CATS..........

[CanuckRam1313]

Question for you All regarding cats.

My current 23' Classic Warlock - I purchased her new in Feb 24' - I had the entire upgraded exhaust system removed from my then 19' and put onto my 23' by the dealership (19' cats, the custom y-pipe, Magnaflow 14", reso delete and 5" tips....)

I then had a custom exhaust shop (Hot Rod Scott's in Toronto) address the fitment and make custom sockets on the cats down-tubes to line up with the stock manifolds, and not leak exhaust fumes everywhere.

** History:
I traded in my 19' with about 141,000km on her (cats original), and now I've put on about 70,000km on my 23'.
So, now I'm north of 210,000km on these cats and I can tell that they are getting tired.

My performance isn't quite there - the transmission does a bit of a hang-up if you will at WOT and sometimes during regular in-town driving (fluid is verified to be at the correct level via the green sheet) and my fuel economy is getting a bit worse as well.

I feel a hesitation - a bit of drag, per se, on my truck that wasn't there when I got her new. The flow isn't as nice, and I can feel it on the highway when I smash the go stick and then let off to coast...it's sluggish!!!

We are all car/truck guys here, and I know my cats are contributing to this current situation!
Those here who know me a bit, know that I'm ridiculous about preventative and predictive maintenance, so, there is zero issues with my engine in any way whatsoever that could/would contribute to this current issue.

So, my question regarding replacing the pair of cats on my truck...
- Can I put on a pair of aftermarket highflow cays, say Magnaflow (or another recommend brand that can be sourced in Ontario Canada), without causing CEL's or other issues (Hot Rod Scott's would do the re&re)?
OR...
- Is it better to go with new stock OEM cats (still Hot Rod Scott's to do the re&re)?

I can't deal with the expense of getting into the HP tuner end of things any time soon, nor can I deal with any CEL's because of this cat replacement.

I need my truck to be hugely dependable and not cause me grief of any kind when it comes to replacing the cats.
This is my DD, my lifeline for my family and my career, too!

Thanks for any input from the Crew here!!!!

 

[Wild one]

Question for you All regarding cats.

My current 23' Classic Warlock - I purchased her new in Feb 24' - I had the entire upgraded exhaust system removed from my then 19' and put onto my 23' by the dealership (19' cats, the custom y-pipe, Magnaflow 14", reso delete and 5" tips....)

I then had a custom exhaust shop (Hot Rod Scott's in Toronto) address the fitment and make custom sockets on the cats down-tubes to line up with the stock manifolds, and not leak exhaust fumes everywhere.

** History:
I traded in my 19' with about 141,000km on her (cats original), and now I've put on about 70,000km on my 23'.
So, now I'm north of 210,000km on these cats and I can tell that they are getting tired.

My performance isn't quite there - the transmission does a bit of a hang-up if you will at WOT and sometimes during regular in-town driving (fluid is verified to be at the correct level via the green sheet) and my fuel economy is getting a bit worse as well.

I feel a hesitation - a bit of drag, per se, on my truck that wasn't there when I got her new. The flow isn't as nice, and I can feel it on the highway when I smash the go stick and then let off to coast...it's sluggish!!!

We are all car/truck guys here, and I know my cats are contributing to this current situation!
Those here who know me a bit, know that I'm ridiculous about preventative and predictive maintenance, so, there is zero issues with my engine in any way whatsoever that could/would contribute to this current issue.

So, my question regarding replacing the pair of cats on my truck...
- Can I put on a pair of aftermarket highflow cays, say Magnaflow (or another recommend brand that can be sourced in Ontario Canada), without causing CEL's or other issues (Hot Rod Scott's would do the re&re)?
OR...
- Is it better to go with new stock OEM cats (still Hot Rod Scott's to do the re&re)?

I can't deal with the expense of getting into the HP tuner end of things any time soon, nor can I deal with any CEL's because of this cat replacement.

I need my truck to be hugely dependable and not cause me grief of any kind when it comes to replacing the cats.
This is my DD, my lifeline for my family and my career, too!

Thanks for any input from the Crew here!!!!

