360 Modena Red Cats

richard1302 · 12-14-2010, 06:12 PM

Hi All,

Today I noticed, after a long drive that, in the dark I cn see some part of the cats glow. Is this supposed to be normal? I understand that cats work at really high temperatures but no idea how much is OK.

Thanks

Boxer · 12-14-2010, 09:43 PM

I don't ever remember seeing my cats glow but it does get very hot in the 360 engine bay. Hence a challenge grill is highly recommended.

wetpet · 12-15-2010, 04:10 AM

i'm no mechanic, but i believe there is a sensor that will tell you if they get too hot.

Boxer · 12-15-2010, 04:56 AM

If they overheat, the dreaded check engine light will come on.

Killer58 · 12-15-2010, 08:25 AM

There are a few threads over on that "other" site, including pictures of cats glowing red. However, there doesn't seem to be consensus on whether that is "normal" or not.

As an engineer, I will hazard a guess: Most metals will begin to glow red about 800 degrees F. By 900 degrees or so, glowing cats would be visible in daylight. So, depending on how close the cats are to the exhaust ports, I think it is reasonable to expect they could get red hot. This is why some manufactures have placed ceramic coatings on their exhaust manifolds (Jaguars come to mind). This reduces the radiated heat in the engine compartment.

So, as Boxer states, I think if they were "too" hot, the CEL would illuminate.

richard1302 · 12-15-2010, 06:59 PM

Thanks guys. I also checked with the local dealer and they can't say if there is a problem just by the cats glowing so it measn that it could be a normal thing (...if that's the only thing going on of course).

12-14-2010, 06:12 PM	#1
richard1302 Join Date: Nov 2010 Ferrari Life Posts: 3	360 Modena Red Cats Hi All, Today I noticed, after a long drive that, in the dark I cn see some part of the cats glow. Is this supposed to be normal? I understand that cats work at really high temperatures but no idea how much is OK. Thanks

12-14-2010, 09:43 PM	#2
Boxer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Ferrari Life Posts: 12,792	I don't ever remember seeing my cats glow but it does get very hot in the 360 engine bay. Hence a challenge grill is highly recommended. Boxer Current: F40, F50, 612, 430 Scuderia Past: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge, 550, 575, 365BB, 512BB, 456 GT, F355 GTS, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, 308 GTB

12-15-2010, 04:10 AM	#3
wetpet Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chevy Chase, Md Ferrari Life Posts: 6,600 Name: Ed	i'm no mechanic, but i believe there is a sensor that will tell you if they get too hot. Everything you know is wrong Stop chatting and start living the ferrarilife!

12-15-2010, 04:56 AM	#4
Boxer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Ferrari Life Posts: 12,792	If they overheat, the dreaded check engine light will come on. Boxer Current: F40, F50, 612, 430 Scuderia Past: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge, 550, 575, 365BB, 512BB, 456 GT, F355 GTS, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, 308 GTB

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12-15-2010, 08:25 AM	#5
Killer58 Owner Elite Member Join Date: May 2010 Ferrari Life Posts: 1,419 Name: David	There are a few threads over on that "other" site, including pictures of cats glowing red. However, there doesn't seem to be consensus on whether that is "normal" or not. As an engineer, I will hazard a guess: Most metals will begin to glow red about 800 degrees F. By 900 degrees or so, glowing cats would be visible in daylight. So, depending on how close the cats are to the exhaust ports, I think it is reasonable to expect they could get red hot. This is why some manufactures have placed ceramic coatings on their exhaust manifolds (Jaguars come to mind). This reduces the radiated heat in the engine compartment. So, as Boxer states, I think if they were "too" hot, the CEL would illuminate.

12-15-2010, 06:59 PM	#6
richard1302 Join Date: Nov 2010 Ferrari Life Posts: 3	Thanks guys. I also checked with the local dealer and they can't say if there is a problem just by the cats glowing so it measn that it could be a normal thing (...if that's the only thing going on of course).