High Flow Ceramic or Metal CAT

[Miss89baron]

Which 3" converter is recommended for turbo exhaust temperature and higher flow. Ceramic or Metal 3" I/O with high flow 5" core?

[mfpmax]

In my recent searching it would seem metal because it will withstand higher temperatures.

[tkelly27]

Ceramics withstand higher temperatures than metals (what do you think they cast metals in?). I'm not sure which one will work better though, I wasen't under the impression that it mattered...

[Miss89baron]

I typically see FWD and other TD shops sell high flow ceramic Cats. I wasn't sure if metal had temperature limits in turbo applications. My research shows metal Cats have higher flow and less DP given the same dimensions. I was going to order a metal cat from Random Technologies which carries a 3" inlet by 5" core. Very pricey at $300. I called them and they said this Cat flows over 750 cfm @ 28 mm mercury. There only concern was about racing where excess raw fuel was injected into the cylinders that was not burned and catches fire in the Cat. I guess when this happens you see flames out the exhaust and it can melt the core. I told them that drag racing wasn't designed in my car.

[mfpmax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkelly27 Ceramics withstand higher temperatures than metals (what do you think they cast metals in?). I'm not sure which one will work better though, I wasen't under the impression that it mattered...

Some ceramics are made to withstand higher temps. But the ceramic cats are cheaper than the metal ones, which means they probably aren't the kind to withstand higher temps.

Catalytic Converter Removal - Beat the Law - Import Tuner Magazine

[Miss89baron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfpmax Some ceramics are made to withstand higher temps. But the ceramic cats are cheaper than the metal ones, which means they probably aren't the kind to withstand higher temps. Catalytic Converter Removal - Beat the Law - Import Tuner Magazine

Thanks for the link, I think this quote answers my question.
Aftermarket high-flow cats come with two different types of guts, metallic and ceramic. The ceramic type is less expensive to manufacture and will melt and fail at lower temperatures - not ideal for high performance applications. The metallic honeycombs can withstand the higher temperatures and richer air-fuel mixtures but are more expensive to make and subsequently cost more. But cost isn't the only factor to consider if you find yourself replacing the cat.

[amelnikov]

Yes, the metallic ones will hold up much better to higher temps, richer mixtures ( some rally cars with anti-lag use them ) and even some leaded gas.
That's why they are usually more expensive the ceramic cats.

Alex...

[reliantwagon]

or you can cut open your cat... gut it and weld a straight pipe inside it...

if everyones dumb like me... then im smart!