I have an automatic ( ) '89 GTU. I've had it for a couple months now, and I've added Apex'i N1 Dual exhaust on it (and some other minor things) since I bought it. When I first bought it, everytime it would run, it would smell really badly, and this was for two reasons:
1.) My transmission lines had a hole in it, and it was leaking, and once it leaked it dropped on something that was hot, so I got a burning smell from that, and...
2.) My stock exhaust was corroded really badly and the mufflers were basically falling apart.

Both of these problems have been fixed, and the smells have disappeared, but now I have a new issue (not really sure if it could be considered a problem or not).

Last night, I was driving around with three other friends, one in my car, and two in the truck behind me. We pulled up to my house to pick up some things and the friend that owns the truck (who is a pretty big gear head) told me that my catalytic converters were getting old and that they were starting to smell bad and that it seemed like I was running rich (he didn't make all these deductions just from following me, he's driven my car before, and has seen how my car goes through gas, etc., etc.). He told me that I should probably replace the cat's with either high-flow cat's or a test pipe, and that I should get a program or something for my computer to help with the running rich. So here are my questions:

1.) What type of high-flow cats or test pipes would you recommend that I get?
2.) Would the fact that I have an automatic matter in the choice of high-flow cat's or test pipes? I know that it makes a difference in headers... Also, I plan on doing a TII engine and transmission swap by the end of the summer.
3.) Does anybody know what type of "program" or chip I would have to get to help with my air/fuel ratio?
4.) Would an S-AFC not do this same job?
5.) Would it be worth it to get an A-pillar gauge pod and a air/fuel ratio gauge for my car?

My apologies for all of these questions, and anybody that can help, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

well, i can only speak about the s-afc...that would let you lean out your mixture pretty easily. if you're careful and you can solder, it's an easy install. prob an hour or so.

i've got an s-afc to help me with emissions testing. i lean the hell out of the mixture when it comes time to pass.

j.ho

 

I'm already planning on getting an S-AFC... but wasn't planning on it for a little while... they're not cheap, and there's a lot of other things that I want to get done to the car first. Thanks for the information though selanne8.

As for the other questions, I would greatly appreciate if ya'll could help me out.
Thanks.

 

I'll double that remark about the SAFC on a non-turbo. Your only real problem with that is that you won't be able to SEE what the results are when you lean it out. Such as a wideband afr.

That said, I've a hunch any non-turbo can be leaned out across the board by ten-fifteen percent, both low and high trottle settings. Been there, done that with my 86 non-turbo, and I might add, got a Texas inspection sticker this very day with the idle leaned out with the safc by seven percent...to help out. Then again, I always pass emissions these days, with or without a safc.

 

Oh, about the narrow band on the pillar. That might work with the safc. At idle you could disconnect the BLUE connector from the Relief solenoid or take the airpump belt off, and watch the afr while adjusting the safc.

Any other thoughts I have about narrow band 02 sensors is....well narrow minded I can assure you.

About the catalytic converter.....you need to make up your mind. The cat/downpipe arrangement is a bit different on the turbo vs the non-turbo. So THINK about your choice of catalytic converters and your future plans for the turbo install. You don't wanna throw money away on a catalytic converter that works on a non-turbo but is useless on a turbo car.

I'm inherently against chips. I could be narrow minded on that subject though.

 

Thanks a lot HAILERS. That helps a lot. Anybody else have any opinions, on chips or anything like that...?

 

If you have emissions testing, replace your cats with a high flow. Random Technology makes good ones.. Bonez has a great solution with a bolt-on replacement pipe. Catco also sells a bolt-on solution for less money but their longevity is said to be hit & miss. My Catco has lasted two years so far. I got it from Summit.
If you don't have emissions testing and don't mind the possibility of getting a BIG ticket if the cops don't like you very much, just replace the cats with a pipe.

CW

 

Thanks a lot Cwaters. That's the post I was hoping to get. Random Technology... is there anybody here that is using one of these or has any experience with one of these?

I know that North Carolina has emissions testing, but supposedly there was to be some new law where if your car is 10+ years old, you don't have to have it tested. I guess I need to check up on that some more before I decide whether I want a test pipe or just a high-flow cat...

 

Bonez high flow from http://www.rx-7.com. Expensive though.

Shouldn't.

Fix the problem with the car, don't bandaid it with aftermarket parts. Lots of info on running rich. A search should help.

Sort of....It would hide the symptom, but not fix the root problem.

Nope.

 

Crixta, check your Pms you have a detailed one
cheers
stu

 

Crixtala*

 

Thanks Electrikhead, I PM'd you back.

One more question... what are the chances that it's my O2 sensor...?

 

Call this company for a high flow cat. You can order over the phone. They're $55 shipped. Mine came in 2 days. Good stuff:

http://stores.ebay.com/Performance-P...isplayZ2QQtZkm

I think its this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33629

 

Anybody know if it could be the O2 sensor...?

 

^^^

 

Bonez Double cat 2.25 just bought. I'll let you know how the install and emissions test goes.

-Max

 

Thanks, that would help out a lot.

 

Anybody have any insight on the O2 sensor question...?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33629

would u guys recommand or trust this?