Stick a set of these under the rear 02's,and they'll kill any lights you might get.
They'll even work if you remove the cats and don't tune the truck.
I've been running them for the last dozen years on several vehicles,along with cluing a few buddies into them,and nobody has ever had a check engine light on a catless vehicle that's untuned.
I ran the wifes 1320 for a year with catless long tubes,before i finally got around to tuning the car,and never had any issues,my 300 with 6.4 manifolds and catless midpipes and the later 2.75" exhaust has had them for the last 5 years,and never once has it had a check engine light.
I actually have 3 sets of them on my shelf,in case somebody ever needs a set installed You can get them in straight and 90 degree,so look at what you need then order them,most times the trucks will use the straight ones,but i'm not overly familiar with the 5th Gens exhaust system,so look before you order.
They're actually cheaper on Canuck Amazon then US Amazon most times

2Pack M18X1.5 O2 Sensor Spacer, Oxygen Sensor Adapter with Built-in Catalytic Converter for Car CEL Fix, Check Engine Light Eliminator, Resolves P0420 Fault Catalytic Converter Code, Compatible with : Amazon.ca: Automotive

2Pack M18X1.5 O2 Sensor Spacer, Oxygen Sensor Adapter with Built-in Catalytic Converter for Car CEL Fix, Check Engine Light Eliminator, Resolves P0420 Fault Catalytic Converter Code, Compatible with : Amazon.ca: Automotive

www.amazon.ca

2Pack M18X1.5 O2 Sensor Spacer, Oxygen Sensor Adapter with Built-in Catalytic Converter for Car CEL Fix, Check Engine Light Eliminator, Resolves P0420 Fault Catalytic Converter Code, Compatible with : Amazon.ca: Automotive

2Pack M18X1.5 O2 Sensor Spacer, Oxygen Sensor Adapter with Built-in Catalytic Converter for Car CEL Fix, Check Engine Light Eliminator, Resolves P0420 Fault Catalytic Converter Code, Compatible with : Amazon.ca: Automotive

www.amazon.ca

https://www.amazon.ca/Abvefudo-Universal-Connector-Catalytic-Defouler/dp/B0FKMKSRPR?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nolZmuw6hUBAnVsGmg6k24RICUfNJJQ_-OH05jkxBEUl5MPxzRTicawyw6VxhJrWKjHSfJTpM3BS9m5Jn2I7G6e_ceIzIZkZZAdtsAx895D50GHyZ_fBeY4e0-jsPFaaAUqNv9mjD9dGEVSwe27aVS3_dJTx2_Sfh5oaKDQ-__qVy3oPSTpUgH03hNf16XqN2Drjjt1bFnqklCY3YYRrFrqIa0ZaQa6niV0YG4nZGPfYZz3WzvX_TNfDnp8k0a62SJiSS86C-UAL4iudXrMNkHXTCAGCpBBUNtlVp4hmUso.9Goh1vyAWjBPqFj0EhFRfD0XCH_ZtHfxqCUQEX0JHVc&dib_tag=se&keywords=mini%2Bcatalytic%2Bconvertor%2Bo2%2Bsensor%2Badapter&qid=1779480035&sr=8-16&th=1

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Stick a set of these under the rear 02's,and they'll kill any lights you might get.
They'll even work if you remove the cats and don't tune the truck.

Thank You, Brother!!!!!!!!!
This is such a huge help to me.

What's the take - your opinion, on cat-less vs catted for my truck...

** I hold you to nothing and acknowledge that you are not providing any legal advice that would/could contradict and/or overrule any and all provincial and/or federal legal requirements pertaining to the governance surrounding the particulars regarding emissions requirements, period!!

*** googler ai is saying the following:

Yes, you absolutely need cats (catalytic converters) for your 5.7L HEMI to run properly. Removing them will cause drivability issues, trigger permanent "Check Engine" codes, disable your remote start, ruin your fuel economy, and result in heavy fines across Ontario.

How it Affects Your HEMI

• Loss of Low-End Torque: The 5.7L HEMI relies on a certain amount of exhaust backpressure. Straight-piping or gutting the cats often results in a noticeable loss of low-end torque.
• Computer Malfunctions: Removing the cats throws off your O2 sensor readings. The truck's computer (ECU) will think the engine is running lean and dump too much fuel into the cylinders, killing your gas mileage and fouling your spark plugs.
• Disabled Remote Start: The Dodge/RAM computer will not allow the remote start feature to function if a check engine light or emissions-related code is active.
• The Tuning Dilemma: To get rid of the dashboard warning lights and bypass the computer errors, you will need an aftermarket tune. However, reputable custom tuners will not turn off O2 sensors or disable emissions monitors due to strict legal liabilities.

