I'm having a real issue locating CARB compliant cats for my '97 XK8. I'm curious if anyone has done a custom CAT fabrication for their California car?

 

Some local exhaust shops can install CARB-compliant universal catalysts by replacing the original one in the pipe. There are ones manufactured by Walker. Here is a sample link:

WALKERŽ EXHAUST SYSTEMS :: E-Catalog Lookup

 

So is the idea to cut out the old Cat and reuse the end pieces with the bungs in them?

 

Yes, that is typically the approach unless someone wants new pipes attached to the new converters.

 

The only issue I see is that the cat piping is cast iron. I'm no welder but I assume that new steel can be welded onto old cast?


I'd prefer to do new piping but not sure where I can locate the flanges. I've been looking but so far no luck.

 

Nameless Performance makes Stainless steel Hi-Flow 200 cell Cats with flanges.
They are a thing of beauty. They aren't listed on their products web site, but I bought them a few years back. $700-800 not cheap but very nice. Check em out. I think there is another link to them on the forum as several have purchased them in the past.

https://shop.namelessperformance.com/partner-brands/

 

The thing to remember about going from 400 cell CATS to 200 cells is the increase in exhaust noise. Gives it a terrific burble but it does tend to drone in the cabin at speed. Some love it some hate it.

 

So a question came up...is the Catalytic Converter piping on a 97-99 XK8 cast iron or cast steel?

 

or another way of looking at is .......... does it matter?

The replacement ones will no doubt be Stainless Steel and thats the material you would want.

 

I had the Nameless cats on my 2004 while it was in California and it passed no problem. They've simplified the test so it should actually be easier to pass now (I used to have to change out my intake for the test, now they don't even open the hood I'm told).

 

Luckily I have been able to locate a manufacturer that makes carb compliant aftermarket cats for most Jaguar models...Diversified Environmental Catalyst. Cost is about $320 each. Problem solved. Thanks to all.

 

You say you "had them" did you take them off or are they still on?
Just wondering if it was too loud or something else?

 

Sorry, the car is in Oregon now. Still have the cats and have a custom stainless steel exhaust system hooked to them. Love the sound. They were too loud with straight pipes ( I tried cutouts for a bit), but other than that they've been great.