Exhaust Post your questions and suggestions about stock or aftermarket exhaust setups. Third Gen exhaust sound files and videos!

Dummy Cat

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 10:57 PM
  #1  
Firebird Mess85's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 85 Firebird & Grand Prix GXP
Engine: LG4 305 (originally 2.8L V6)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3:43 Open Diff.
Dummy Cat

Where can I buy a dummy cat?

I'm looking to put a new exhaust system on the Firebird, true dual with fake cats on so it will pass emissions. I have no idea where to buy the cat though.

Any ideas?
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 11:16 PM
  #2  
Stephen's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Dummy Cat

Fake cats will only help you visually. The sniffer test will reveal the the "cats" aren't doing anything to reduce the emissions.

Besides that, true duals aren't legal anyways, so why dummy up some cats? Cats or no cats, the duals will fail you visually anyways.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 12:53 PM
  #3  
Firebird Mess85's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 85 Firebird & Grand Prix GXP
Engine: LG4 305 (originally 2.8L V6)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3:43 Open Diff.
Re: Dummy Cat

I'm confused. Sniffer test? They techs at the dealership I used to work at all said there just had to be a cat, it didn't matter if it worked or not.

True duals are illegal? why's that?
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 01:07 PM
  #4  
Stephen's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Dummy Cat

Originally Posted by Firebird Mess85
I'm confused. Sniffer test? They techs at the dealership I used to work at all said there just had to be a cat, it didn't matter if it worked or not.

True duals are illegal? why's that?
Sniffer...The probe they shove up your tail pipe to "sniff" the exhaust.

The Federal requirements are that the cat remains in the stock location. Now, you could do the dual cats, in the stock spot (both on the passenger side) & run true dual exhaust that way, but your drivers side pipe would hafta turn towards the passenger side.

By the time you do all the twisting & turning to fit long tube headers reaching dual cats on the passenger side....Is the extra weight of dual cats, dual pies & the twisting & turning of these pipes...Gonna help you any, to be worth the effort?

I dunno...But I do know a single 3" is easy, 3.5" isn't that much harder, & a single 4" can be bough over the counter.

Other than true duals having a better sound...Is the extra work & weight REALLY worth the effort?

If a person isn't worried about legality & such, then yeah..True dual definately give a better sound.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 03:54 PM
  #5  
IROCThe5.7L's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 5,225
Likes: 70
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 427 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 Bolt / 3.73 TrueTrac
Re: Dummy Cat

Some places do not use "the sniffer". All we have here is a visual inspection.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 04:11 PM
  #6  
89RS_82Z's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 1
From: Fairhope, AL
Car: 89RS(other cars & pics in vBgarage)
Engine: LO3, 305 TBI Mildly Modified
Transmission: BakerBuilt 700R4 w/B&M Megashifter
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Auburn Pro Series LSD
Re: Dummy Cat

then get you a cat from somewhere and ream it out, i did that on a van of mine since the cat had a flage welded to it and i didnt want to have to custom fab an exhaust piece to remove my cat
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 04:36 PM
  #7  
UNCLE TOM's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 4
From: ms. gulf coast
Car: 91 R/S , 89 dodge p/u
Engine: L31 GM crate re-cammed , 318
Transmission: T-5 , 4 speed auto
Axle/Gears: 3.42 , ?
Re: Dummy Cat

Originally Posted by 89RS_82Z
then get you a cat from somewhere and ream it out, i did that on a van of mine since the cat had a flage welded to it and i didnt want to have to custom fab an exhaust piece to remove my cat
Jason is correct , just gut the cat. . i did that on my other car , felt difference right away . try breathing in and out through a rag . engines inhale and exhale , any help either way is good . good luck .
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 05:07 PM
  #8  
Air_Adam's Avatar
TGO Supporter
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 9,067
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Car: '83 Z28, '07 Charger SRT8
Engine: 454ci, 6.1 Hemi
Transmission: TH350, A5
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi, 3.06 posi
Re: Dummy Cat

Why not just get a high-flow universal cat? They aren't expensive, and don't impose any restriction. And they actually clean up the exhaust too.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 05:26 PM
  #9  
Stephen's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Dummy Cat

Originally Posted by Air_Adam
Why not just get a high-flow universal cat? They aren't expensive, and don't impose any restriction. And they actually clean up the exhaust too.
What? SACRIFICE 2 HP to a Hi-Flow cat?? Are you crazy????

