Well, I called Random Tech, Catco, and Car-Sound and here's the low-down:
First off, all the Catalytic Convertors use the same actual brick material but
it's up to the manufacturer on how much of the precious metal (catalyst) to use
and how big of a brick (for flow).
** Random Tech
Uses a smooth case and a shorter "brick" for increased flow...HP gains
negligable with shorter brick. Possibility of brick "rattling" with extended
hot/cold expansion and contraction of the casing itself since there is no
ribbing but they do use a thicker matting to hold the brick in place. Inlet
and outlet tubes not lap jointed (as per tech on the phone) but are flared
instead and are 100% stainless steel (case included). They also stated that
Catco is NOT the same thing and are NOT related at all. The interesting thing
is that they actually recommended using Car-Sound instead of theirs for the
more budget oriented (not on quality...just on price).
** Catco
No website available...but are definitely NOT the same as Random Tech...as
stated to me by the tech on the Catco support line. Standard inlet and outlets
welded (not lap jointed to prevent turbulence) and only have a slight rib to
hold the brick and matting. They also do NOT have a OBD-II compliant OEM
replacement for the R/T or Regular Dakota's...just universal convertors for the
budjet minded.
Catco Catalytic Converters
4410 W 37th Ave
Hobart, IN 46342
Contact: 219-947-1664
** Car-Sound
They use a slightly smaller brick and thicker matting (almost like the Random
Tech) but the main difference is the case. It uses a ribbed casing around the
ceramic (brick) and matting to keep it from rattling (due to constant expanding
and contracting of the case itself). They use stainless steel inlet and outlet
tubes which are lap jointed on the outlet to prevent turbulence in the cat. A
polished Stainless Steel casing available for Show Cars as well.
The choice is now yours...That's the facts.
- Bernd
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