are concerned. It would be nice to know what type of converter we have in there. If it's ceramic or metallic or heavy metal or whatnot. Would make finding a replacement a bit easier as far as that is concerned. I'm just assuming it's ceramic, i looked at the code and I know it's a 3-way converter.
 


guess that's true, I ordered the MagnaFlow Ceramic 53005. Guess I'll see how that works, and hopefully it won't throw any codes.
 
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News flash, 53005 catalytic converters don't meet requirements for the car to begin with. They are for 1995 and earlier model year vehicles Pre-OBDII, so finding a shop willing to install a part that they know is illegal is not easy. It would have to be an OEM Grade for 2000+ OBDII vehicles.

Also, the shop I talked with called their part supply store, and they said that universal fit cats often have problems with these supercharged engines. So my question to you all, what should I do?!?! He is offering a good price to install it, so I'm basically looking at universal (low cost and problems with them) vs. direct fit (higher cost and any problems with them)

If I'm going to go the direct fit route, what company should I look for? Only direct fit I've found so far is from Random Technology (PFYC.com). Magnaflow lists a direct fit but they aren't actually manufacturing them.

Anyone have any suggestions? I really need some help to figure out what the heck I'm going to do to get my car running again. Thanks!!
 
UCF04GPGTPCompG said:
News flash, 53005 catalytic converters don't meet requirements for the car to begin with. They are for 1995 and earlier model year vehicles Pre-OBDII, so finding a shop willing to install a part that they know is illegal is not easy. It would have to be an OEM Grade for 2000+ OBDII vehicles.

Also, the shop I talked with called their part supply store, and they said that universal fit cats often have problems with these supercharged engines. So my question to you all, what should I do?!?! He is offering a good price to install it, so I'm basically looking at universal (low cost and problems with them) vs. direct fit (higher cost and any problems with them)

If I'm going to go the direct fit route, what company should I look for? Only direct fit I've found so far is from Random Technology (PFYC.com). Magnaflow lists a direct fit but they aren't actually manufacturing them.

Anyone have any suggestions? I really need some help to figure out what the heck I'm going to do to get my car running again. Thanks!!
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That shop is full of crap.

Your getting hosed...find a mom and pop exhaust shop and have them toss it in for you...no shop should charge more than 30 or 40 bucks to weld in a high flowing unit. It is all CARB OBD compliant because in order to sell it as a converter they have to pass tests. It isn't really rocket science to figure out...and that "deal" that guy is going to give you is just another unit that he has, and it is probably the same one and he'll just charge you more for it.

Been there, done that. If anything, just go buy a bolt-in catted downpipe and be done...like I said in the first place. It's 4 bolts and 2 new gaskets....coulda been done by now ;)
 
That's why I wanted to ask on here to get opinions. I bought the 53005 already but it's for Pre-OBDII vehicles which means it doesn't meet specs for my car. He is only charging like $40 to install. so that's not the issue.

If it's a universal fit, I should atleast get the right grade converter right? If I do that, then I could see about getting it installed. I just don't want the new replacement to run error codes, cause then I have to get the car tuned or something which costs more money.

Direct fit options I'm looking into, they just cost alot more. And I may run into problems with them too.

As is, there are other things that need to be fixed, so at this point downtime isn't the issue, it's cost and the possibility of compatability issues with the computer.
 


Interestingly, Magnaflow part search gives OEM parts that have 1 sensor on the converter, yet my converter has the O2 Sensor before & after it, but not actually on it.

So the one I should get has no O2 sensor on it. The 53005 that I have right now has no sensor hole on it and apparently all MagnaFlow converters meet OBDII/EPA Specs (based on their website). Even though the converter I have says it's for 1995 and earlier years Pre-OBDII. This is all very confusing but maybe the one I have will work. If I get it installed, and it throws a code, how should I fix the code issue (the cheapest way possible)?

If tuning the car is the only option, any estimates for what a tune would cost so I have some way to compare prices? If I do the math right, a bolt in may cost the same as a universal with tune and in the end I get more HP and such.
 
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That is my point of getting the bolt on catted downpipe.

Some people say they haven't got a CEL from the HFC in it.

Then you know its right.

Take it to an exhaust shop and hand it to them and say HEY, **** FACE. BOLT THIS IN.

Then your killing two birds with one stone, fixing your issue and at the same time, fixing GM's crappy exhaust system issue.

Also, like I stated...a converter is a converter to be honest...like Bill said whether it is made for your car or not, it'll most likely trip a cat code anyways since it flows too well. I think your over analyzing the situation anyways. If you have the converter, have it welded in. If you don't think it'll work, then get a 3" Bolt in catted DP from ZZP and be done with it already. On a lift it should take about the same amount of time either route you take.
 
bluegtp91 said:
That is my point of getting the bolt on catted downpipe.

Some people say they haven't got a CEL from the HFC in it.

Then you know its right.

Take it to an exhaust shop and hand it to them and say HEY, **** FACE. BOLT THIS IN.

Then your killing two birds with one stone, fixing your issue and at the same time, fixing GM's crappy exhaust system issue.

Also, like I stated...a converter is a converter to be honest...like Bill said whether it is made for your car or not, it'll most likely trip a cat code anyways since it flows too well. I think your over analyzing the situation anyways. If you have the converter, have it welded in. If you don't think it'll work, then get a 3" Bolt in catted DP from ZZP and be done with it already. On a lift it should take about the same amount of time either route you take.
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Oh, I know i'm over analyzing this. I just want to make sure it's done right the first time, lol. thanks for all the help, I really do appreciate it.
 
So from ZZP looks like this...

3'' downpipe 304SS bolt in with Cat (magnaflow) + Rear O2 extender

Which gaskets do I need then? they have Manifold to DP Gasket, rear 2.5'' gasket & Front/Rear gaskets. So I assume to get the Front/Rear Gasket since that seems to be the combination of the manifold to DP & Rear?

Price is $274.98
 


Nope...but you get a $50 rebate for sending your cat back to them...so when the shop removes your DP...tell them you want it back.

This is way cheaper, and IMO...304SS is overpriced...when they all do the same thing.

ZZP DP 3" Aluminized Steel w/ Cat Bolt-in $89.99+$100.00
Option 2: Add rear O2 extension for 04+ GP
Option 3: N/A
Option 4: Add Front & Rear Gaskets $14.99
Option 5: Prepaid label for cat * US Only
Option 6: Standard model
Model: 3" Aluminized bolt in w/cat
Subtotal: $224.98
Shipping: (15.00 lbs.) $11.90
Tax: $0.00
Total: $236.88
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I'd go that route maino.
 
bluegtp91 said:
Nope...but you get a $50 rebate for sending your cat back to them...so when the shop removes your DP...tell them you want it back.

This is way cheaper, and IMO...304SS is overpriced...when they all do the same thing.



I'd go that route maino.
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yeah, I saw the $50 deal. that's true, aluminized vs. 304SS material is different, but effect is the same.
 
So with their $50 credit, honestly that could go towards a MPS system in the future when you drop to a 3.6" pulley....because that DP is going to help for sure...toss a PLOG in there too when you drop to the 3.6" and get it tuned...it'd not only get great MPG's and not have anymore dumb CEL's...but it'll run tons better too...also, for the love of god get some AL606's when you put that DP on...yikes on those Pulstars for a boosted 3800. These cars love copper plugs.
 
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