He's right....Put on a good hi-flow cat/cats. Good ones!
----------
Originally Posted by IROCThe5.7L
Some places do not use "the sniffer". All we have here is a visual inspection.
Yes...But it's still illegal to gut a cat.

Last edited by Stephen; Oct 5, 2008 at 05:28 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 07:11 PM
  #10  
Firebird Mess85's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 85 Firebird & Grand Prix GXP
Engine: LG4 305 (originally 2.8L V6)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3:43 Open Diff.
Re: Dummy Cat

Originally Posted by IROCThe5.7L
Some places do not use "the sniffer". All we have here is a visual inspection.
IROC, we're both in Buffalo, NY and I know the dealership I worked at never stuck anything in my exhaust....not sure if it's cuz I worked there, but I've never heard of a sniffer in this area.

So a 4" exhaust system dual cat back is the way to go? Is that going to be crazy expensive?

Where do I get a 4" cat for that?
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 07:51 PM
  #11  
89RS_82Z's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 1
From: Fairhope, AL
Car: 89RS(other cars & pics in vBgarage)
Engine: LO3, 305 TBI Mildly Modified
Transmission: BakerBuilt 700R4 w/B&M Megashifter
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Auburn Pro Series LSD
Re: Dummy Cat

speeding is illegal also

just remember it was like that when i got it, i had no clue
----------
Originally Posted by Firebird Mess85
IROC, we're both in Buffalo, NY and I know the dealership I worked at never stuck anything in my exhaust....not sure if it's cuz I worked there, but I've never heard of a sniffer in this area.

So a 4" exhaust system dual cat back is the way to go? Is that going to be crazy expensive?

Where do I get a 4" cat for that?

and no a 4" single is the way to go, as said duals can be alot of trouble, i had dual 2 1/2 with glasspacks on a 454 that berathed fine..... 3" , 3 1/2" is enough single is enough, 4" is bragging rights......if you got a 305 the 3" should work good, i got 3" with a handfull of mods, no cat, and factory manifolds and im running time that a 350 TPI does....i got some headers, i just need to install them and get a down pipe made.....

but true duals do sound good, and you can fit them under a camaro with a little trouble, have some scaping issues with them normaly, i seen it done plenty of times, but dual 4" would be to much...... i may do dual 4" on a 454 or 502

Last edited by 89RS_82Z; Oct 5, 2008 at 07:58 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2008 | 11:55 PM
  #12  
IROCThe5.7L's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 5,225
Likes: 70
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 427 SBC
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 Bolt / 3.73 TrueTrac
Re: Dummy Cat

Originally Posted by Stephen
Yes...But it's still illegal to gut a cat.

I never said it wasn't. I simply stated all we have here is a visual inspection. Firebird Mess85, I would just go with a nice 3" system.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 06:29 AM
  #13  
onfire's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: costa mesa/A.D. the largest Emirate
Car: 88 Formula 350
Engine: 5----->.7 or so they say
Transmission: seven hundred with a remainder of 4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Re: Dummy Cat



You can easily get a good flowing 3" cat back system. Save your money for some engine mods ... cai, tires, oil change, gas, 454 with a monster blower something like that !



Rabi C.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2008 | 07:14 PM
  #14  
Firebird Mess85's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 85 Firebird & Grand Prix GXP
Engine: LG4 305 (originally 2.8L V6)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3:43 Open Diff.
Re: Dummy Cat

Originally Posted by onfire


You can easily get a good flowing 3" cat back system. Save your money for some engine mods ... cai, tires, oil change, gas, 454 with a monster blower something like that !



Rabi C.

Lol, no 454, I had that opportunity a few months ago. Staying with the 305 just as long as I don't find it's junk when I take it apart.

It seems like 3" it is then with headers. Now the pain is finding a shop to do the work that won't kill half my budget.

So I guess as far as the cat goes, a high flow is the concensus?
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2008 | 01:01 AM
  #15  
Kevin91Z's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 10,950
Likes: 26
From: Orange, SoCal
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Re: Dummy Cat

Definitely get an aftermarket cat from Magnaflow, Catco, or Random Tech. I prefer Magnaflow but they're all good.