Ontario Laws and Enforcement

• Strict Tampering Bans: Under O. Reg. 169/22: VEHICLE EMISSIONS, it is illegal in Ontario to alter or remove any original emission control system, including catalytic converters.
• Steep Fines: Both the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) conduct vehicle safety blitzes. If you are caught driving without a properly functioning converter, you risk significant fines (ranging from $400 up to $20,000 for tampering).
• Roadside Inspections: Inspectors can issue tickets for modified exhaust or smoke and can even order your vehicle off the road.

The Best Alternative
If your factory catalytic converters are clogged, rusty, or you want a more aggressive, free-flowing exhaust sound without dealing with computer or legal issues, opt for high-flow catalytic converters. High-flow cats (such as EPA-compliant options from MagnaFlow or PLM) allow the 5.7L to breathe much better without triggering check engine lights or breaking the law

 

[DILLIGAF]

• Strict Tampering Bans: Under O. Reg. 169/22: VEHICLE EMISSIONS,

Good thing grown men dont care about that nonsense.

HP tuner , custom tune . This will fix the chitty 8 speed factory settings and get rid of those codes

Cats belong in the trash.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Good thing grown men dont care about that nonsense.

HP tuner , custom tune . This will fix the chitty 8 speed factory settings and get rid of those codes

I couldn't agree with you more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
However.......................

Brother.. I so wish I could go down that road with HP Tuners right now....
If I could, I absolutely would 100%!
However, unfortunately I cannot at this time...!

I need an alternative that will keep the CEL's off and let my HEMI breathe properly.
My HEMI is choking currently!

What are your thoughts on something that can achieve what I'm hoping to accomplish?

 

[hunterdan]

If money wasn't an issue, I'd go with the magnaflow cats. They're EPA compliant so they shouldn't throw any codes, and the y-pipe is the best flowing option out there for stock replacement style.
Magnaflow 49664 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 5.7L | Catalytic Converter-Direct Fit | OEM Grade EPA https://share.google/emx4UMb2xAii94pBY.
I went with a cheaper set off ebay, but still have an improved y-pipe over OEM. There's no crushed pipe. I'm not getting any CEL for cat efficiency, and I did notice an improvement in perofr over my old ones that did seem to be clogged or partially clogged.

https://ebay.us/m/B6PmSw

 

[Wild one]

Thank You, Brother!!!!!!!!!
This is such a huge help to me.

What's the take - your opinion, on cat-less vs catted for my truck...

** I hold you to nothing and acknowledge that you are not providing any legal advice that would/could contradict and/or overrule any and all provincial and/or federal legal requirements pertaining to the governance surrounding the particulars regarding emissions requirements, period!!

*** googler ai is saying the following:

Yes, you absolutely need cats (catalytic converters) for your 5.7L HEMI to run properly. Removing them will cause drivability issues, trigger permanent "Check Engine" codes, disable your remote start, ruin your fuel economy, and result in heavy fines across Ontario.

How it Affects Your HEMI

• Loss of Low-End Torque: The 5.7L HEMI relies on a certain amount of exhaust backpressure. Straight-piping or gutting the cats often results in a noticeable loss of low-end torque.
• Computer Malfunctions: Removing the cats throws off your O2 sensor readings. The truck's computer (ECU) will think the engine is running lean and dump too much fuel into the cylinders, killing your gas mileage and fouling your spark plugs.
• Disabled Remote Start: The Dodge/RAM computer will not allow the remote start feature to function if a check engine light or emissions-related code is active.
• The Tuning Dilemma: To get rid of the dashboard warning lights and bypass the computer errors, you will need an aftermarket tune. However, reputable custom tuners will not turn off O2 sensors or disable emissions monitors due to strict legal liabilities.

Ontario Laws and Enforcement

• Strict Tampering Bans: Under O. Reg. 169/22: VEHICLE EMISSIONS, it is illegal in Ontario to alter or remove any original emission control system, including catalytic converters.
• Steep Fines: Both the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) conduct vehicle safety blitzes. If you are caught driving without a properly functioning converter, you risk significant fines (ranging from $400 up to $20,000 for tampering).
• Roadside Inspections: Inspectors can issue tickets for modified exhaust or smoke and can even order your vehicle off the road.

