FB catalytic converter questions
 

Hi All,

another newbie question


My 1982 rx-7 does not have a catalytic converter
1) how does this impact car performance
2) should I consider adding this back to my exhaust system
3) if I do what will be the impact on car performance
4) Would you consider a universal catalytic


thank you again :blush:

1. generally speaking, you will gain some power.

2. it's up to you. you have to consider your local laws and whether or not you want to comply and/or face possible consequences if it comes to it.

3. there are some performance cats - i think a few available even bolt on. however, without a header, you're probably not going to see any significant gains.

4. on a Gen I? i wouldn't consider ANY cat. however, again, it's up to you. i don't live in a place where i have to contend with emissions and when i lived in a place that did, i didn't really care. :) what i can say, is if i did want to run a cat on a Gen I, i would look for something that had little to no restriction while retaining function.

really, the cat or no cat-question comes down to what your plans for the car are and like i said, your stance on compliance to the (local, provincial or national) laws if you have to deal with emissions.

One other question and additonal details
 

Hi Thanks you very much info is very helpful. :icon_tup:

I was hoping to do a TII swap or FD swap (Saw one on line)

Timing would be to keep myself up and running while I figure out swap details (engine mounts, wiring, suspension options, etc. Hopefully about 1 year.. so given short time frames was hoping to do without if possible... was just trying to figure if safety implications are different on a rotary than a piston engine with regard to not having a catalytic.

Also, my gen 1 has a thermal reactor( terminology?--- but i.e. some box like thing that seems to mount directly to the engine) how critical is this piece could I put a header in its place?

thank you again shiraj

what safety implications?

here's my advice if you're interested. if you're planning on doing a turbo engine install, then you should keep parts purchases limited to things that are for the CAR itself. mechanical items (exhaust, fuel, etc.) should be kept cheap enough to retain safety and function. as you said, you want to keep to car running while you plan and eventually begin collecting parts.

something like a cat for a 12A will likely NOT transfer over for your turbo engine, so i simply wouldn't bother. i mean you can obviously adapt it if you so chose, but it would seem that that would be somewhat counter-intuitive. again, it's just my take on it.


EDIT -

oh and your car should not have an actual thermal reactor. only the SAs had those from the factory - at least, that's how it was for our market. you should simply have an exhaust manifold (a lump of bomb-grade cast iron :) attached to the engine). and yes, if you were to get a header, that is what it would replace.

thank you .. really appreciate your responsiveness :)