First off, i am really in a bind here and i appreciate the help I tried the search tool but came up with little-to-nothing.

if you dont like reading, skip to the summerization.


the story is that i failed emissions today. I knew the cat was fried but i hoped it would still squeek through. It didn't. It's the last thing in my way from getting my car street legal (finally). My dad is in a rush to get the car on the road so it can be fully debugged before school starts in one month, because once school starts, i'm doing a full tear down and repainting her top to bottom along with rebuilding a L98 into a fresh 383. etc etc. I don't want to get ahead of myself.

The key is i need this car to pass inspection ASAP. and therefore i need a new cat. I'm also on a tight budget so, although i wanted to do a dual setup, i'm going to stick with a single, good cat. Me dad said the current ID is 3". I was also going to put the 3" Hooker Aerochamber catback on at the same time since it was going on asap anyways. So i'm guessing i need a 3" ID/OD cat correct?


then my question is, what is the highest flowing 3" ID/OD cat that i can fit under my Iroc. I know there's the whole "no such thing as a high flow cat" (don), but i know some are larger or have better technology or shape than others. As long as it fits without a problem and is reasonably priced, I really don't care. I have heard the Magnaflow(carsound) cats are probably the best for the money, but I can't remember for sure. Also, fitment is a big issue because i have limited ability to weld and cut and bend things around. So i thought direct fit would be good but what do i know. Nothing.


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summarization:
-car needs a cat ASAP
-Hooker 3" catback also being purchased for install at the same time
-need best flowing, cheapest, easiest fitting catalytic converter there is





i have looked at these cats:
http://tinyurl.com/5p844c
http://tinyurl.com/6m2tal

but i really don't know what im looking at, or if a universal cat would be just as good, or where to get them cheapest, or any of that. I'm just scrambling to get my baby on the road, and the search tool failed me after 40 mins of looking.




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note for dynodon: Don, if you remember me, know i'm still interested in your headers. I just had to delay them until i swap the engine in the winter. I have a few buddies over in the west coast region and i was wondering if they could maybe pick up the parts for me since at least 1 of them is coming back east this winter and should be able to bring the headers with him. Would save both of us some time/money i think... Leme know. I also would like some prices and such on the headers + single cat piping and maybe shipping. But that can be done with PMs

 

Magnaflow is what I recommend.

 

would the one i linked to be right, or is there a better/cheaper one?


edit: btw, just to emphasize that i didnt have time to do more research. It took half an hour of debating just to keep my dad from sending in an order tonight

 

The direct fit one is supposed to bolt right in, if your stock exhaust has those four-bolt flanges. If not, then you'll need the universal one and have a muffler shop weld it in.

 

OK ill focus on those then.


Are they worth the 40 odd $ over the dynomax?

 

I've got the Catco 9118 (direct fit). But the Magnaflow from what I hear is just as good. Could be better, who knows. Buy whatever one is cheaper.

 

I thought i remembered reading somewhere about a benchtest of catalytic converters. Carsound (magnaflow) was second only to some really expensive one i can't remember. I think i'll just throw an order into summit for a magnaflow cat and my hooker catback. That should be good, unless any new info arrives before tomorrow night.