Change of Cat Placement in STS

[Dylans]

Ok, here's my problem. The exhaust manifold in my '96 Honda Civic DX has a huge crack in it. Obviously, I need to change it. Problem is, the catalytic converter on the DX from my year is one piece with the exhaust manifold and is about 3-4inches after the head. (See Picture) The only way I can change my exhaust manifold without buying a new one from Honda is to get a header and cat for an EX Civic which would put the cat under the car where it is located on an EX Civic.

So onto the question, if i changed the placement of the cat to where it is on the EX Civic (which also races in STS), would I have to move out of STS.

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/9183/dxcat7kg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[kirstein]

From the rules it sure sounds like you are going to have to use the stock unit to stay legal. As far as I know there are no update or parts swap allowances in STS:

From STS Rules:
14.10 ENGINE
Engine and transmission must remain unmodified, including emissions
equipment, except as noted below:
........
D. Exhaust manifolds and headers may be replaced with alternate
units which are emissions-legal. Relocation of the oxygen sensor
on the header is permitted. Alternate oxygen sensors, including
heated types, are permitted. This allowance does not
permit relocation of the catalytic converter (see 13.10.E). Exhaust
heat shields may be modified the minimum amount necessary
to accommodate allowed alternate exhaust components.

The referenced stock rule:
13.10 ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN
E. Any part of the exhaust system beyond (downstream from) the
header/manifold or catalytic converter, if so equipped, may be
substituted provided the system meets the requirements of 3.5.
Stainless steel heat exchangers are permitted only if the physical
dimensions and configuration remain unchanged. Modifications
of any type, including additions to or removal of, the catalytic
converters, thermal reactors, or any other pollution control
devices in the exhaust system are not allowed and the system
must be operable. Replacement catalytic converters must be OE
if the vehicle has not exceeded the five-year/50,000 mile warranty
period as mandated by the EPA. Converters must be of the
same type and size and used in the same location as the original
equipment converter(s). This does not allow for a high performance
unit. If the vehicle has exceeded the five-year/50,000 mile
warranty period, replacement catalytic converters must be OEtype
as per Section 13.

Bummer...Could you get your header welded? I know a good welder in Boulder!

[Captain_Solo]

On the upside, you're bound to gain a little power even if you replace the cat and manifold with an OEM unit. Cats clog up and become more and more restrictive over time, so a new one will be better then nothing. Nice name by the way, you even spell it right :D

[Proxenus]

As Dale quoted, you can't relocate your cat at all in STS.

In STX, you can relocate it up to 6" from the original location.

[Dylans]

Cool...Thanks for the responses guys. That's what I was afraid of. Looks like I'll just get a used exhaust manifold from a junkjyard. Thanks again!

By the way Dylan, I love the Spaceballs quote, best line in the whole movie!