GTX CAT & Pre-CAT Front Pipes

GTXCAT Direct Fit "Bolt On" Catalytic Converters

We provide a wide range of both Direct Fit and Universal Catalytic Converters.
Our Catalytic Converters are of extremely high quality, designed and manufactured to ensure durability, environmental and human protection and to fit first time, every time.

Only high quality materials and components are used in our Catalytic Converters - because the design, packaging materials and production methods must meet the ever increasing durability requirements of thousands of miles. The Monolith Substrates are manufactured from ceramics and made up of many small channels running axially, providing a high geometrical surface area at a low exhaust gas pressure drop. The substrate doesn't have any catalytic activity itself - it is the "washcoat" of catalytically active substances - a thin layer of inorganic oxides. These provide the surface carrier for precious metal catalysts - platinum, palladium and rhodium.

The shell of the CAT is fabricated from stainless steel and this canning along with the ceramic substrates ensures that GT CATS are capable of surviving the most demanding "hot shake" tests.

Every GTXCAT is EU Approved and have undergone the most stringent of emission tests - in short our cats are approved for engines from 1000cc to 3700cc. GTXCAT is also approved in the USA, where vehicles are subjected to the worlds highest emission controls.

ISO 9001 Quality Assured
Our company and GTXCAT have also been awarded ISO9001 certification which ensures that each and every process and part is inspected and tested before it gets to you.

Pre-CAT Front Pipes

Traditionally, it was the rear of the exhaust system, followed by the centre section and then the front pipe which was replaced on older vehicles on a 3,2,1 basis. Today, we are seeing the catalytic converter and Pre-CAT Front Pipes being replaced more and more regualrly. Therefore, the demand for Pre-CAT Front pipes is increasing year on year. GT Exhausts have developed a number of Pre-CAT Front Pipes that are regularly being replaced.

Please read on for technical information and fitting tips.

Fitting Catalytic Converters - Let us help YOU

There is a lot more to fitting a catalytic converter than meets the eye - simply replacing the CAT is not enough - it is essential that you understand and diagnose the reason for the CAT's failure, this prevents jeopardising the life span of the replacement CAT.

THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY THE CAT MAY HAVE FAILED. ASCERTAIN THE REASON FOR FAILURE BEFORE YOU REPLACE THE CAT.

Possible Reasons For Failure ...

Fuel/Incorrect Fuel Mix
Fuel Injection Systems
Oxygen Sensor
EGR System
Impact Damage

Fuel/Incorrect Fuel Mix
Using the incorrect fuel mix for example leaded fuel in a vehicle which is unleaded fuel compatible only or agricultural diesel in a vehicle that is built to run on white diesel - these cause blockages in the substrate causing the converter to melt down. We would also suggest that when purchasing fuel for your vehicle that you purchase a "brand name". Incorrect Additives such as oil or anti- freeze entering the exhaust system will also cause blockages. Always ensure that additives used in the vehicle are catalytic converter compatible. back up

Fuel Injection Systems
The fuel injection system dictates how much fuel is "injected to the throttle". If an injector is found to be leaking into the engine or internally this can cause damage to the CAT, or if the the system is a cold start system and the temperature system is not working this too can cause damage. back up

Oxygen Sensor
These are usually found in the Pre-CAT Front Pipe and by sending messages to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) dictates proper fuel mixture. A correctly functioning sensor will fluctuate between 900mv and 100mv every few seconds and should it remain stagnant means that the oxygen sensor is not working properly. This means that the sensor should be replaced before replacing the CAT. back up

EGR System
This routes minimal gas back into the intake system reducing oxides of nitrogen. If the exhaust system has an EGR System inplace this must be checked, whilst the EGR may not cause as a whole failure to the CAT , it may well be the reason that the vehicle has a nitrogen oxide problem. back up

Impact Damage
Caused by road debris, sleeping policemen, ramps and other abuse causing the substrate to break.

The above is for guide purposes only and is not an exhaustive fault finding list. Failure to diagnose and correct the initial fault will invalidate warranty.

