How crucial is catalytic converter placement??

[Holden_Caprice]

Hi all,

For those in the know, or for those who wish to posit any theories, is there a 'better' position for the catalytic converter to be placed? :teach:

If you had the option to place your cats immediately after the header collector, or just before the 'cat-back' flange, which would you choose or is the position negligibly significant?

Comments appreciated, :cheers:

[RyanIAm]

From what I have read, the closer to the engine the cat is, the faster it heats up, the faster it becomes efficient?

[Desertws6]

Place directly under the heat shields only. If the pan gets too hot, the carpet may have issues (melting)

Cheers,
Steve

[Holden_Caprice]

Thanks for the replies :bounce:

I'll set them as close to the headers as possible while keeping them under the heat shields. :cheers:

[Squidders]

Definately as the others have said stick to the location of the floor heat shields they are there for a reason . The only efficiency youd gain by them heating up quicker is the CATs ability to burn the pollutants out of the exhaust gasses.

Me I'd go for the current location, and if your looking for better flow and thus better performance check with your local exhaust specialist about a High-Flow Catalytic converter and a decent set of headers.

Hope this helps mate.

Squidds.

[Holden_Caprice]

Thanks Squidds :).

I will keep the new Cats in the standard position. My reason for asking about the best position is that I wish to 'flange' the cats for removal. My thinking was to limit the amount of joints. Therefore, if it was possible to place them further forward, I would bolt them up the header collector and then simply have a section of pipe 'flanged' up the the cat-back system.

Eg: | = Flanges

HEADERS || CAT || PIPE || CAT-BACK SYSTEM.

It would, however, considering all factors discussed here, be better for me to have the following system. Extra Joint, but allows for Cat removal:

HEADERS || PIPE || CAT || PIPE || CAT-BACK SYSTEM.

Thanks everyone for your comments etc.:dancenana: Much appreciated

[Desertws6]

Thanks Squidds :).

I will keep the new Cats in the standard position. My reason for asking about the best position is that I wish to 'flange' the cats for removal. My thinking was to limit the amount of joints. Therefore, if it was possible to place them further forward, I would bolt them up the header collector and then simply have a section of pipe 'flanged' up the the cat-back system.

Eg: | = Flanges

HEADERS || CAT || PIPE || CAT-BACK SYSTEM.

It would, however, considering all factors discussed here, be better for me to have the following system. Extra Joint, but allows for Cat removal:

HEADERS || PIPE || CAT || PIPE || CAT-BACK SYSTEM.

Thanks everyone for your comments etc.:dancenana: Much appreciated

If that is what you are looking for, then why not:

HEADERS || PIPE (WELD) CAT (WELD) PIPE || CAT-BACK SYSTEM

less joints and still does the same function. Cats are stainless steel, just use stainless pipes on each side. :thumbsup:

Cheers,
Steve

[WLDLS1]

why not just have it like everyone else.

HEADERS=PIPE=CAT=CATBACK. SIMPLE.

[Desertws6]

why not just have it like everyone else.

HEADERS=PIPE=CAT=CATBACK. SIMPLE.

Mate, he is trying to retain the original cat position. I suspect he is leaning toward swaping straight pipes for cats on track day.

Cheers,
Steve

[Holden_Caprice]

Mate, he is trying to retain the original cat position. I suspect he is leaning toward swaping straight pipes for cats on track day.

Cheers,
Steve

Bingo!!:bounce: Thanks Steve. For those commenting, I apologise if my seeking of advice was a little ambiguous :doh:. General advice/opinion was what I was after which I what I have received so thank you to everyone for your words :).

Yes, Cat removal is the kicker here.. I think I will just get the Cats welded to pipes as Steve (Desertws6) has suggested so that there is a flange at the collector and the flange at the cat-back, and then get a separate straight-through flanged section for when the Cats are not needed :dancenana:

:cheers:

[WLDLS1]

Mate, he is trying to retain the original cat position. I suspect he is leaning toward swaping straight pipes for cats on track day.

Cheers,
Steve

i think what i have stated does retain the position.

headers=pipes=(flanged either end)= cats(they have flanges at either end)= catback system(which is flanged). this is how they are from holden.
this is how they are setup for aftermarket unless you make mods to it yourself.
we drive holdens over here not camaros.
this is how mine is on my vy ss. when i go to the track i take off cats and put pipes in place.

[Squidders]

Me I'd go for the current location, and if your looking for better flow and thus better performance check with your local exhaust specialist about a High-Flow Catalytic converter and a decent set of headers.

Hope this helps mate.

Squidds.

LoL or just straight through pipes............ For Track (stricktly speaking lol):woot::woot:

[klink]

cat placement can depend on several factors.

I recently upgraded my cats to the imported ones as in a thread on here (couldnt find it) they look like a hotdog muffler.

I had mine mounted directly on the end of the collector and matched the size to the collector. and then ran piping from the cats to the cat back.

this has a couple of functions it lengthens the collector which with 4-1 has assisted in low down power as it effects the tourque based on my reading in regards to headers etc. (http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/header_basics/index.html)

it is definately noticable when driving as it pulls 300-500rpm lower yet doesnt sacrifice anything up top. and they sit approx 2 inches closer to the front of the car compared with the factory ones and takes that bend out after the headers.

Paul

[Squidders]

So how did it all go for you Caprice??