So I got a CEL, and the shop's telling me that Bank 1 catalytic converter (front pipe) is bad, and needs to be replaced. I've seen an option here and there for non-Fed replacement cats, but nothing for Fed-spec. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Cuz they're offering a $700+ aftermarket part and a $800+ OEM part. Any nice plug 'n play high flow cats out there for us Fed-spec guys?

TIA!

 

you sure the code is for cat converter fault? shop could easily be trying to rip you off, that is a common thing for people to try and make money on in shops. could you give us the code number? how much are they quoting you for the job anyway?

 

If you really have a fed spec car, and assuming the mechanic is telling you the truth, instead of getting the cat, I would get a y-pipe from either Warpspeed or Cattman and just eliminate the pre-cats.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

But I'm somewhat confused by the term "Bank 1 catalytic converter (front pipe)". On a fed spec car, both pre-cats are built into the factory y-pipe. You cannot buy or replace either of them seperately, you must replace the y-pipe.

If you have a California spec car, one of the pre-cats is replaceable, the one in front by the radiator. But the side of the engine by the radiator is bank 2. Bank 1 is by the firewall and the pre-cat for that is part of the y-pipe.

You need to clarify if you have a Fed spec or a California spec car. One way is to look behind (or after) the main catalytic converter. Look from the driver's side of the car. If there is an O2 sensor there, the car is a fed spec. No O2 sensor means you have a California spec car.

Exhaust system of a Fed spec car


Exhaust system of a California spec car

 

this guy^

 

I know what you're gonna say...but it's the stealership lol. Their quote was $700 for an aftermarket cat, and $890 for an OEM cat. With labor, $1,067. Which is retarded.

DennisMik, my bad. I had a brain fart. I meant Cali-spec. And I was on the waitlist for the Cattman Y-pipe GB until I found out that they weren't gonna make a run of the Cali-spec units; its only available with the Y-pipe + header combo.

So if I could correct my original question...what options do I have for a high flow cat to replace the cat/precat on a Cali-spec? I looked at the link you provided (thanks), and looks like they have a Warpspeed Y-pipe for the Cali-specs: http://www.ebay.com/itm/WARPSPEED-1999-CA-MAXIMA-EXHAUST-Y-PIPE-/380362511487?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item588f5f547f&vxp=mtr Is that the best way to go?

TIA!

 

I cannot say if it is the "best" but i replaced my ypipe with a warpspeed (cali specc) and love it.

Not only will you be saving yourself at least 700 dollars, youll be eliminating the cat that is causing you grief, and be getting a nice 15-20 hp gain. This is also something someone with zero mechanical knowledge can pull off in their driveway with the correct tools and lots of patience. Someone experienced with hands on could do this is an hour or two. Unless you have zero tools and no desire to ever learn and get a little dirty then i would not recomend paying a shop to do this easy job.

So in short, i recomend the warpspeed. They make a quality product, youll be saving 200%+ of your budget, and youll be gaining up to 20 hp in what is THE best performance upgrade for our cars in terms of power gained/money spent.

 

^^^ its only an easy job if flanges and/or bolts arent rusty. Otherwise its a PITA lol.

But def best bang for the buck!

 

Awesome...thanks a bunch guys!

 

K so I finally received the Warpspeed Cali spec y-pipe. But the shop has a question about the pipe. They're wondering if I still need the bank 1 & 2 cats. Am I correct in understanding from the diagram that the pipe I sourced replaces BOTH bank 1 & 2 PRE-cats (there are no actual catalytic converters up front), and relies only on the rear cat?

Also, are there any replacements for the rear cat? He's saying everything from the rear cat forward is rusted up pretty good...

TIA!

 

Cali spec= only one cat delete iirc.

Get a high flow cat or a test pipe if you can for the rear cat..though I'm not too sure about your options because of Cali spec.

 

So 2 precats eliminated by the Warpspeed y-pipe, and one rear cat.

Looks like Magnaflow makes a high flow cat, but dunno if they do for Cali spec... Gonna hafta check on that.

 

You have a Cali spec car and you bought the Warpspeed Cali y-pipe that you posted the photo of back in post # 5.

Let's discuss some basics here. First, the car (whether fed spec or cali spec) has 3 catalytic converters from the factory. Each bank (or side) of the engine has a catalytic converter immediately after the exhaust manifold. These 2 catalytic converters are referred to as pre-cats because they are smaller and come before the 3rd, main catalytic converter that is located approximately under the front passenger seat.

On the Cali spec cars, the pre-cat for bank 2 (the radiator side) is a separate unit that bolts to the end of the exhaust manifold and then has the y-pipe bolt on to it. The pre-cat for bank 1 (the firewall side) is built into the factory y-pipe. The exhaust gas then goes into the main catalytic converter.

So the Warpspeed y-pipe that you bought will replace the bank 1 pre-cat that is built into the factory y-pipe. The Warpsteed y-pipe will bolt on to, but does not replace the bank 2 pre-cat. You will end up with one pre-cat instead of 2.

When the mechanic says "everything from the rear cat forward is rusted up pretty good", I take that to mean that the main catalytic converter is still in good shape. If that is true, then you don't need anything besides the y-pipe as the outlet end bolts to the catalytic converter.

If the catalytic converter needs to be replaced, then your options are dictated by Kansas state laws, specifically auto emission laws. Does a car have to pass an annual smog/emissions test in order to get the license? If yes, then you must get another catalytic converter. If no, then you can get a "test pipe" installed as Farkie stated. A test pipe is a piece of straight through exhaust pipe that eliminates the catalytic converter.

As for the pre-cat being eliminated by the y-pipe, that is not a problem. The main catalytic converter does not work until it warms up from the hot exhaust gas. When the engine is first started, the exhaust gas goes through un-treated. So pre-cats were installed. They work right off the bat. Since the main catalytic converter heats up and is working in 30 to 60 seconds, missing the pre-cat is of minimal concern. Just make sure the car is warmed up and hot when you get a smog/emissions test.

 

I just realized that you said the dealership is working on the car. Federal law says that it is illegal for them to by-pass or eliminate pollution control devices on a car. This applies to any repair shop, not just dealerships.

So if they give any **** about installing the Warpspeed y-pipe, you don't have a legal leg to stand on. Get your car back and find someone who will do it.

 

Honestly this is a job that can easily be done in the driveway. Worst case scenario is you have to cut off the old y pipe and remove it pieces. Its very a very simple bolt off, bolt on procedure.

Perhaps if you really are averse to working under your car, you could find a "mobile mechanic"? Around me you can find freelance mechanics on craigslist who come to your driveway to do a job, if you cant find a shop willing to do the install something along these lines may be of help.

Hell if you were near me id lend you a hand.

 

So this issue popped up again (disappeared after I changed out the O2 sensor last time). Its definitely coming from the bank 1 cat, which on the Cali spec I have, is build into the exhaust manifold. I'm guessing there's no non-OEM replacement for this? =-/