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How much hp does a catalytic converter steal?

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Old 08-22-2001, 11:37 PM
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How much hp does a catalytic converter steal?

Just curious
Old 08-22-2001, 11:41 PM
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Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
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Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
A stock one? About 10-15. An aftermarket one? About 5. Not worth gutting, unless you're cheap.

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Old 08-26-2001, 06:18 PM
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Car Craft did a test on this about 6 months back on a supercharged 305 making over 315HP at the wheels. With the cats on, it lost 2 peak HP but gained 8lb/ft of torque from 2000RPM to its torque peak.

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1985 Z28, Jasper Class 1 350, Edelbrock Performer intake, Dual snorkel air cleaner, K&N, Edelbrock headers, Catco 3" cat, Hooker 3" cat-back, Richmond 3.73's, built 700r4 w/Darrell Young 2400 stall TC, JET Stage 2 chip, Hypertech coil, Lakewood LCA's, Powertrax locker, SSM subframes, Centerline Auto Drag's
Old 08-26-2001, 06:41 PM
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Sure, and they probably failed to tune the engine for optimized operation with a more open exhaust. It probably leaned out whereas if they had bumped up the fuel a little more horsepower would have been realized without the cat. A catalytic converter merely adds backpressure, and I can't see how it would increase flow velocity better than a straight pipe. It is the velocity of the exhaust gases that must be maximized for power production, while the backpressure should be kept to a minimum. From a performance standpoint, there is nothing positive to be said about a catalytic converter. I really hate to get into this again.... .

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1990 IROC 350
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Ruger P95DC, hot wife, new oil filter, thick rubber floormats, no cats.
18.0 @ 85MPH since I'm one big-a$$ MF
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Old 08-26-2001, 06:49 PM
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well, if u gut the cat and don't put a pipe inside of it, then can't the open area creat turbulence?

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88' GTA 350 MODS---> air foil, K&N, Shift Kit, 180* therm, TB bypass, Gutted CAT
Old 08-26-2001, 09:08 PM
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i guess i am cheep i gutted it, why pay 100 when you dont even have to pass emissions and you need to get ride of back pressure. i would beleve that it would cause tubulance but there it should be nothing compared to the resistance of a stock cat.
Old 08-26-2001, 09:47 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by breathment:
well, if u gut the cat and don't put a pipe inside of it, then can't the open area create turbulence?
</font>
Yes it does create turbulance. A gutted cat acts the same as a muffler, it redirects flow but doesent have a clear path to travel thus reducing HP.

To anyone how wants to gut thier cat! Please for the sake of GM spend 5 bucks and get a piece of pipe to stick in there galvinized pole is cheap and can be bought at home depo.
but dont use it for a replacement pipe.
SSC
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