200 cell cats and CEL's
 

So, I'm in the midst of a header replacement and have run in to some problems with my cat bolts. This may just be the incentive I need to swap the stock cats with some 200 cel pieces.
But I have been warned by some experts that this is a risky move - in that many 200 cell installs frequently trigger CEL's. I really don't like this. I'm not the kind of person who can ignore a CEL, and I don't want to spend a lot of time with my dealer or local tech resetting them.
So, what's the story? Are some cars/years/models riskier than others? Are some cats more troublesome than others? I'd favor a Fabspeed x-pipe (because I have their mufflers, x-pipes are highly recommended in the Ford GT crowd, and I've been impressed with the folks and products at Fabspeed) but they are less mature technology. Might even ask Fabspeed (if I bought them) that, if they triggered CEL's that I would be refunded.
Opinions and data wanted!! :)
V

I cannot comment on any thing other THAN my car!
I have AWE cats and not a single problem!
Actually two problems...I like the sound so damn much I am always on the gas so my fuel mileage is way down and pretty good chance one of these days I will get a ticket,LOL!!!!

I love them and next to the supercharger,probably the best power gain for the buck!

Stacy

Again, my car is different from yours but so far for 2 months of pretty hard driving including auto-x on fabspeed xpipe plus maxflo mufflers - no CELs.

After I sealed all the leaks between cats and mufflers (better consider getting new clamps rather than fight with original stock ones - or ask Fabspeed guys to throw them in for free ;) ) sound became just perfect - respectful roar at 3K+, pretty silent at idle, no side effects, no droning. I think you will like it.

I believe the CEL issue occurred on the first generation AWE cats. There is a fix apparently available to reposition the O2 sensors. I installed the newer 2nd generation ones recently, and have not had any CEL issues with them.

Two years and 15kmiles no CEL...


Dave

Most of your top Exhaust makers have had time to get it right by now. There were some issues when the 997 generation first came out but within the last 2 years or so they've sorted through the crap material suppliers and you should be fine.

Ooh, this is very encouraging. My wife will hate all of you. :)
Has anyone heard the x-pipe (fabspeed) and the AWE cats? Any comment on the sounds of both/each?

But - I'd still like to know if anyone had any details about the cat-to-header oem bolts. Can they be pressed out while the cat is still on the car?

The non Xpipe cats will be louder, the xpipe has a way of quieting things down a tad but it does also have a different tonal quality.

Dave

Thanks. For me, quieter is better, so this is encouraging. Any further comment on 'the different tonal quality' or a pointer to a (video) recording?
Thanks

No issues with the AWE 200 cel cats. I bought mine used too.

With your header to cat bolt issue, it'll probably be better to drop the headers and cats together. I know, big pain in the rear. But once off of the car, you'll have much better access to the bolt problem.

Let me know if you want to get together again to listen to my set up if you're on the fence.

Good luck!

Andre

Thanks for the advice. Seems like the right path to follow. Does anyone have a pointer to a DIY rear bumper removal. I heard it's easy and if I'm going to get in this deep, might as well go in all the way.
Thanks

You do not need to take down rear bumper to take off cats. Just take off airbox and release wires for O2 sensors and drop them down so you could un-screw them after you get cats off the car.

go with fabspeed x-pipe, only check with fabspeed if your muffler`s pipes are of appropriate length -when I got my cats I discovered that to fit stock mufflers fabspeed cat pipes had to be shortened, so if your mufflers do fit stock cats - just make sure your xpipe cat pipe will fit your mufflers. Alex should know the right answer for you.

Can you say what's holding on the airbox? Is it just a few bolts? I'm guessing I take out a few bols and it just lifts off?

Thx.

Verde if you already have our Maxflo mufflers than the X-Pipe 200 cell sportcats will directly bolt-up with no cutting required. Here is a video clip of the X-Pipe sportcats installed with our Maxflo muffler.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRJNMKvRRLo

Nothing really holds it, there are no bolts there. Remove those 2 fastenings that hold air hose in place (do not touch other end that`s connected to throttle body) then slip air hoses from airbox then just pull entire airbox up and it will go.

prior to pulling airbox off release 2 plastic clams that hold wires - you`ll se `em and also disconnect connector on MAF sensor - it may be a little tough but will let go. I think there are more detailed instructions on renntech forum if you search for them with pictures of this process.

You will see 2 rubber inserts under airbox and near to you is an another insert that slips off.

If you want to change air filter at same time - turn airbox over and it will be 8 screws there to undo.