[goldyF355]

Hi there,

It has come to my attention that North American 550 models year bulit post 2000 have precats in the exhaust manifolds which reduce performance quite substantially. This was not a problem for European models, who are not faced with the stricter N.A. emissions guidlines.

I have heard quotes of as high as 0.5 secs difference for 0-60 times between 1997-1999 and 2000-2001.This is an outrageous situation!

My question is...what can be done about it?

Are there after market solutions...ie,new exhaust manifolds.

Can one purchase and install European exhaust manifolds without reprecussions ?

Looking forward to hearing from anyone in the "know"

Thanks,

Goldy

 

[Andrew]

Goldy,

Welcome to Ferrari Forum. I had not heard this before so I cannot confidently say what the options are. The best person to contact would be either of our sponsors DexM or Beverly Hills Auto Design depending on where you are.

I know the guys at DexM have extensive knowledge being car engineers for a major automotive company in the past.

Your best option would be to use a strait pipe but I'm not sure the manifold can be replaced (isn't it welded to the block?).

Do you currently have an exhaust system of any kind? Tubi, ANSI, etc.? This will help the flow of air and the sound.

 

[goldyF355]

Hi Enzo, and thank you for the welcome

I currently have a tubi exhaust installed on my 2001 550, but my understanding is this is independant of the exhaust manifold. sure like the sound though

I have since learned that all post MY 2000 ferrari's (inc 360's, 550 and 456) had these precats installed....so this "loss of power" is probably shared by all models in comparision to their earlier MY siblings.

In typical Ferrari fashion, this power robbing modification went unannounced.

Others have suggested using pre-2000 manifolds to rectify the situation...but before I go that route, I would like to know what sort of gains are we talking about....if it really is a 0.4-0.5 difference in 0-60 times..I think it would be well worth it.

 

[Boxer]

I would check that the car will still pass emissions testing before making any modification.

 

[Andrew]

Per Boxer's comment what state are you in and do they have emissions test?

 

[goldyF355]

I'm actually up in Toronto,Canada,and yes, we do have emission testing.

But does that testing vary according to MY?
For example, are the standards different for a 2001 as opposed to a 1999 due to the built in precats present in the former but not the latter?

Damn, this situation is getting worse by the moment,lol.

 

[Andrew]

I'm actually up in Toronto,Canada,and yes, we do have emission testing.

But does that testing vary according to MY?
For example, are the standards different for a 2001 as opposed to a 1999 due to the built in precats present in the former but not the latter?

Damn, this situation is getting worse by the moment,lol.

Sorry I have no idea about Canadian law, I can only speak for U.S. intelligently about U.S. and Japan laws and even then I am not an expert.

Here in the U.S. emissions test vary from state to state. Some require it others do not.

 

[Boxer]

Over here it is required but the requirements are based on the year of your car.

 

[Pete04222]

In the USA it is a violation of federal law to tamper with any emissions device installed on a car, regardless of year. I've had this discussion many times among my Jeep buddies. Removing cats (or pre-cats) is a big no-no. You will not find any reputable shop to do the work for you. You could do it yourself, but you would still be in violation of federal law and if you sold the car the new owner could come back at you and force you to put the exhaust back to stock or face federal fines. This is all covered under the EPA's Clean Air Act.

It reads that it is prohibited:
"for any person to manufacture or sell, or offer to
sell, or install, any part or component intended for use
with, or as part of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle
engine, where a principal effect of the part or component is
to bypass, defeat, or render inoperative any device or
element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or
motor vehicle engine in compliance with regulations under
this title, and where the person knows or should know that
such part or component is being offered for sale or
installed for such use or put to such use"

The fines are not worth the performance gains............if you get caught.

Not sure about Canada.

 

[goldyF355]

While Im not sure of specific Canadian emissions requirements, Ive usually found all govt. standards to be as strict if not stricter than most American regulations.Seems the Canadian Govt. wants to be seen as being the most anal govt in all North America,lol.

I guess that puts an end to my plans to work my way back to performance equity. I will ask my dealer as to specific Canadian regs...and if they differ from my suspicions, will re-ignite this post accordingly.

Thanks to all who have responded with helpful suggestions and advise, both were most appreciated!

Goldy

 

[Pete04222]

Seems the Canadian Govt. wants to be seen as being the most anal govt in all North America,lol.

Well, I didn't want to say it but since you did.......................

 

[Bart]

I have a 97. Therefore, I do not care.

8)