When upgrading an exaust system, and you purchase a new header and a new cat-back exaust system, is buying a new catalytic converter really needed? Is it really worth the extra money and time finding a compatible one?

 

If you're switching to a Type-R style header, yes. I would suggest buying all the same.

If you're buying a GS-R header, then no...
If you're buying the JDM Type-R header, then you will want to get a 2.5" cat for the JDM car, as well as a JDM Type-R exhaust. So if you buy a GS-R exhaust, or a US Type-R exhaust (what I mean is, an exhaust designed to fit those cars, regardless of manufacturer) you're going to have to do some cutting and welding to make it fit a JDM header.

A carsound cat will set you back about 175 bucks:
http://www.ipsracing.com/engine/exha...sound_cat.html for example. Shop around by all means.

A Type1 Racing convertor will set you back 95 bucks:
http://www.randdmotorsports.com/typeone.html

These are just two examples.

 

No, it is not needed but if you car is racking up the miles, you cat could be clogged. Just switching to a new stock cat would give you more power than a clogged cat. In my opinion a high flow cat is the "icing on the cake" when you already upgrade your header and full exhaust.

And about being worth it, i say it is, because for the amount of money we spend on exhausts doesnt give us tons of power anyway, why not spend 175 on something that would give us a tad more.

EDIT
If you plan to use jdm header or header with 2.5" collecter, yes, you have to get a new cat with a 2.5" collecter.

 

Yeah, well i have been leaning towards a DC sports header (4-2-1 or 4-1 (dont know the difference)) and an Apexi WS exaust system, or another quieter exaust. Where would u find a newer stock cat converter?

 

Dealership, i would go brand spankin new. Not sure on price at the dealer though.

Ill bet that the 175 high flow is cheaper than a stock cat at the dealer, not for sure though.

 

600 bucks for a stock cat from the dealer. If you don't live in a SMOG controlled state, I highly recommend you get a highflow. 175 for the carsound is even high. You can get a universal cat for less than 75 bucks.

As far as the DC Sports header, you have to watch out. They've got the 4-1 and the 4-2-1... and they've also got a "JDM spec racing header" that is essentially a JDM Type-R knockoff. Being such, it requires the same equipment that the Honda header requires.

 

Why would i have to watch out?

 

Lots of different ones, make sure you pick the right one

 

Exactly. Don't watch out for DC Sports, but pay attention to which header model you get. They have a number of different models.. including the "JDM spec" which is the same size as the JDM Type-R. If you got it, you'd have to get the bigger cat/

 

well if i go to modacar.com, and purchase the DC Sports 4-2-1 Ceramic Coated 1 Piece Header System, and order the GSR version, i won't have anything to worry about correct?