Stock or Magnaflow for Catalytic Converter?

[SunnySideUp]

The catalytic converter on my '82 Spider rattles like box of BB's. The rest of the system is tight and exhaust exits through an relatively new Ansa twin-tip muffler. I'm looking to replace the catalytic converter and would like advice, user experience/opinion on whether I should source a stock replacement or use the one available from Magnaflow. I had a straight pipe on a previous Spider (also with the Ansa muffler) and tone was a bit much for my right ear on long drives. I also now live close enough to a metro area where I may need to submit to emissions testing in the next couple of years as the city boundaries creep towards me. I suppose the good news is that I don't live in California (no slam intended) so that I don't have to comply with their ultra-strict emissions requirements. Is the Magnaflow cat any better than the stock replacements?

[So Cal Mark]

the stock oem cats aren't available, so you'll have to go with an aftermarket. If you don't need emission equipment, just put on a resonator or small glasspack in place of the cat

[wikkid]

Isn't there already a resonator between the cat and the muffler? Mark, you are suggesting the glass pack or resonator to replace the cat so the sound would remain close to OEM level?

[surfingfreeman]

Hey Sunny
Mark set me up with a hushpower 2 that I am pleased with.......

[So Cal Mark]

I don't know what your system has in it, is it stock?

[davery]

I don't know what your system has in it, is it stock?

Mark, I have been thinking of going with a 2.25 inch header and exhaust system. But I have a question. Will the exisiting stock cat create a "bottle neck" since it is a smaller diameter?

[So Cal Mark]

the original cats don't flow well at all imho. I'd use a high-flow aftermarket cat on a custom system

[davery]

the original cats don't flow well at all imho. I'd use a high-flow aftermarket cat on a custom system

What would you suggest?

[wizard124]

Go here page 2: http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... a&start=15

Unfortuneately, I still don't know the manufacturer. Maybe you can tell by the part number or picture (I've been meaning to ask my mechanic...he might not want to disclose ,,,,because then he would know that I know he overcharged me ) EDIT: I did some Internet sleuthing. It's a Catco #65003 universal fit and CA legal. About $100 on-line.

He has a long history with Fiats. This is the cat he swears by....free flowing and passes Ca smog! The rest of the system is stock. It has a nice tone and comfortable volume.