1. Some see the CAT as part of the vehicles sophisticated emissions control system - others as part of the exhaust system - ultimately the CAT is both. As part of the ECS you must treat the CAT with great care.
2. GTXCAT recommend that you DO NOT replace a CAT without testing the ECU or Lambda sensor.
3. ALWAYS make sure to confirm the reason for emissions failure before you replace the CAT ECU Lambda sensor
4. DO NOT just replace the CAT because you cannot find fault anywhere else.
5. If you are only replacing the centre and rear silencers for example - DO NOT remove the CAT.
6. NEVER remove or disregard a CAT - NEVER replace the CAT with an exhaust. Cars fitted with CAT's are designed to run with CAT's - the car will not run properly without the CAT!
7. After fitting a CAT always replace the heat shield - the front end or hot end can rise to temperatures above 900 Degrees Celsius.
8. Always use new gaskets compatible to the CAT - NEVER use exhaust paste on the CAT or Pre-CAT Front pipe.
9. If you DO NOT KNOW how to replace a CAT - DON'T DO IT! back up

FAQ's Catalytic Converters

What does a Catalytic Converter do?
How often will a CAT need replacing?
How do I know if my car has a CAT?
Do short journeys have any affect on my CAT?
What servicing will a CAT require?
I have a diesel car - does it need to have a CAT fitted?
Does the CAT affect my car's performance?
What about fuel or oil additives - can I use these?
When travelling at speed my CAT sometimes smells of rotten eggs - Why?

What does a Catalytic Converter do?
The combustion of petrol and diesel fuel in internal combustion engines generates power as a main product and also heat and exhaust gases as a by-product. Exhaust gases, when combusted with ideal amounts of air produce complete combustion products such as carbon dioxide or water. Unfortunately, motor vehicle gases contain chemicals harmful to our health and the environment.The Catalytic Converter will convert the harmful gases into ones which are environmentally friendly and human friendly - Carbon Monoxide and HydroCarbons are transformed into Carbon Dioxide and water and Nitrogen oxides are transformed into Nitrogen.The speed of these reactions should be incredibly fast and must happen within the time that the exhaust gas is in contact with the catalyst - which is only a few inches long! By ensuring your catalytic converter is working properly you are helping to save the environment and are protecting your and everybody else's health! back up

How often will a CAT need replacing?
We were told CATs would never need replacing, that they should, in theory, last a lifetime. However, because of extreme thermal and mechanical stress it incurs and, monoliths fracturing, your CAT will need replacing at least once during the lifetime of your car. back up

How do I know if my car has a CAT?
As a general rule, all cars manufactured since 1993 will have a CAT. The CAT can be found at the "hot end" of the exhaust system - but can sometimes be confused with a small silencer box - if you have any doubt, a lambda sensor usually means the presence of a CAT - or check the VIN number. back up

Do short journeys have any affect on my CAT?
CAT's have to reach a "light-off" temperature to work properly, in cold conditions, this can take up to and above 3 minutes. This is one of the main reasons the CAT is fitted at the "hot end" of the exhaust. back up

What servicing will a CAT require?
During the fitting period on the car, the CAT does not require servicing. The elements of the emission control system sometimes cause the damage to a CAT -and usually means the CAT needs replacing. For this reason your car should be serviced at regular intervals. back up

I have a diesel car - does it need to have a CAT fitted?
Some diesel cars are already fitted with a CAT. Following 1997 legislation, a lot of diesel cars are required to have CATs' fitted. back up

Does the CAT affect my car's performance?
NO! - Today's cars are designed to run with a CAT fitted. back up

What about fuel or oil additives - can I use these?
It is advised that you DO NOT use these UNLESS the fuel or oil additive clearly states it is "CAT Compatible". back up

When travelling at speed my CAT sometimes smells of rotten eggs - Why?
Sometimes, minute particles of sulphur found in the petrol can transform into hydrogen sulphide on the catalyst - generally, only occurring when there is a quick change of engine speed. This should change with age. back up