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Advice for LTH and CAI

Catted or catless headers?


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Louk

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Even the best shops make mistakes. Wiring points work their way loose, etc. It happens and can be a PITA to chase down. I have to correct a bunch of LT installs all the time where the original installation was good, but over time things have started to move around and now something is rubbing where it shouldn't be, etc.

If you are lucky enough to not have to worry about inspection, it's probably worth doing. Texas does a visual (not really...I don't think half of them know what they are looking at and they never go under the car anyway) and emissions, which is where the trouble comes in.

Also, it is illegal to remove your catalytic converter and you can get hit with a fine of up to $10k for doing it. People do it all the time, just a risk you run.

https://legalbeagle.com/7194804-catalytic-converter-laws.html
it’s also illegal to instal a majority of aftermarket exhausts and A bunch of other go fast goodies.

I get it about things coming loose and having issues but those could be few and far in between. Like I said in my previous post I’ve had 5 previous vehicles with a catless setup and the biggest issue I ran into was having to reset my 02 sensor once with my tuner. For over 15 years I wouldn’t call that a pita.

Even going with a catted long tube setup the cel count ( unless you go with green cats) isn’t high enough to meet the standard. So a “catted long tube” setup can still fail because the stock emission control device was modified or changed.
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The_Phantom

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it’s also illegal to instal a majority of aftermarket exhausts and A bunch of other go fast goodies.

I get it about things coming loose and having issues but those could be few and far in between. Like I said in my previous post I’ve had 5 previous vehicles with a catless setup and the biggest issue I ran into was having to reset my 02 sensor once with my tuner. For over 15 years I wouldn’t call that a pita.

Even going with a catted long tube setup the cel count ( unless you go with green cats) isn’t high enough to meet the standard. So a “catted long tube” setup can still fail because the stock emission control device was modified or changed.
You are correct in that it can still fail due to modification. However, you are burning off more with the cats in place so there's a higher chance you will pass IF you live in an emissions county/state.

Green cats are super expensive and we still see problems with them also, though it's more like 30-40% of the time and usually we can get it dialed in to work anyway. I think the biggest issue is a lot of people don't get a dyno tune and the email tunes are really hit/miss on some things, which headers seems to be one of.
 

The_Phantom

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Kooks are the best IMO.

Just no BBK.
 
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HearThe Whine

HearThe Whine

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Roush CAI is pointless. Keep your factory box.
Why’s it pointless? If I’m tuning my headers shouldn’t I tune for a CAI while I’m there? With headers and CAI I should be at 500+ HP.
 

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HearThe Whine

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Skip the Redneck Special and do catted.

I hate catless setups. They smell, trip all kinds of sensors causing dash lights to come on, and are a PITA in general.
So since you own a speed shop let me just clarify. I’m still gonna need a tune with a catted setup, correct?
 

Zelek

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Why’s it pointless? If I’m tuning my headers shouldn’t I tune for a CAI while I’m there? With headers and CAI I should be at 500+ HP.
Don't forget your E85.
 

nastang87xx

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Why’s it pointless? If I’m tuning my headers shouldn’t I tune for a CAI while I’m there? With headers and CAI I should be at 500+ HP.

That CAI is no tune required. No tune required, no benefit.
 

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The_Phantom

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So since you own a speed shop let me just clarify. I’m still gonna need a tune with a catted setup, correct?
Yes you will. Any time you do longtubes you will need a tune for them, regardless of cats or no cats.
 

AZ18yote

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Don't forget your E85.
This. Tuning for e85 is a given if aiming for that mark. And if dead set on a cai at least go with one with larger maf requiring a tune as others have said.
 
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HearThe Whine

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That CAI is no tune required. No tune required, no benefit.
No I’m getting the power pack. Not the CAI alone. So I get the PCM which tunes for 91 octane so I will see a benefit. I see where you were confused though.
 

nastang87xx

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No I’m getting the power pack. Not the CAI alone. So I get the PCM which tunes for 91 octane so I will see a benefit. I see where you were confused though.
You might as well just get a tune from Lund or VMP. Again, that cold air intake will provide you ZERO benefit. You will get the same power increase from a tune and your factory intake as you would with that replacement intake system. Don't drink the kool-aid.

This intake:
https://www.roushperformance.com/pa...es-category/2018-mustang-v8-cold-air-kit.html

Is the same intake that is in that power pack. NO TUNE REQUIRED. No benefit. Just get the tune.
 
 








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