Hey folks got a question. Just had my FD rebuilt, large streetport, Power FC running on base map. Got a new Random Tech metal cat too and I saw today the bulge where the converter piece is was glowing red hot after idling for several minutes. Is this normal? I know they tend to run a little rich after rebuild but WTF?

 

thats pretty normal. I think most cars (any) do that. it aids in the passenger seat buttwarmers.. the girls like it

 

Doesn't sound too good to me...I'd look into that. If you have a Power FC though, just get a mid pipe and tune it!

 

thats hilarious

 

lol, ever rode shotty in a 7? your *** gets so hot.

 

no, that is not normal. is the random one you bought ceramic? if you want a cat for a rotary, i would suggest the Rx7.com Bonez one or maybe if you can afford it, the knightsports substrate. but to answer your question, that is not good and sounds like your cat is clogged already.

 

Glowing red after a few minutes of idle is not normal. You could have a leaking fuel injector. Unburnt fuel makes its way to the cat and burns off there.

 

Well the random cat I got is metallic substrate like Knightsports. I suspect since the car is a very fresh rebuild that it is running pig rich. I am thinking just get ebay midpipe until I can break it in and tune it. It is running on base mod map that came with Power FC. Wideband also on the way. Damn

 

The cat shouldn't glow. EGTs shouldn't be that high that far downstream. You are going to damage the cat if you keep running it like that. Get the car tuned or find the source of problem. If you have an airpump you can try unplugging it temporarily to see if it helps. It is normal however, for the downpipe and turbine housing to glow slightly after spirited driving.

 

Yeah I wouldn't be freaked if I had been driving the hell out of it. But I was just idling trying to let the Power FC learn the idle. I know during breakin motors can run rich and I had my DP and exhaust manifold ceramic coated so all the heat is also making it's way down to the converter brick which is the only real restriction point. Just sucks.

 

1 quick question? How does the car feel when u drive it? Maybe drive it around the block and verify if a its a clogged cat or not. If it feels sluggish lack of power your cat is most likely clogged. Get a downpipe =)

 

cat is brand new. already have downpipe. drives well but it's just dumping too much fuel I believe

 

I see. Then you might just be running really rich.

 

if you do put in that mid pipe and blow out flames, then you are deffinitally running rich LOL

 

Try pulling some fuel out at idle. Easiest way for you will probably be to just take a few % out at 1000 rpm instead of doing it cell by cell.