So today I almost got beat by a Toyota RAV4. Embarrassing, but what’s more is I had my foot to the floor, and I was missing power. Then, getting on the highway I couldn’t get it to a speed which I’ve been able to hit and MAJORLY surpass before.

Also, there seems to be more intake noise than before, the exhaust isn’t as throaty as it once was. Could this be a clogged cat? If yes, what are my options?

here’s what’s in my head:
1) Cut em open and clear them out.
2) Buy new stock cats and replace them myself.
3) HFC’s which is pretty low on the list as my money won’t go very far lately...

any advice is appreciated, I don’t want to drive like this for much longer!

 

4) pick-n-pull cats

 

look for a used set in the classified on here, but before you do that are you sure the cats are clogged?...usually there re specific CEL codes that light up with clogged cats AFAIK ...kinda sounds like an exhaust leak TBH

 

I forgot to mention I have an OBD2 device that shows HP(guestimate) and I’m seeing around 340ish. Also I can hear the rattles on deceleration.

I did get an exhaust back a bit, but I had never thought of an exhaust leak being the cause. I’ll get under it and look around.

also, no CEL’s as of now. I think it’s just the secondary cats that have the issue.

 

i found my OEM exhaust gaskets sucked and constantly sprang leaks especially after tracking...found a recommendation for some remflex gaskets a while ago (they are about twice as thick as OEM) they have been golden ever since(grabbed them on Amazon.ca for about 9 dollars CAD)...the symptoms you describe are similar to what I experienced ..you can also try tightening down the exhaust bolts at both ends of the y pipe and by the mufflers in the meanwhile or do a leak test

 

Erm... no bolts.

Exhaust was welded to the cats flange, from cats to tailpipe is all one piece.

 

I hope the Rav4 you almost lost to is a V6