Anyone know if there is an option out there for exhaust headers that do away with the CAT? Stainless steel or otherwise? Reasons are weight, and asthetics (performance?). Any suggestions?
A working catalytic convertor has virtually no effect on performance, maybe 1-2 hp at the most. Below are a list of some things that can individually have a larger effect on performance than the cat: low tire pressure dragging brakes overweight rider (~7 pounds = 1 hp) overdue oil change running in the wrong gear worn chain/sprockets dirty air filter tall windscreen loose fitting jacket (wind resistance vs. leathers) wet roads 1,000 feet of altitude water in the gas worn spark plugs etc. In other words (and in my opinion), the gain is so small as to make the effort, effect on the environment, and federal crime (tampering with a convertor) not worth it.
Forgot to mention, I would want headers that keep the cat on my VTEC VFR, if/when I get one. Headers are a good thing.
