I need to replace the Bank 2 Catalytic Converter on my 2001 3.2L jaguar XJ8 Executive, but I have heard that most after-market products do not conform to the specifications of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Has anyone purchased an after-market cat that they can recommend. If so, please provide details.

 

I've got similar problem with badly rattling cat, easy and economic option would be straight fit bm-catalysts from ebay, but i figured out it may be more fun to weld there flowmaster or magnaflow, hard to choose so i live with rattle for now, unless you live in some ecomaddness possessed place both options should do well

 

What does the "cat rattle" sound like? Would it be something resembling a bad hydraulic lifter in a chevy, that only happens with a cold engine and moderate or above acceleration until the engine gets to normal operating temperature? And, will rattle again when the engine goes below the normal operating temp? If so, I think I'm going to try the Paramount 200 cell cats: https://www.paramount-performance.co...531111121.html

 

When my range rover broke the lifter it sounded like an old tractor with missing cylinder or two, that's closest to bad lifter chevy i got
My cats sound like if someone dropped the nut there, irregular rattle more pronounced when cold but always there.
Anyway nice find and at least on photo looks like good workmanship

 

Interesting ... your description of the noise pretty much sounds like what I'm describing, but I'm not hearing it all the time. (Then again, I've had this ringing in my ears since the last "Who" concert that I went to. Stood in front of the 20-foot speakers during "Won't Get Fooled Again.") It will go away then return depending on engine, or cat, temp. I've considered other possibilities, like piston slap or a torque converter problem (things that require oil to operate), but came to the conclusion that this noise wouldn't come back if it was an oiling problem unless the engine has been turned off. For example, I went for a drive that took me up into the nearby mountains; up one pass then down another. Coming down, the temp gauge (I have JW's Real Gauge conversion) went to about 150F where my normal temp is 185F. Got the rattle again.

Those replacement cats that I referenced should be high quality. That company has been around for a while anyways. I saw others that cost less, but those were not made with Stainless Steel and used 2-inch instead of 2.5-inch tubing.

 

I had same dilemma as my TC is bad i was sure it is making the rattling, but after probing the whole area with the stethoscope (and melting it in the intent) i could clearly hear the noise coming from cats and no other area.
I will move soon so i'm counting on finding some bright and dedicated tuner shop able to weld flowmasters or similar stuff at competitive price in the new place, till then i live with the rattle which is noting compared to the noise and huge cloud of smoke was accompanying my RR
Someone, back in archives, recommended closing the windows and turning radio up, it definitely works, may also use WHO for the purpose

 

I've always wanted to put a freer flowing exhaust on the car since I have a few other aftermarket pieces on it, and I live in an area where there are no ecomaddness inspections; not even a yearly safety inspection.
I could probably decat and de-EGR if I knew any outfits that could remap the ECU. But, most places won't do it unless your building a race car.

I found another source for the 200-cell cats: https://shop.namelessperformance.com...xj8-downpipes/ These look just as good as the others and are made closer to home.

 

Lucky you, no inspection, i don't mind yearly inspection but the way they are running it here is pitiful farce, give them car straight from the dealer and they will find something wrong with it.
In my case 200 cell is may be an overkill (my car is normally aspired) but on xjr it is an other story, on the other hand having no inspection i would go straight pipe and save 1.5k for something like that

 

the honeycomb inside has broken down,when heat expands it'll quiet down. biggest problem might be plugged exhaust system over time

 

Thanks, Steven. More motivation to open up the exhaust ...

 

If anyone is in US I have 2 pairs of Cats laying around garage...