Is it really necessary to go with a metallic core HFC if I don't intend to get big HP?

I just want to take this big OEM catalytic converter off the car.

on UR site ...they say the ceramic core is efficient up to 450hp and metallic up to 700hp.....I will never break or get near the 450hp.

I know the ceramic core might be more restrictive than a metallic core...but I'm sure ceramic core is way better than the OEM cat.

I might even get a Magnaflow High Flow cat and make a custom hfc pipe...which would cost less money than buying a ceramic core or metallic core hfc from any companies offering it. If I take this route.....what is the diameter of the magnaflow high flow cat should i take...3"?

what do you guys think?!?!?

 

The metallic core can take more heat and the metal substrate has thinner walls, allowing for larger openings which obviously opens up the exhaust flow. Even the stock cat is metallic, but the thinner metal substrate is used to pack more, smaller cells into the same area. You'll see what I mean when you look inside the stock cat.

Yes, you could always make your own cat pipe. That's exactly what I did. Get some 3" pipe and a couple flanges and weld everything together. The cat you'll want is Magnaflow part # 59959 which is the 3" metallic cat.

 

thanks for the info!!!

so basically...even if I don't intend over 450hp.....what you are telling me here is : don't touch to the ceramic core high flow cat...right?

 

I went with the metal substrate cat from UR. I was very pleased with it. It smells a bit more than the stock cat, but after it is fully heated up the smell goes away. The other reason that the metal substrate helps with flow is due to the surface through "honeycomb" inside. With ceramic, the surface is rough and porous. The metal sub is flat and smooth therefore reducing turbulence.

 

ok...but if we forget about the flow....I know that the metallic core is more free flowing than the ceramic core. So if we forget that...would it be a bad idea to go ceramic core?

ceramic core is cheaper ($) and let's say a police looks under the car...the ceramic core looks more like a OEM cat than a metallic core.

 

For me, the way i looked at it was the price difference is negligible. $50 bucks is nothing in the grand scheme of modding. Technically altering anything relating to emission devices (cat) is illegal in most states. However, i can tell you that ive run *different* looking cats on a few of my cars and they all pass both visual and the sniffer.

If the cop wants to bust you for not having the OEM cat, he is busting your *****. Tell him the OEM one rusted and you bought this as a replacement since its cheaper.

 

yeah you're right on the point that 50$ difference is negligible!

thanks for the advice!

 

im working on the same thing, was going to use magna flow met cat but got a great deal on a Vibrant met cat, I think that is what AMS uses but not sure. Still working on getting it together, waiting on the rest of the parts to come in.