The Best Alternative
If your factory catalytic converters are clogged, rusty, or you want a more aggressive, free-flowing exhaust sound without dealing with computer or legal issues, opt for high-flow catalytic converters. High-flow cats (such as EPA-compliant options from MagnaFlow or PLM) allow the 5.7L to breathe much better without triggering check engine lights or breaking the law

Alberta doesn't have the same laws you guys do,so everything of mine has been catless for many years,lol. That's a bunch of BS about the computor,as it'll compensate for the truck being catless,and won't dump anymore fuel into the cylinders. Both the 1320 and 300 have A/Fr gauges and they run right in the ideal ballpark for A/F ratios.At full throttle both ran/run right around 12.6 to 12.8 and at cruise mode/part throttle both run between 14.2 to 14.6,and those are pretty well as ideal as you can get for a naturally aspirated engine.
The downside to catless is the fumes,but as long as you don't run the truck inside a garage for an extended length of time they won't kill you.I grew up when nothing had cats,so the oder doesn't really bother me
The biggest restriction in the exhaust system are the cats,not the muffler,and in the majority of applications removing the cats will give you a power increase. Whoever wrote that pile of BS doesn't know how an engine operates with their claim you need back pressure in the exhaust system,that's so stupid i had to have a good laugh over it..
Even if you decide on the high flow cats,the 02 spacers are still a good idea,but if you're not worried about emissions and getting caught,i'd dump the cats,if you do get stopped for them missing,i'd just tell the mounties they were stole,and you're waiting for a shop to replace them
The truck will be noticably louder with out them,and that's your first clue they're a big restriction,if they weren't the exhaust wouldn't get louder

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Alberta doesn't have the same laws you guys do,so everything of mine has been catless for many years,lol. That's a bunch of BS about the computor,as it'll compensate for the truck being catless,and won't dump anymore fuel into the cylinders. Both the 1320 and 300 have A/Fr gauges and they run right in the ideal ballpark for A/F ratios.At full throttle both ran/run right around 12.6 to 12.8 and at cruise mode/part throttle both run between 14.2 to 14.6,and those are pretty well as ideal as you can get for a naturally aspirated engine.
The downside to catless is the fumes,but as long as you don't run the truck inside a garage for an extended length of time they won't kill you.I grew up when nothing had cats,so the oder doesn't really bother me
The biggest restriction in the exhaust system are the cats,not the muffler,and in the majority of applications removing the cats will give you a power increase. Whoever wrote that pile of BS doesn't know how an engine operates with their claim you need back pressure in the exhaust system,that's so stupid i had to have a good laugh over it..
Even if you decide on the high flow cats,the 02 spacers are still a good idea,but if you're not worried about emissions and getting caught,i'd dump the cats,if you do get stopped for them missing,i'd just tell the mounties they were stole,and you're waiting for a shop to replace them
The truck will be noticably louder with out them,and that's your first clue they're a big restriction,if they weren't the exhaust wouldn't get louder

I appreciate the detailed info my friend!

As my daughter is also in my truck all the time, the smell may be too much for her if I go cat-less, but I'd sure like to though. How noticeable is it when cruising around in town and on the highway?

Zero concerns regarding emissions and/or having the local fuzz bothering me

Having a bit better fuel economy would be a bonus as well!!!

Regarding the anit-foulers - if I understand correctly, one gets attached to the end of each stock rear O2 sensor and then that whole assembly gets reinserted back into the ****, yes? Nothing else to do other than that?

 

[crackerjack1957]

You don't smell catless fumes unless standing behind the vehicle while engine is running or inside poorly ventilated building........ you must be young if you never owned a catless engine

 

[Wild one]

I appreciate the detailed info my friend!

As my daughter is also in my truck all the time, the smell may be too much for her if I go cat-less, but I'd sure like to though. How noticeable is it when cruising around in town and on the highway?

Zero concerns regarding emissions and/or having the local fuzz bothering me

Having a bit better fuel economy would be a bonus as well!!!

Regarding the anit-foulers - if I understand correctly, one gets attached to the end of each stock rear O2 sensor and then that whole assembly gets reinserted back into the ****, yes? Nothing else to do other than that?

