Are 'Sports Cats' any good?
 

I'm thinking of getting a TSL Thundercat sports cat.

Anyone have one?

My Bugeye Import with decat downpipe just passed emissions last year, but just failed this year. To get it to pas I've had the original cat downpipe put back on - but the car just doesn't feel good with it on (plus it's been mapped for a decat)

So rather than swapping it over every year for the MOT I was hoping the Thundercat would be a viable alternative with good flow but within MOT limits.

Anyone here had any experience with one (or other make!) before I shell out loads of cash for it?

Thanks,

Rob.

Good ones work a treat.

elo mate. i put a "weber sports cat" on my 1997 turbo 2000, to get it through the M.O.T. it only just passed. i had a mate weld it in centre section. im now looking for a de-cat centre section for a mongoose system to replace it. the weber set me back £210. so they aint cheap. as soon as the sports cat was on i noticed the difference with the performance of my scoob. hence why im to de-cat it again. im sure someone will help more than i can mate. all the best :thumb: p.s. just seen "zen performance" post. perhaps the weber sports cat isnt that good. but it will only be on the car for 2 hours each year, so i can live with that

That's what I was worried about fieldy......although the Thundercat is nearly £500 so hopefully the price reflects the performance.....

Can you elaborate on that Zen? What are good ones?

From your signature maybe you can supply/fit one? If so PM me a quote :)

hopefully your right mate. dont want anyone shelling ouy that kind of cash and then to realise it was a crap sports cat. atleast you've got your head screwed on right and asked for advice. hope you get a good cat and your scoobs performance hasnt changed in any way. all the best :thumb:

TSL unit on eB@y for 399 inclusive.
It is a 3'' to 2.5'' so be careful.

Looks like the cat is also locally wrapped to get it hot.

H&S do one too for £500 + I think.

I have run my 400 bhp Sti v3 on a sports cat of an old design and all was well (and an MoT)

Graham.

Mine's a GGR one and it doesn't seem to be a restriction, at least not at 1.4 bar where I've just had it mapped.

I've got the Ninja sports cat on my V6 TypeR. It is a 3-2.5" but doesn't seem to be a restriction at my current output levels. (318bhp - 325 lb/ft on stock VF28, IC etc...).
Emissions wise it is as good as with the stock cat. For £299.99 I can't argue...
Depends on the power levels you're after if you need the full 3" bore or not.

Why do you say that Graham?

Rob

I needed a 3'' right through system as i have a 3'' decat.

The advert for the TSL does not detail the the change in diameter at the output end.

At 400+ bhp i need a 3'' right through.

Graham

well nothing bad said so I'll go for one eventually.

Cheers for the replies.

I've got a TSL Thundercat on my bugeye. I got mine on e bay for £395. Bear in mind you will need to buy a centre section for a CLASSIC to match up to this as the cat is longer than the bugeye standard one and a lambda blanking plug. Check out this link for details. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Subaru-Impreza...QQcmdZViewItem
I'm running over 300bhp and I don't think the sports cat was much of a restriction.
The car hasn't had an MOT since I fitted it, but I have read on here that it isn't a problem with the Thundercat.

Only one technical hitch with my GGR one though...perhaps it was because it was an early one and they hadn't sold many...but the boss for the EGT sensor didn't fit properly. I sent the EGT sensor in to Graham Goode and they modded it to fit their pipe.

I am chuffed to report the my 02 WRX passed it's MOT today despite the fact that a) the engine was stone cold b) the cat was bought second hand ( from WRX Rich) and is circa 2 yrs old c) it's got 1.2 bar if boost horsing through it d) it's the only cat I have in the car ( i.e decatted up-pipe)
Well chuffed that I can drive past emissions vans without fear and save money without having to f*nny around around with changing pipes over :norty:

Oh and it still pops and bangs more than it ever did with an H&S full decat !!!

Cheers
Cal

:) glad all was ok ....

Jaysus ! That was a quick reply..........thanks fella. I felt I offered a fair price and glad a mutual deal was struck.

Hitting 280 bhp / 265 ft lbs with this set up

Re: My Bugeye Transformation Update :- Andy Forrest & BHP harmonised efforts >> dyno sheets within. - Subaru Impreza Drivers Club Forums

I assume your 'rex is a monster these days ?!

thanks again

Cal

its a flyer but won't pass an mot with all cats back in :(... for some reason when you hold 2k revs out of gear it hunts and runs very rich alls fine other wise which is a pain in the Ars come mot time - i ve been told by a few they think its a ecu problem

all part of modding I guess

and yes the sports cat didn't hold me back at 320 bhp

I have the Thundercat on my MY03 WRX and it pi$$ed through its new type MOT this May. It has been on the car since 03 too so more than worthy of the cost imho.
So yes i can fully recommend it :D

I'm running approx 470 bhp with single sports cat (Power Engineering Item)...not sure what the /MOT test will be like though as I've got lary cams - but having an adjustable FPR will allow me to sort that...:norty: