97 850 NA Learn me some catalytic converters

dairyqueen814 · Post by **dairyqueen814** » 08 Apr 2014, 20:25

So I don't live in Cali.
And there's like ten million different catalytic converters for sale ranging from $100 to like $600
just wondering what the big difference is between the different options on FCP and eEuroparts and auto zone and things like magnaflow and different emissions codes etc. etc. etc.
It's just a bit overwhelming and this isn't super urgent but it might be in the future

Thanks as always
Nick

Post by **tryingbe** » 08 Apr 2014, 21:17

I used $80 magnaflow on my turbo dodge, it passed 3 emissions just fine.

dairyqueen814 · Post by **dairyqueen814** » 09 Apr 2014, 06:07

tryingbe wrote:I used $80 magnaflow on my turbo dodge, it passed 3 emissions just fine.

I guess one of my other questions is are there any other things to watch out for when looking for a CAT? is the $80 one going to suck up gas? or power? or mess up my O2 sensors at all? Damn Volvo making me paranoid about using anything but OEM.
Or will nothing change and the only reason they are there is to pass emissions?

Post by **rmmagow** » 09 Apr 2014, 08:28

The CAT is a pretty simple device, no moving parts. The front O2 sensor is before the CAT and is the important part in the mileage equation. The rear O2 sensor (in most cars) does little but watch the stream for being clean. The Front O2 sensor will switch voltage pretty frequently, rich-lean-rich-lean, the rear should be a very much smooth curve of voltage. If it starts varying voltage a lot, CEL is set, cat below efficiency. Lots of folks here recommended to me the Magnaflow when I needed a CAT. It will work fine. I ended up getting a Used cat volvo brand welded in place. The cat really can be any good quality cat made by a major supplier and installed properly by an exhaust shop since there's welding going on. If my AWD ever needs another cat, I might well try one of the aftermarket brands from like FCP or Eeuroparts if there's a good warranty for fit and function. In short, any functional cat will work and won't break the O2 sensors. Don't go ultra cheap though or "rebuilt".

dairyqueen814 · Post by **dairyqueen814** » 09 Apr 2014, 09:41

rmmagow wrote:The CAT is a pretty simple device, no moving parts. The front O2 sensor is before the CAT and is the important part in the mileage equation. The rear O2 sensor (in most cars) does little but watch the stream for being clean. The Front O2 sensor will switch voltage pretty frequently, rich-lean-rich-lean, the rear should be a very much smooth curve of voltage. If it starts varying voltage a lot, CEL is set, cat below efficiency. Lots of folks here recommended to me the Magnaflow when I needed a CAT. It will work fine. I ended up getting a Used cat volvo brand welded in place. The cat really can be any good quality cat made by a major supplier and installed properly by an exhaust shop since there's welding going on. If my AWD ever needs another cat, I might well try one of the aftermarket brands from like FCP or Eeuroparts if there's a good warranty for fit and function. In short, any functional cat will work and won't break the O2 sensors. Don't go ultra cheap though or "rebuilt".

Great
thanks for the info!