Cats or No Cats, that is the question...

[JRam5.7]

So Im looking to add ARH 1 3/4 LTs (with a HF tune) to my 5.7 already equipped with Mopar's cat back setup.

FL doesn't have vehicle inspections so I could getaway with no cats, but Im not sure of the sound output.

Any opinions or advice? The $ difference is only $100 so not a deal breaker either way.

 

[S0CAL]

I don't have the Mopar, but a Magnaflow exhaust system (single exit). My ARH 1 3/4 have high flow cats. It is not obnoxious at startup, but man oh man does it roar when I get on it, otherwise a respectable (hey he must have modded his truck) rumble.

The performance gains (this is what really matters) in the powerband is OFF THE HOOK. It just feels like I have another gear or two, no matter where I am on speed or RPMs. The headers are just amazing.

Net-net, you won't go wrong with the highflow CATs.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

the difference in power between high flows and no cats is only a couple hp normally, especially on a NA motor. sound is subjective so thats a tough one.

if you arent dead set on ARH we can offer a great deal on KOOKs or Stainless Works. message me if interested

 

[JRam5.7]

Im all about being just above that subtle "it must be modded" sound but below obnoxious, but subjective is correct and its a tough question. I guess the question could be, to what level do cats reduce the decibels on non catted. Then of course everyones cat back is different too, tough to get an accurate sound.

Nick, Ive only experience with ARH (2007 Corvette LS2 w/cam pulleys etc) and my experience was awesome. I cant say Ive heard anything neg about Kooks other than the controversial ceramic coating...

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

i would normally say go cats then but i dont know how if that catback is tame or not

ARH is an awesome product. I got nothing bad to say about it, we just cant offer it at the moment KOOKs and SW are top notch! I have personally ran SW on my vehicle

 

[bassheadhemi]

i would normally say go cats then but i dont know how if that catback is tame or not

ARH is an awesome product. I got nothing bad to say about it, we just cant offer it at the moment KOOKs and SW are top notch! I have personally ran SW on my vehicle

I'll also add that SW is true dual ready if you ever decide to go that route in the future.

 

[Gary's Hemi]

Mine is catless and the sound w/ the 18" Magnaflow isnt bad at all. The smell bugs me sometimes but thats part of being catless. If you want the smell & the extra noise then catless, if not get high flows

 

[JRam5.7]

^ I forgot the "smell" lol

 

[Casper]

I remember the 70's and how awful it was sitting in traffic with the windows open. I'm not sure I'd want to revisit that unburned fuel smell every day.
Your truck, your decision.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

ah the smell, the sweet smell of HORSEPOWER!

 

[gonzo1968]

How do you run catless with the o2 sensors. Do you get codes? Is there a hack around this?

 

[Gary's Hemi]

You can get a tune or install spark plug nonfoulers in the exhaust to keep the cel away. The tune is the better option though

 

[WilliamS]

Here is the way to look at it, the smell gets old, the noise might also get old. For $100 bucks you can get cats, keep the odor down and also helps with the drone.

One other thing to keep in mind, although you do not need them in Florida, to sell or trade a vehicle it has to have them.

 

[chrisp2493]

The smell doesn’t bother me, but I can’t tell you how many other people notice and mention that my truck stinks. And I respond “that’s the smell of horsepower!”

 

[Johnnymac2k6]

^ I forgot the "smell" lol

for sure....mine smells worst than my open header racecar.lol

 

[Ramitiner]

the high flow cats will still throw a code and youd have to tune them out anyway. the smell is still present albeit a tad better... youre doing this mod for the performance... go catless.

 

[Jwithing]

I love the smell and walk around the back of my truck everytime I get out since I put my catless JBA's on lol

 

[Johnnymac2k6]

I've just learned to ignore it. It is funny though, i have been drag racing, and have owned old carbureted v8's since i was 16....and this truck smells worst than any of them.lol

 

[Dangulo]

the high flow cats will still throw a code and youd have to tune them out anyway. the smell is still present albeit a tad better... youre doing this mod for the performance... go catless.

No codes on my 1 3/4 aFe long tubes with hi flo
cats still running a canned 91 Diablo tune as well so the rear 02's have not been turned off

 

[Ramitiner]

Wow really? Surprised