Hey Guys,

I just got my cats on earlier this afternoon and driving around immediately after (for just couple minutes) I noticed a fair amount of smoke coming out of the engine bay. After popping the hood, I saw that the localized areas were around the front and rear engine cat - not the third under side one. It wasn't all bad though as the scent was that of pancakes and toast.

So two questions since I haven't seen any issues posted like this. It this a normal thing when these parts are newly installed? And secondly could those experienced with this upgrade post some impressions on the sound after the install. Raspy, no change, or etc?


Thanks for any and all input!
Collin

 

pancakes and toast??

lol.. if it smells close to pancake syrup.. its coolant. they probably spilled some... although, you dont have to fck with coolant to install the CATS. if you install a CAI, then except some to get spilled

 

maybe they put some sealer along with the gaskets?

 

Any time you install exhaust components, you will get weird smells. Even some smoke is expected (could be from greasy hands, paint on the new component, or penatrating oil used to break loose the exhaust bolts). Compelety normal and expected. Especially with how hot the cats get. The smell should go away in a few days. (Disclaimer - I never had eShift cats. I am only speaking in a general way).

 

Collin you should be fine. I just installed a set of Pro Cats on a 06 TL on Saturday. The smoke is normal. When they make any exhaust piping or unit, there is always the machining oil inside and crap inside that burns off. Also there is grease from the mechanics hands, the fabricator, and there is some burning smell and smoke from the heat wrap on the cats. It is all normal. Also you have to remove the fan on the pass side so they had to move the coolant overflow tank so probably some coolant spilled out of there b/c sometimes that tank gets turned upside down.

 

Guys,

Sorry for not checking in earlier. Thanks to everyone that chimed in. You all were right on the money (as usual). There was a coolant spill from when we pulled the radiator up, and as well, lots of WD40 being sprayed around.

The install was done at our shop, and though it was pretty straight forward it was mostly annoying taking so many things apart and reassembling.

All in all though, I'm very happy with the product and the service from our resident parts vendor, Excelerate. Thanks again to all for the help in tracking down my smoke issue.

There's still a bit of "maple syrup" smell trailing off, but thats my fault for being clumsy with the radiator. I'm sure the people behind me must think I'm the biggest fat kid rolling around town.


Collin

 

faster?

 

Definitely, definitely faster.

Consider that I'm pretty cynical in my mods in that you'll usually always find me doubting the performance gains or claiming no improvement at all - I can't help it. I'm an "on" or "off" type of guy. It usually has to be great for me to notice.

But yes, this feels completely different. It even sounds pretty bad ass too. It completely eliminated the old engine whine and now gives it a scary (but good) growl.

The most noticible thing I can point out is that now when I stomp the gas, power delivery is completely smooth. I have an AT and the transmission no longer lags or searches for power. It doesn't stop and then jump again from gear to gear (usually when finding second and third) as it used to do. Power transfer is so much smoother!

I'm definitely liking this.

 

Yet another satisfied E-Shift Cat owner!! Welcome to the club.

 

I think the title should be changed.

 

No permissions to rename title... Mods?

 

^Yeah you give the cats a bad rap man, it's your fault you car stinks...

Just fucking with ya there, I'm glad you like the way the cats feel, my buddies at ESP made a great contribution that's for sure.

Problem???

 

You know, I was just thinking, maybe its not so bad that the title stays the same.

Most people love to click on bad news, no? So if there's a couple of guys doing searches and research, I guarantee you they'll click on this thread before they click ever on a title like, "E-Shift Pro Cats [SWEET!!!]"

I would go so far to say as maybe this thread might do some good very shortly into the future.

 

Speaking of pro-cats....

i had them on my 06 and i loved them. great kick and a little bit throatier...

has anybody in here successfully installed/dynoed them on a TL-S ?? curious about the gains...

Stock TL-p 900cell/inch
Stock TL-s 600cell/inch
EShift CAT 200cell/inch..

so mathmatically correct....around 14whp gains (6MT most likely)

Josh, any info on these?

 

Can someone tell me where these cell count numbers come from?

I can't wait to tackle these cats on a local customer's car. Just waiting for them to come off BO...

 

The stock acura cell counts are published on their website or honda's website. i found a link earlier.. will find it again and post

E-Shift states that they use 200 cell/inch cats.

 

Here's the info for the Metal Cat cores: http://www.metalcat.com.au/

 

Yes they will fit the TL-S. I have sold them to two TL-S customers. No one has dynoed the gains yet but the local customer I sold them to said he definitely felt the gains. He said it was much more responsive but I don't have any solid #'s to prove it other than his butt dyno.

 

so the gains are still definitely there... but probably not as impressive as the 3.2 gains...

 

Are pro cats and metal cats the same product? I thought pro cats came with a carb stamp on them.

 

Even if they do, they are not legal in CA.

 

The Pro Cats use Metal Cat cores. The Metal Cat cores have CARB and EPA stampings on them. That doesn't mean they are CARB approved b/c the CARB board approved the cores, not the entire product. Besides unless you have a faulty cat they won't allow you to replace the cat anyways. So no it isn't legal in CA but that never stopped anyone.

 

how much does these pro cats give an 04 tl with comptech exhaust? to the wheel???

 

^Approx. 15-20 hp/tq on average