Which Cat?

[BryAZ]

I bought my car with 3" exhaust downpipe to Magnaflow muffler inlet and no cat.

I want to put a cat on because 1) I want to pass emissions 2) I'm tired of my car smelling like a petroleum plant and 3) I'm looking for a quieter sounding exhaust.

So I'm looking for a good inexpensive 3" universal cat. Which one will give me the most bang for the buck. I see Easterns on E-Bay for 37.00 but I imagine these are probably too cheap. Magnaflows on E-bay run about $59. Summit has Catco's for about $50. Any thoughts?

Will a high flow cat like Magnaflow do much to quiet the exhaust. I would almost be willing to go to something a little more restrictive to achieve that goal. I want a nice throaty sound, but right now it is nearly downright offensive.

[richsvo]

I use the 3" Catco...no problems.
The vehicle will most likely pass without the cat...FWIW
Rich

[90lx86svo]

There are just a few cat. manufactuers in the country and they have to abide by federal law so I am betting the ones you are looking at are all very close. I have removable cats. on my LX and I would say it is ~25% quieter with them on it.

Bud

[90lx86svo]

Originally posted by richsvo
I use the 3" Catco...no problems.
The vehicle will most likely pass without the cat...FWIW
Rich

Pass HC's without a cat?

[richsvo]

At least here in IL. They don't really do a visual inspection. The numbers come out fine without the cat. (Now if they do a visual, and that is a requirement...whole other story.)
svono50 (who is also a member here) doesn't have a cat. He's the one who shared this with me.
Rich

[BryAZ]

I sincerely doubt I would pass right now. The emission requirements are fairly tough here in Arizona, especially in the Phoenix metro area.

Thanks for all of the advice.