As CJ stated you won't smell the exhaust while driving.
Yup you remove the rear 02's from the pipe,screw in the spacers then screw your original 02's back into the spacers,or assemble them on the bench ,then screw everything back in as an assembly.
Very carefully put a little smear of anti-seaze on the threads of both,but don't get any on the base of the actual 02,as they don't like sniffing anti-seaze,they get a bit upset

If the 02's are crudded up you can bench clean them before re-installing them.

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[CanuckRam1313]

You don't smell catless fumes unless standing behind the vehicle while engine is running or inside poorly ventilated building........ you must be young if you never owned a catless engine

Half century plus, so yes, pretty young still

My cat-less experiences have been few and far between unfortunately, and never with a modern-day (per se) vehicle.

My concern is solely centered in that I have an 8yo daughter who is with me in the truck a lot, and we also live in the traffic capital of the globe in pretty much the epicenter of all the 400 Series Highways in Ontario, so sitting in traffic with either the heat or a/c on, or windows down is why I posed the question regarding the fumes.

I do get the sentiment though Brother

 

[RamDiver]

Half century plus, so yes, pretty young still

Are you rounding down since your last ticker tweaking?

.

 

[hemihustlin]

where are the original '23 cats? that would be the obvious solution. i sure hope you didnt leave em at the dealer!
maybe check the local Chinese buffet...

 

[abouttobeglue]

I had a pypes high flow catted x pipe 20 years ago on my 03 mustang GT, it did not set off any lights, and that's coming from the 4 cats those cars came with. When I went to a mac pro chamber no cats, I had to use 02 Sims. You could try some 02 Sims, and then hollow out your cats you think are clogged, but that's the Alabama in me.

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[CanuckRam1313]

where are the original '23 cats? that would be the obvious solution. i sure hope you didnt leave em at the dealer!
maybe check the local Chinese buffet...

At my request, the dealership re & re the entire upgraded exhaust system from my then 19' and put it on my new 23' (purchased new in Feb 24') as it was complete custom exhaust work from the OEM cats to the tips.

My traded in 19' got the complete stock exhaust system from my 23' (cats to tips)
Incidentally, the traded in 19' also got the brand new stock 20" tires and the brand new battery out of the 23' as well.

I had brand new summer tires going on my new Warlock and a 1.5yo Odyssey H8 AGM that went in, too.

I traded in my 19' on a Friday, it sold the Monday and was delivered on the Tuesday. Some lucky person got a heck of a nice used truck!!!

 

[hemihustlin]

At my request, the dealership re & re the entire upgraded exhaust system from my then 19' and put it on my new 23' (purchased new in Feb 24') as it was complete custom exhaust work from the OEM cats to the tips.

My traded in 19' got the complete stock exhaust system from my 23' (cats to tips)
Incidentally, the traded in 19' also got the brand new stock 20" tires and the brand new battery out of the 23' as well.

I had brand new summer tires going on my new Warlock and a 1.5yo Odyssey H8 AGM that went in, too.

I traded in my 19' on a Friday, it sold the Monday and was delivered on the Tuesday. Some lucky person got a heck of a nice used truck!!!

wow lucky them indeed!

have you had a look on fb marketplace for good stock cat takeoffs? check with the local mopar speed shops and your exhaust guy, often times people with more money than sense will leave the stock cats at the place that did the job.

nice lightly used stock cats would be my choice if one was to go through all that. often times the "hi flo race cats" either dont flow as much as oem or dont cat as much as oem so you end up touching them again

we have got a pair of 08 hemi truck cats hiding under the work bench at the shop!
but next time that nice china man comes by they are getting thrown in the truck though....

 

[kurek]

... cats don't wear out behind good running engines..

 

[CanuckRam1313]

... cats don't wear out behind good running engines..

I disagree 100%!!

Even with a pristine operating engine, cats do break down / clog / wear out with time and/or mileage.

 

[Wild one]

... cats don't wear out behind good running engines..

Ma Mopar considers a quart of oil usage per 1,000 miles as normal,that'll eventually clog the cats.
Even if you have a good running hemi,it's not out of the ballpark for it to use a 1/2 quart every 5,000 miles,and that'll still plug the cats .
You're living in a dream world thinking the cats won't eventually deteriorate on a Hemi after awhile

 

[TC]

Anybody have data on average catalytic converter lifetime on the 5.7 Hemi ?