
Catted vs Catless downpipe
Are you in the downpipe aftermath and wondering whether to go with catted or catless? Then, you are on the right track. In this article, you will find a detailed comparison between catted and catless downpipes that might help you make an informed decision.
What is Downpipe?
Downpipes form part of the exhaust system of your car. It serves a very paramount role of connecting the catalytic converter and the header, thus channelling the exhaust gas to the converter before it exits the exhaust system. If you’ve not laid more emphasis on the performance of your car, then it’s unlikely that you’ve considered the downpipe responsible for the exhaust fumes moving through the catalytic converter.
For most people, as long as the vehicle moves well, they are mindless about the other car aspects. However, a downpipe forms the main conduit of the exhaust fumes from turbine housing. Notably, within the entire length of the downpipe, a restrictive catalytic converter is responsible for cleaning exhaust gasses. The clearance of the dangerous substances found in the exhaust fumes causes detrimental effects on the human respiratory system.
Downpipe discussion is an everyday topic for conversation among the vehicle’s enthusiasts who are too much into performance and ultimate performance of their machines. When you fit your car with a turbocharger, you should consider changing the downpipe to another alternative that boosts airflow, thus enhancing the vehicle’s performance. Unfortunately, many turbocharged cars have restricted performance because of the poor natural flow of exhaust fumes through the bending pipe. Switching out for the best downpipe can be a daunting task. Let’s compare catted and catless downpipes.
Downpipe Guide- Catted Vs Catless
People typically talk about catted and catless downpipes. However, what are the main differences between the two?
Catted downpipes have a high-flow catalytic converter that cleans the exhaust gases like the OEM catalytic converter. Unfortunately, the catless downpipe doesn’t have a catalytic converter. Therefore, the exhausts release unpleasant smells. That is the main reason you can smell nasty and respiratory attacking fumes sometimes on the roads. They are produced because the final product has not been cleaned as required. Fortunately, the car has excellent airflow; thus, its performance is undoubtedly improved.
Most vehicles have a standardized downpipe that has a restrictive catalytic converter. While the restriction is paramount in keeping the air clean and friendly to the environment, it affects vehicle performance negatively. It’s so disappointing to spend lots of dollars in improving the capacity of your vehicle then later discover that it’s working under restricted performance. The main downside of the standardized downpipe is the limited or restricted nature of the car’s performance.
On the other hand, the catless downpipe is very important to help in the enhancement of airflow, thus removing the restrictive aspect. The catless downpipe is mainly made with greater diameters to offer more space for the exhaust fumes to flow and the turbo spinning. In simple terms, it allows the user to enjoy a good car’s performance.
The benefit of a catless downpipe is that it eliminates back pressure issues and allows a fast spool of turbocharging. But, as you can imagine, it’s not only advantageous to have catless downpipes. Some other questions and concerns hang on them. First is the aspect of odour. The fact is catless downpipes don’t have reliable catalytic converters in a place like the catted downpipe. Therefore, a wide range of harmful substances is found in exhaust fumes. It can cause many detrimental problems to anyone who smells it, especially people on the extremities of age because of the weakened immunity. In addition, it partially leads to other severe body system problems.
The second concern about catless downpipes is legality. There is the reason authorities make the use of catalytic converters mandatory. That is not a new thing to you, you know that, and you probably understand the laws and regulations of your state. Climate change is currently threatening all the organisms of the earth’s surface, and here is where car owners are always advised to utilize catalytic converters to avoid causing more harm than good. The uncleaned exhaust fumes have a greenhouse effect that catalyzes global warming.
Unlike the catted downpipes that clear off carbon dioxide from the exhaust fumes with catalytic converters, catless downpipes tend to increase the amount of carbon dioxide that the vehicle produces. Fortunately, catless downpipes can cut down on other toxic substances that can cause immediate harm to human populations. Unfortunately, in some areas of the United States, you’re likely to receive a fine of $2,750 if you’re found with a catless downpipe. In some scenarios, your vehicle might be impounded.
One more problem linked to catless downpipes is the overboost, also called boost creep. Overboost happens when there is too much buildup of air within the turbine housing that has the turbocharger. Boost creep boosts capacity and increases production of great sound, but it inevitably leads to overload of the OEM fuel system. Ultimately, the results are dire consequences to your vehicle.
When it comes to the field of catted downpipes, they’re the downpipes with catalytic converters tailored to give you a taste of both worlds. First, it reduces power loss and boosts the efficiency of your car. Second, when you’ve catted downpipe, it means that your vehicle is legal even to operate along the streets because the exhaust fumes are noxious-gas-free. So if you’re looking for the best downpipe to use in your vehicle, then you ought to go with the best solution that has more outstanding performance without making you cross the legal boundaries for other complications.
Conclusion: Comparison between Catted Downpipe and Catless Downpipe
Comparison | Catted Downpipe | Catless Downpipe |
Catalytic Converter | Yes | No |
Check Engine Light | Yes (lower chance) | Yes (definitely) |
Daily Drivable | Yes | No |
Emission | Tolerable | Not Tolerable |
Emission Test | Pass (Visual & OBD2)
Fail (Sniffer) |
Fail |
Needs Tuning | Recommended | Recommended |
Performance | 40 HP | 50 HP |
Price | Expensive (approximately $350) | Cheaper(approximately $150) |
Smell | Slight oil smell | Significant oil smell |
Sound | Good | Good but louder |