Questions for those of you without cats

[HOdbleFman]

I just recently had my B&B headers installed and while I was at it I went ahead and had the mechanic remove the catalytic converters. Despite most of your warnings about the odor, I went ahead with it. I wanted the extra power from removing them. I figured as long as the odor is coming out of the back of the car I really don't care. After driving the car I've noticed a strong exhaust gas odor in the cabin of the car. I wouldn't think that there is any way of getting the exhaust gas in the cabin while driving it since the exhaust comes out the back of the car. I've tried to check for leaks around where the primary tubes of the headers go into the collectors, but I don't feel any pulses of gas coming out. Is this normal for a car with no cats or am I overlooking a leak somewhere. I don't hear any leaks, but then again with no cats and the rear muffler gone I can't hear a lot. I may go with the full B&B cat back system when I can afford it, but for now I have to go with the "P&M" (Poor Man's) exhaust system.

 

[RavenFan_94]

Definitely interested in reading from those in the know about this one.

BUMP!

 

[Martin D]

When I get home, I reeeeeek. I would guess that you do not have a leak.

Regards,

 

[Viper Specialty]

one trick I have used to check for exhaust leaks at a joint it to hold a lit cigarette under the joint, as the smoke trails up, you will either see it be sucked INTO the joint (upstream) or be puffed away from the joint (downstream).

I have a B&B system w/high flows, and you can still smell it on deaccell. (and I know I dont have any leaks) its just the nature of the beast... If you start getting headaches while driving, DO SOMETHING QUICK. Check for leaks, and get some cats of some type ASAP.

 

[SNKEBIT]

do you guys have coupes??? I bet it's coming in those vents along side the quarters. By the taillights. I don't have any cats in my car and no smell.(sidepipe car) btw, if you're getting headaches or smell of exhaust in the car, cats ain't gonna help, it's still carbon-monoxide weather you can smell it or not!!!!!!! Do ya get the smell with the windows open or closed?
Maybe you guys with the coupes will have to ditch the rear exhaust!!!!!!!
side-pipes rule!!!!!!!

 

[HOdbleFman]

I wonder how well the slip fit of the collector over the primaries seals the headers. From what I can tell, I can't feel any gas coming out, but I wouldn't think that they seal air tight. I read where someone else had the B&B's and they had some leakage that sealed up over time. If the smell is coming from the engine area, cats aren't gonna help because they are placed after the headers.

 

[HOdbleFman]

Would a VEC1 help by leaning up the mixture somewhat and reduce the smell? I know the car runs rich by looking at the spark plugs. They are black with carbon.

 

[JonB]

I .....had the mechanic remove the catalytic converters. Despite most of your warnings about the odor, I went ahead with it. I wanted the extra power from removing them. .......

Puzzled....you ignored our collective advice before.......... NO PROBLEM!.... But the advice is the same......

False Premise = False Conclusion......HF cats do NOT cost HP in a stock-motored Viper. OE cats cost HP, but not HF. (espec gen 1) Wide-Open-Catless may even COST you torque, and it sure as heck stinks. 8.0L of stinky every 2 rpm. [At idle, as in a parade, Gen-1 sidepipers can be rolling gas chambers.]

My advise would be to install 2 HF cats...... and probably get the same HP gain as catless, and maybe have even more TQ. And a much less-ratty sound...the HF cats actually mellow out the exhaust quite a bit vs catless....

And your nickname then changes...no more Mr Stinky!

 

[SNKEBIT]

where you guys gettin' the stink from??????????? I'm not getting any stink besides normal exhaust smell!!!! Believe me if I was the wifey wouldn't go with me!!!! What kind of gas are you guys using? I don't get it??????