Getting rid of catalytic converter?

[VFRHondaman]

Hi, I have a VFR 800 2000 model. It goes well. would it go any better if the CAT was gone?

[AllanB]

Bet you would notice sweet FA difference.

Get on the net and buy some cans for it - the V4 soulds lovely with a rowdy pipe and it 'may' free up a couple of ponies but the seat-of-the-pants dyno always reads higher on louder bikes!!!!!

[Subike]

Interesting
I personally think that without spending a heap of $ on retuning, removal of the Cat would reduce the performance. Probably increase the fuel consumption by a notifiable amount
Yet a set of tuned cans , in conjunction with the cat would produce a better sounds and an increase in performance, might give a little improvement in economy.
But at least leaving the Cat on, will ensure you get the next WOF

[Akzle]

pour a gallon of 91 down it and chuck a match

[Drew]

pour a gallon of 91 down it and chuck a match

That's extreem, but it'd work. A clean Catalytic converter offers so little flow disruption, it is just pointless to remove it.

Unless you know someone who will pay what the contents are actually worth of course. Platinum or some such precious metal in there ya know?

[Road kill]

It depends on the bike.

My own model has them in the European market and they restrict the flow through the headers by around 35%.

When their removed there is an instant gain in HP of 10% without any other mods.

This is for carbed bikes which can be rejetted if needed, but for injected bikes it's different,,,remove the cats and it's remap time.

[Drew]

It depends on the bike.

My own model has them in the European market and they restrict the flow through the headers by around 35%.

When their removed there is an instant gain in HP of 10% without any other mods.

This is for carbed bikes which can be rejetted if needed, but for injected bikes it's different,,,remove the cats and it's remap time.I don't think I've worked on a bike that had the cat any further forward than the midpipe.

More research required methinks...

[Road kill]

I don't think I've worked on a bike that had the cat any further forward than the midpipe.

More research required methinks...

On the T3's their just inside the end of the headers,,a little past half way through the system I'd say.

[vifferman]

I know the answer to this one: it would make very little difference. Plus... getting a replacement for the cat convertor would be difficult, as it would be tricky to weld up the tubing in exactly the right dimensions, angles, etc. There are (a very few) full system replacements available in the US for the 5th Gen VFR, which do offer a few extra horsies. Then again, just getting a slip-on aftermarket muffler will help (and be cheaper). You can also fit a BMC airfilter and either fit a PowerCommander or have someone like the Motorcycle Doctor tweak your TPS. (Reminds me... I must get George back to do that...)
If A&A Sports hadn't stopped making them, you could have just gone the whole hog and fitted the supercharger kit, for an increase of horsies to around 185...

[VFRHondaman]

Thanks for the info. well i bought a slip on Dan Moto pipe, and it goes bloody good, great sound as well.Not going to worry about the cat ,it can stay there.

[Drew]

Thanks for the info. well i bought a slip on Dan Moto pipe, and it goes bloody good, great sound as well.Not going to worry about the cat ,it can stay there.

Good choice methinks.