What if there were no exhaust system in your car? Guess, what could happen? Oh, I haven’t said what exhaust systems actually are in case you don’t know!
Exhaust system is made of some components which emit harmful gasses from the engine produced in the combustion process. Exhaust systems also reduce the noise of the engine produced in the same process.
And, of them, the most important aspect of the exhaust system known as converting the polluted air into less harmful air is handled by a catalytic converter and an upgraded version of this is called “high flow cats”!
In this post, I’ll tell you what a high-flow catalytic converter is and discuss the pros and cons of high-flow cats.
Let’s jump right in!
What Is A High Flow Catalytic Converter?
Catalytic converter is a part of the engine’s exhaust system which is located between the exhaust manifold and exhaust.
But, what Catalytic converter do? Well, Catalytic converter is the most vital component of an exhaust system. Exhaust system decreases the toxicity of the engine’s harmful gasses produced in the combustion process.
Also know: What is a pre catalytic converter?
In the next section, you will learn the pros and cons of high flow cats and why you should use them.
Pros And Cons Of High Flow Cats
There are differences between high-flow cats and regular cats. And, as I said before, high-flow cats are the most advanced addition to catalytic converter technology. And, therefore high-flow cats are more convenient and efficient at their job!
Curious to know?
Well here are the features:
- Improved horsepower.
- Honeycomb design.
- Improved flow capacity.
- Faster catalytic reaction.
- Higher efficiency.
- Better sounds.
Pros Of High Flow Catalytic Converter
If you like to upgrade your exhaust system with high flow catalytic converter and wondering about are the pros- here you go:
1. Much Better Fuel Economy
The cutting-edge and fleer-flowing design of high-flow cats decreases the toxicity of gas better than traditional catalytic converters.
2. Improved Performance
High cats reduce emissions and backpressure and increase airflow which increases the performance of the engine.
3. Prevents improper fuel mix
Cats get clogged over time. In many cars clogging is prevalent. When other parts of the engine don’t work this may cause improper fuel mix.
Traditional cats can’t prevent this. But unlike traditional cats, high-flow cats can prevent this fuel mix.
4. Does not restrict airflow
High flow cats increase the airflow into the engine. Traditional catalytic converters are not built with performance in mind and that’s why their airflow capacity is not up to mark.
However high cats eliminate the barriers and increase the airflow by allowing adequate gas flow.
5. Cats with less toxicity
High-flow catalytic converters can rigorously filter pollutants produced inside the engine. So, high-flow cats can reduce toxic gas drastically and eject less polluted gas into the open air.
Can you guess how much our environment will benefit from this?
6. Massive performance
High-flow cats can work best for trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. Because high-flow cats can process exhaust gasses more than traditional converters.
And, due to this high flow cats are highly convenient for large trucks which have giant engines and require consistent performance.
By the way, do you know how many catalytic converters a 2005 dodge ram 1500 has?
7. Decrease Exhaust Odor
There is a noticeable exhaust odor without high-flow cats. Using a high flow converter can dramatically reduce the exhaust odor.
The cutting-edge technology used in high-flow cats can filter the pollutants way more effectively than traditional cats which made it possible to decrease such away.
8. Longevity
High-flow catalytic converters can last a long time. Over time, regular catalytic converters can become clogged. Particularly if your car’s fuelling system is malfunctioning, or if you use a poor fuel mixture.
If your cat gets clogged, you may be able to clean it, but you’ll most likely have to replace it – which isn’t cheap. In contrast, clogging is less likely to occur in the lattice structure of a cat with a high flow.
9. Improve Gas Mileage
Removing the catalytic converter and replacing it with high-flow cats significantly improve gas mileage.
Thanks to advanced technology high flow converter can reduce system loss, improve the performance of the engine, and better filter the combustion pollutants. These all help high-flow cats improve gas mileage in the long run.
Cons Of High Flow Catalytic Converter
1. Comparatively costly
High flow converters are comparatively costly. In contrast to traditional converters, it cost more and for good reason obviously.
Since high-flow cats provide some cutting-edge features the price point won’t be a problem. But, there are many people for whom price might be a serious concern.
2. Power could be reduced if backpressure is lost
Adding a high-flow catalytic converter could end up reducing your performance. Backpressure isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The combustion process requires both compression and pressure, which is aided by a little backpressure. Your engine’s performance will suffer if your back pressure is too low, resulting from an overly-free high-flowing catalytic converter.
3. Legality
Although high-flow catalytic converters offer numerous benefits to the end-user, not all states recommend their use.
Modifications of the catalytic converter or other emissions-control equipment – for better or worse – may be allowed in certain parts of the US worse- are barred. Check with your local DMV to see if upgrading to a high-flow catalytic converter is legal where you live.
Read Also: Is Tune Required for High Flow Cats?
Why Is Catalytic Converter Important?
Since the catalytic converter decreases the harmful element from the gas, it makes the gasses convenient to release into the air. So, imagine if it was not a catalytic converter then there were no other options but to release such toxic gas into the air.
Stop there and take a moment to imagine the environmental consequences of doing so! It would be insanely dangerous.
By now, you understood the importance.
And, high-flow catalytic converter is the most cutting-edge technology in the catalytic converter market.
What Are The Best High Flow Catalytic Converters Out There?
As you know the pros and cons of high-flow cats, you might be wondering what are the best high-flow cats out there in the market.
Well, I’ve done my research. Here are a few of them.
MagnaFlow Universal Catalytic Converter
Magnaflow universal cats come with an upgraded compact and low mass design. The superior steel construction and high oxygen storage capacity along with enhanced thermal stability make the converter one of the best on the list. The converter is compliant with federal rules also.
Flowmaster 2230125 Catalytic Converter
The second one on the list is Flowmaster catalytic converter. This converter shows excellent flow characteristics and is built on stainless steel construction and engineered towards keeping the “MIL” light off. Passed on emission tests this converter is also highly durable.
Is Upgrading A High Flow Catalytic Converter Worth It?
Catalytic converters are highly efficient in converting toxic emissions into non-toxic ones and can increase the performance of your vehicle.
They are very expensive to replace though, so if you’re looking to reduce your car’s fuel consumption, then it is advisable to upgrade to a high-flow converter. These are also known to increase your vehicle’s horsepower, but the cost is usually worth it.
Most cars that use gasoline have a 3-4 year life cycle before they need a replacement, however, most high flow catalytic converters can be used in as little as 12 months due to their unique design.
This means that your car could be used for several years before needing to have its converter replaced, giving you more money in the long run.
Final Words
No wonder high flow converters surpass traditional cats in every measure. And that’s why an upgrade of your current traditional catalytic converter is a must!
High-flow cats can increase airflow, decrease backpressure and overall improvement in performance.
To conclude, the pros of a high-flow cat are way more than traditional ones. So, it’s a good idea to upgrade your exhaust system with high-flow cats now.
