Help! I need a test pipe..
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 668
Likes: 21
Help! I need a test pipe..
I am really sure that my catalytic converter is clogged. The car runs fine only at low speeds. It will not accelerate above 35MPH. I loosened the bolts in front of the cat and it will go a lot faster. So I believe I have a clogged cat that will not let my engine breath. I asked the local muffler shop if they will remove the cat and knock out the honey comb and reinstall. They said no even though the car is emission exempt due to it's age. (1979).
I recall that years ago you could buy a "test pipe" a pipe the same length as the cat. You could remove the cat and install a "test pipe" to test to see how the car would run. I'm sure sometimes the owner would forget to reinstall their cat..
Anyway I can't find one. Anyone know where I can buy a test pipe for a 1979 corvette with a stock exhaust? I really need one.
I recall that years ago you could buy a "test pipe" a pipe the same length as the cat. You could remove the cat and install a "test pipe" to test to see how the car would run. I'm sure sometimes the owner would forget to reinstall their cat..
Anyway I can't find one. Anyone know where I can buy a test pipe for a 1979 corvette with a stock exhaust? I really need one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
They (were called "Test Tubes" ) & used to be in big cardboard boxes near counter of parts stores ... probably ran afoul of EPA.
May be exempt from your state law (wherever that is) but the car is NOT exempt from existing Federal regs. Shop may not know you well enough to risk their azz on you.
Ask the shop if they'll drop the converter only... if yes.
You stand by and call uber ... when cat's on the deck, you tote it home and knock its guts out and uber it back to shop.
Best option is ask shop if they'll run true dual exhausts. Motor will love you for it.
May be exempt from your state law (wherever that is) but the car is NOT exempt from existing Federal regs. Shop may not know you well enough to risk their azz on you.
Ask the shop if they'll drop the converter only... if yes.
You stand by and call uber ... when cat's on the deck, you tote it home and knock its guts out and uber it back to shop.
Best option is ask shop if they'll run true dual exhausts. Motor will love you for it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,658
Likes: 2,470
From: Indiana
No clue where you are..in my state indiana no emissions.
i did not have clogged cat on my 79 but the cost of test pipe...if you can find one is a third of a new dual exhaust..see my 79 cat..go duals eliminate heat riser enjoy..good set dynomax or use your current mufflers if good.
also im impressed with you getting bolts off cat..what a pita..also cat burned my floor even with rattling heat shield
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...79-4speed.html
i did not have clogged cat on my 79 but the cost of test pipe...if you can find one is a third of a new dual exhaust..see my 79 cat..go duals eliminate heat riser enjoy..good set dynomax or use your current mufflers if good.
also im impressed with you getting bolts off cat..what a pita..also cat burned my floor even with rattling heat shield
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...79-4speed.html
Last edited by interpon; Jan 28, 2020 at 08:52 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,658
Likes: 2,470
From: Indiana
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
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From: Los Banos CA
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 789
Likes: 129
From: Los Banos CA
If you want a bolt-in replacement cat, here is one on e-bay (but available thru other sources also). I bought a test pipe thru e-bay several years ago also, but don't see any available now.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MagnaFlow-C...du7rq#shpCntId
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MagnaFlow-C...du7rq#shpCntId
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 498
bourque7-77 was the eBay seller , 79.95 is what it cost , you could message him to see if he going to get anymore ? Mine was brand new though the Magna Flow converter option is nice to know
Last edited by Eric P; Jan 29, 2020 at 05:17 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 789
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From: Los Banos CA
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 668
Likes: 21
Yup that's a pic of what I am trying to buy. I did ponder trying to make one myself. The local exhaust shop won't since they already told me no way do they want to be involved with it. I believe they are worried about their state safety inspection license. I really don't wish to get them jammed up. Sure with I could find one. My car is down until I do.
I appreciate everyone taking the time to answer my post. Thx.
I appreciate everyone taking the time to answer my post. Thx.