Feedback on replacement Catalytic Converter

[gordon24]

My passenger side cat is gone and I'll be replacing. My research has lead me to the following from FVD (I'm told M&M manufacture these):

996 Sport Catalytic set (200 cell) X-Design OBD-221011122 210 111 22 $2,175.43 Add to cart 200 Cell German HJS Sport Catalysts with ?X Torque? design made by M&M in Germany. The "X torque" design in is a ... more info

Does anyone have any experience with exhaust components purchased through PVD? What replacement Cats have others used/liked?

[Ahsai]

I just got the 200-cell sport cats from Carnewal here http://www.carnewal.com/products/P96/p96224/Exchange-Sport-Cats

I'm loving these. No bling but only ~$1,250 including shipping both ways for BOTH cats.

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/996-forum/794762-carnewal-gert-200-cell-cat-upgrade.html

[gordon24]

significantly less than the FVD units than ... thank you. Did you do the work yourself?

[Ahsai]

significantly less than the FVD units than ... thank you. Did you do the work yourself?

Yes, I did the removal and install myself. With the proper O2 sensor tool, anyone can do it :)

[Ahsai]

I asked Gert to mod mine so it took longer (my cats sat at the Belgium custom for 10 days!). If you do their exchange program, they can ship you the cats right away (if they are in stock) and bill you the core charge. Once they receive your cats, they will refund the core charge. Just send an email to Gert to ask for details. He's awesome!

[kgoertz]

I replaced my rattling cat over 2 years ago with ones from ones from Maxspeed-motorsports. They sound better than stock and I haven't had any issues since I installed them. The owner (Nello) was seemed very knowledgeable and the service was excellent.

http://www.maxspeed-motorsports.com/store/p77/Porsche_996_NHP_200_Cells_Catalytic_Converters_X-Pipe_Design.html

There are quite a few vendors with 200 cell cats with the x-pipe design. Most claim a slight boost in power (ie ~20 hp). I believe the increase in noticeable although I'm not sure if it is just due to higher flow cats or the x-pipe design.

[gordon24]

Kgoetz,

Thank you, cost is better than PVD and has the x-design. Does anyone have a sense of the real benefits of the x design vs. factory configuration? Is there a material difference in torque developed mid-range RPM? I see x-design mentioned as key for torque but wanted to hear from drivers that have introduced the x-design on their cars.

Edited June 6, 2014 by gordon24

[kgoertz]

Fabspeed has some torque curves on their web site. The graphs show a slight drop in torque at low RPMs (3000 and less) and about a 10% increase from 3500rpm and up.

http://www.fabspeed.com/porsche-996-carrera-sport-cat-x-pipe/

[gordon24]

love data, the torque curve is impressive. It looks like you would feel this difference 3500 RPM onward, have you found that in your daily driving? On the track?

[kgoertz]

I'm pretty sure there was a noticeable difference immediately after I upgraded but it is hard to separate reality from wishful thinking. The engine definitely seems to rev faster especially at the higher RPMs.

[gordon24]

thanks for the honest response ... I'm still mulling which to go with ... but the clanking/rattling noise i have now is just driving me crazy so I need to decide soon.

[gordon24]

I finally closed on this, I went with Sport Catalytic (200 Cell) X-Design manufactured by M&M and sold by FVD.  I have not done the mufflers or headers but will look to do so in the coming months. I had the work done at Chris's German Auto in Bellevue.  

 

I've driven just 500 miles, no track time yet, and I really like the new cats. I went with the TUV rather than Sport version.  The TUV's are quite under steady state but give way to an increasingly pleasant exhaust sounds as you accelerate.  They look really cool as well.  I did notice an increase in torque, and that the torque curve has moved south by 500 RPM's or so.  They look great as well.  I'm changing out the air filter this weekend with a high flow type from BMC.

 

I do note though that as read in other blogs, these high flow cats do reduce the torque at lower RPM's and applying throttle from 1200 - 1500 RPMs needs to be gentle or the car bucks.  I've adjusted my driving a bit and now down shift before 1500 RPM for around town driving and it seems just fine. 

 

All in, I'm really happy with my choice.  I found FVD (Rhonda) easy to work with, knowledgable and responsive on my first experience with them.