How Long Do V8 Cats Last?

[2003 V8 TT]

And what are all the typical symptoms of their failure?

If contemplating replacement, is it worth the money to replace them with factory units, or upgrade to Hyper-Flow cats? What are the cost differences?

Thanks!

-Will

Edited April 26, 2007 by 2003 V8 TT

[oneshot]

When my cats failed I had no power and couldn't get above 4000rpm.

It would stumble and stutter under heavy load.

I was told it's not a good idea to drive the car if the cats have failed since parts can flow back into the turbo and cause more damage.

[Zhastaph]

When my cats failed I had no power and couldn't get above 4000rpm.

Yeah, what he said. You will also notice that the pulsing of the exhuast gases will feel noticebly slower and hotter from the pipe with the failed cat than from the other pipe.

[mike_sekinger]

Personally, I would never replace the standard CATs. If you are going to replace them, definately consider upgrading to 200cpi versions. Costs vary, but if you don

Edited April 26, 2007 by mike_sekinger

[snuffy]

I replaced mine with Hangar111 cats. They made a bit of a cock up on the price but even at full whack they are much cheaper than the

[fmxa]

Replaced my 97 cats with hyper-flows from JAE - $4K for Lotus originals or $2K for hyper-flows, doesn't take much to figure this one out!

[ibandre]

I replaced mine with high flow racing cats, and it made a huge difference. Would not recomend replacing with stock lotus cats. But as mentioned above, you should probably have some boost modification too.

[MGFCrasher]

My symptoms were a sudden loss of power over 4000 rpm , and white smoke from the engine bay under full load.The car was basically undrivable and 1 cat was blocked.

I had a complete turbo back system built in 3" s/s with straight sections that are removable and can be taken out and replaced with a pair of race cats I bought.The cats are also very small about 9" long and very light.

I was ripped off on the exhaust but all in it was

[atgnat]

i changed mine because they kept blowing out the o2 sensors... ...i got the hyperflow, and really liked them.

[2003 V8 TT]

Holy cow! Looks like this is not an isolated incident with V8s, as many of you have experienced this problem. I will look into the Hyper-Flow cats ---> Which reminds me, will they trip a "Check Engine" light with the stock O2 sensors in place?

Thank you all for the great feedback!

[fmxa]

No CEL on mine and the car passed CA emissions/smog with no issues.

[arbell9]

My Cat bust onthe inside, seemed to break free and twist round blocking the flow. Had to drive it back 30 mile on the motorway doing a steady 55 with the lorry's. Like every one else no power above 4000 rpm, totally flat. Chris Neil sent it away and got it refurbed. I can find out who from if needed.

Alex

Edited April 30, 2007 by Alex --GT3--

[Rob]

Problem is that the v8 (lotus) cat are ceramic which does not last long. The replacement hi-flow cats from the specialists are metal, which is much more durable. Larini and PUK also do replacement cats, but the design of the lotus exhaust is so simple any competent exhaust shop should be able to do a custom job easily.

[snuffy]

My Cat bust onthe inside, seemed to break free and twist round blocking the flow. Had to drive it back 30 mile on the motorway doing a steady 55 with the lorry's. Like every one else no power above 4000 rpm, totally flat. Chris Neil sent it away and got it refurbed. I can find out who from if needed.

Alex

They sent mine to hangar111, so having used them at least they maybe tried them again ?