Zurichgnome

Guys, Five weeks after a soul-crushing 60K major service bill, I heard a little "rattle noise" coming from my exhaust system. Apparently not unheard of for a piece of the cat converter to break loose and rattle around, according to the local shop here. Yesterday, the car threw a code: I suspect it's related.

I called a local indy and was quote $2500 for a new cat converter, plus service. I asked if there is a work around. They said only if I'm willing to live with the car throwing a code every two cycles.

Does that cat sound expensive? Is there a work around, or am I just screwed to the tune of $3K-plus?

Mark I

Used cat; cheap & easy DIY R&R.

Macster

That $2500 sounds a bit high.... Not apples to apples but my 02 Boxster's converter runs around $1K. The 996 should not cost much more than that. But get a quote from the dealer.

The techs tell me they have to budget for at least one broken exhaust manifold fastener.

If you like the price and if you want you can buy the converter from the dealer and have an indy shop install it. Probably not the one that quoted you $2500 though...

Gaspasser19

I had both replaced under CPO. Cats were $1800 apiece plus labor with Porsche picking up the tab. Maybe an opportunity to move to an aftermarket exhaust? BTW-If the cost of the 60K was "soul crushing" you might want to reconsider Porsche ownership.

Zurichgnome

Thanks, Guys. I think its time to look at aftermarket options. Likely take a look at FabSpeed system. Will keep you posted.

Frank996

Mine does the same but appears only to be at startup OR when reaching certain low RPM's and from the left side when viewed from behind. If I lightly "push" the exhaust pipe with my foot, it stops so I gather there is something not holding the pipe tight enough.

Most likely your problem is something more fancy than mine, but thought I'd share anyway.

Imo000

First pull the code and go then go from there.

Zurichgnome

Thanks guys -- the noise was clear and present during the 60K. They checked to see if there was something loose -- but it's clearly the cat. Pulling the code at 3 this afternoon. 90% sure its the cat.

Chris@Fabspeed

Our sport cat X-pipe is under $2K and adds a very noticeable bump in power and a better sound as well. We just recently made some updates to the system for even more area under the power curve.

Zurichgnome

Thanks, Chris. Spoke to one of your guys yesterday afternoon. A buddy just lent me his code reader and we pulled a 430 code so I'll be placing an order with you guys this morning.

white out

FYI, if you're under 80k miles the cats are warrantied.

Macster

P0430 (or P0420 for the other side) is converter performing below efficiency.

If any O2 sensor codes are read along with these converter codes replace the indicated sensors then road test the car.

If no sensor codes the converter is likely shot.

By "shot" the converter has lost the ability to store oxygen.

This can be brought about by running an oil high in phosphorus. Where does this phosphorus come from? Well good old ZDDP, which stands for zinc dithiophosphate. Everyone's favorite anti-wear additive.

bornrich

Is your product legal for use in California?

Diablo360

"Technically legal" no; but you will pass visual inspection and the emissions test with no issues. A lot of my CA friends run Fabspeed, FVD, and other high flow cats and have no problems when it comes time to get their smog certificate.

soverystout

new oem cats from sonnen porsche are $1314 each.