When gearheads look to modify and upgrade their car, one of the first things they consider is their exhaust system. From a dual exhaust system, muffler delete, and more, there’s a lot that can be done under your vehicle. But one thing many drivers don’t think about is the catalytic converter, specifically a high flow catalytic converter.
What Is a High Flow Catalytic Converter?
A high-flow catalytic converter has fewer restrictions than a normal catalytic converter so that exhaust gases flow at an increased rate. This modified exhaust system optimizes the flow of exhaust gases, and so all performance modifications. The stock exhaust system for a vehicle is usually too restrictive for this, so other exhaust system modifications help.
What Is a Catalytic Converter?
Before we get too far, let’s back up to the basics: what is a catalytic converter? A catalytic converter converts exhaust fumes to be safely released from the exhaust system. As part of the exhaust system, it’s responsible for altering the chemicals produced from the piston and exhaust manifold.
The catalytic converter is made up of a honeycomb structure that has different coatings to alter chemicals depending on the catalyst stage. Exhaust fumes travel through this structure and react from stage to stage. Like most elements of the exhaust system (and a car in general), the catalytic converter is intricate and essential.
A High Flow Catalytic Converter vs. a Normal Catalytic Converter
A high-flow catalytic converter still uses the honeycomb design, but its design is even more complicated. The honeycomb has a larger cross-section to allow more gases to travel through it. Plus the “high flow cat” has more metals throughout it to quickly catalyze the initial exhaust fumes. It works well to increase the exhaust system’s performance, which increases the car’s performance.
Horsepower
One important thing to keep in mind when adding a high flow catalytic converter is that it’s best to add as the final piece to an exhaust system modification. The converter will free up the exhaust flow, but it’s optimal when it works in coordination with other vehicle modifications. A stock exhaust might be restrictive to the full power of a high-flow catalytic converter.
In fact, a high-flow catalytic converter is ideal for a car that’s turbocharged or supercharged. Before adding a high-flow cat, your car should be able to produce 20% more horsepower than its stock setting. Especially with professional help, all of these modifications are much easier than you may anticipate.
Should I Get a High Flow Catalytic Converter?
If you’re looking for the final piece of your exhaust system’s performance, a high-flow catalytic converter is for you. If you’re looking to modify your exhaust system from scratch, this converter is something to keep in mind. Even if you’re replacing an old, normal catalytic converter, it’s worthwhile to consider adding a high-flow catalytic converter.
Your exhaust system is undoubtedly one of the most crucial elements to your car, and the catalytic converter is essential within it. A catalytic converter that’s more modern with a more optimized flow will help your car tremendously. This is especially true if you take the time and care to have your entire exhaust system modified. After all, a high flow catalytic converter will prevent improper fuel mix, increase airflow, improve your car knowledge, and much more.
Get a Free Quote
Let the professionals at Performance Muffler help you optimize your vehicle’s performance with a high flow catalytic converter. Contact us today for a quote or other automotive services. We’re proud of our exhaust repairs and replacements, catalytic converter services, cat-back exhaust systems, and more.
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