If you can afford it all at once, you can do headers, cat, and exhaust all at the same time. If you do it in pieces then you have to pay for labor two or three times.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 09:05 PM
  #16  
91camaro372's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 3.1L v6
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73(for now) posi disc from 95 Z28
Re: Dummy Cat

If you have headers though you never know if you'll pass emissions either... atleast not in MD. Just somthing to think about. I'm waiting on headers till I get it emissions tested then i'm taking off the cat and running headers. Just my
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 09:26 PM
  #17  
89RS_82Z's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 1
From: Fairhope, AL
Car: 89RS(other cars & pics in vBgarage)
Engine: LO3, 305 TBI Mildly Modified
Transmission: BakerBuilt 700R4 w/B&M Megashifter
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Auburn Pro Series LSD
Re: Dummy Cat

he is 85, i figure he would be exempt for emissions since its over 20 years old, some states exempt cars after 20-25 years
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 03:05 PM
  #18  
phillyterror's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Car: 85' T/A
Engine: 5.7 350
Transmission: 700r-4
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt Borg Warner
Re: Dummy Cat

On that note: do anyone my an aftermarkert (N10) option today?
What that improve?
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 05:27 PM
  #19  
krisb410's Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 1
From: Naples, FL
Car: 91 RS Camaro, 75 L82 Corvette
Engine: LO3, 383 Stroker
Transmission: 700R4, TH400
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.23 posi/LS1 discs, stock
Re: Dummy Cat

Originally Posted by phillyterror
On that note: do anyone my an aftermarkert (N10) option today?
What that improve?


Can you word that so it makes sense?
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 05:38 PM
  #20  
Stephen's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: Dummy Cat

N10 is the dual cat.....But a single 3" flows enough for most street cars & weighs less.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2008 | 07:35 PM
  #21  
Firebird Mess85's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 85 Firebird & Grand Prix GXP
Engine: LG4 305 (originally 2.8L V6)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3:43 Open Diff.
Re: Dummy Cat

Yeah, I'm exempt i believe. I mean my car is a v6 to v8 swap car and passed inspection with just a walk around inspection and quick look on the lift.. 3" with high flow single cat is still the best way to go?


EDIT: Oh, I wanted to add more. I think this may be a stupid question but by dual cat back is that a system like this? Cuz this is basically the seup I have now? Everytime I try to find a dual cat back exhaust I find things that look like this.

Last edited by Firebird Mess85; Oct 9, 2008 at 08:29 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 03:50 PM
  #22  
Kevin91Z's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 10,950
Likes: 26
From: Orange, SoCal
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Re: Dummy Cat

Emissions exempt just means you dont have to get tested. It doesnt mean you can legally remove parts. Federal law still applies.

Nobody makes a off-the-shelf dual exhaust setup for our cars because its pretty difficult, and a single 3" is fine for most cars. If you want true-dual exhaust you have to custom make it yourself. See the dual exhaust thread at the top of this forum.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 09:58 PM
  #23  
Firebird Mess85's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 85 Firebird & Grand Prix GXP
Engine: LG4 305 (originally 2.8L V6)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3:43 Open Diff.
Re: Dummy Cat

No I don't have to have true dual after hearing the responses here. Just trying to figure out the best 3" setup now I guess.

Now I guess I just want to know what constitutes as "cat-back dual exhaust"?
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2008 | 07:02 PM
  #24  
Firebird Mess85's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 85 Firebird & Grand Prix GXP
Engine: LG4 305 (originally 2.8L V6)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3:43 Open Diff.
Re: Dummy Cat

bump: Confused here....what constitutes dual exhaust (not true dual)? I'm trying to figure out what I'm looking for. Is it just what is pictured below?

Reply
Old Oct 11, 2008 | 09:59 PM
  #25  
89RS_82Z's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 1
From: Fairhope, AL
Car: 89RS(other cars & pics in vBgarage)
Engine: LO3, 305 TBI Mildly Modified
Transmission: BakerBuilt 700R4 w/B&M Megashifter
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Auburn Pro Series LSD
Re: Dummy Cat

its a single 3" from the cat (or where your cat should be) to the muffler, its called a crossflow muffler a crossflow is a direct replacement that has a single in and dual out, look at the simple pic i made, it shows how exhaust goes in and out the muffler
Attached Thumbnails Dummy Cat-untitled.jpg  
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2008 | 10:30 PM
  #26  
90-irocdx3's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 0
From: santa barbara,ca
Car: 1990 iroc z
Engine: LSX 376 F1A
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Dummy Cat

here is a dummy cat for you http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LT1Formula
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
7
Oct 8, 2015 08:34 PM
jaridjohn
Exhaust
14
Oct 5, 2015 07:01 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:48 AM.