C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Catalytic converter install, 86

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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 09:59 PM
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Default Catalytic converter install, 86

Hey folks;

I'm back to my 86 restoration project and the exhaust is first on the list. I removed the piping and mufflers after the converter, thinging I would just install a new cat back system. however, the heat sheild on top of the converter is broken (rattles a lot) and the bolts would not budge. So, I'd like to take it out, try to fix the shield, or just replace the converter.

there's a small pipe connecting it to the engine comartment, I'm guessing it goes to the EGR, but I'm not sure. It looks welded on, but I'm not sure. the clamp looks kind of strange as well. Any advice for disconnecting this line so I can remove the coverter? Any help would be much appreciated.
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Old Sep 23, 2007 | 11:13 PM
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Hello it's not real hard I just did mine. I cut the bolts on the cat and cut the clamp in the front. I also removed the air pump pipe connected to the cat. You can trace this pipe up and under your a/c unit. There is a rubber coupling there and I put a plug in the coupling with a clamp. I used a carsound cat made by magnaflow. It was a direct bolt on. I also had to use a rawhide hammer to persuade the cat off. Hope this helps, Larry
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 07:28 AM
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Default Thanks for the reply

I too cut the bolts on the flange and cut the clamp in front. I did try to use a wrencha nd breaker bar, but it laghed at me. When you say "I put a plug in the coupling with a clamp", did you plug the coupling at the AC and not connect anything at the cat? What is that line for at the AC? The replacement cats I've seen have had that pigtail pipe ready to recieve the old piping. Did you have to do anything with it? plug it as well?

thanks for the help!!
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 08:49 AM
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Originally Posted by NewbeeBob
Hey folks;

I'm back to my 86 restoration project and the exhaust is first on the list. I removed the piping and mufflers after the converter, thinging I would just install a new cat back system. however, the heat sheild on top of the converter is broken (rattles a lot) and the bolts would not budge. So, I'd like to take it out, try to fix the shield, or just replace the converter.

there's a small pipe connecting it to the engine comartment, I'm guessing it goes to the EGR, but I'm not sure. It looks welded on, but I'm not sure. the clamp looks kind of strange as well. Any advice for disconnecting this line so I can remove the coverter? Any help would be much appreciated.
How far do you want to restore the car? Is this a Bloomington Gold restoration, or something to make YOU happy?

It's an easy job. That pipe is for the AIR system. If you're not going to hook it to the cat, and you don't have to, you could just go eliminate the entire AIR system. The easy way out is to just cut the pipe short and push it up out of the way. Cut it as close to the manfold as possible. If you are energetic, take the rest of the system out.

If the converter is rattling, it's probably shot. Replace the converter. Do you want to do all that work, again?

Last edited by jsup; Sep 24, 2007 at 08:52 AM.
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by NewbeeBob
I too cut the bolts on the flange and cut the clamp in front. I did try to use a wrencha nd breaker bar, but it laghed at me. When you say "I put a plug in the coupling with a clamp", did you plug the coupling at the AC and not connect anything at the cat? What is that line for at the AC? The replacement cats I've seen have had that pigtail pipe ready to recieve the old piping. Did you have to do anything with it? plug it as well?

thanks for the help!!
Yes I just plugged it at the coupling and clamped the hose. The air tube on the cat has a metal cap on it from the factory. This is the carsound cat not sure of other brands. You can also drop your y-pipe (front) down with the cat attached and remove it once it's out of the car. If you remove the y spray your studs with some pb blaster first. Hope this helps, Larry
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 11:10 AM
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Default Thanks again

This is, what I like to call, a poor man's restoration. It's really just to make me happy. I don't mind cutting the pipe, but I do want to use the AC next summer. What does that little pipe do anyway?
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 11:25 AM
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Default Thanks Larry

Just our of curiosity, do you still use your AC? If so, what's the purpose of the pipe? I normally look this stuff up in my manual, but what my wife did with it I have no idea. Guess I should keep it in the garage, where whe never treds.
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by NewbeeBob
This is, what I like to call, a poor man's restoration. It's really just to make me happy. I don't mind cutting the pipe, but I do want to use the AC next summer. What does that little pipe do anyway?
No No No Do not cut your ac line!!! The air tube is under your ac unit. Just trace it from the bottom up and you will find the rubber coupling. The pipe blows air into your cat. You can also do a search on removing the air pump.
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 04:29 PM
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Default ooohhhhhhhh

My bad. I read the post wrong. instead of reading the tube went under the AC unit, I thought it read the tube is connected to the AC unit. I totally forgot about the air system. You'll have to forgive me. I have a 2 year old and a 5 month old. I haven't slept in months.

Thanks again!
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 04:57 PM
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From: Poocakes loves teh sausage! N.E. Ohio
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Originally Posted by NewbeeBob
My bad. I read the post wrong. instead of reading the tube went under the AC unit, I thought it read the tube is connected to the AC unit. I totally forgot about the air system. You'll have to forgive me. I have a 2 year old and a 5 month old. I haven't slept in months.

Thanks again!
Been there!!!
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Old Sep 24, 2007 | 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by LKoncar
Been there!!!
Me, too. Four times.

I was going to say "Thank goodness they're all now in college", but then I remembered the hits my bank account takes.

Jake
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Old Nov 12, 2007 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by LKoncar
No No No Do not cut your ac line!!! The air tube is under your ac unit. Just trace it from the bottom up and you will find the rubber coupling. The pipe blows air into your cat. You can also do a search on removing the air pump.
Does that pipe blow air on the Converter or does it pull hot air off of the converter and inject it back into the engine for a cleaner burn?
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Old Nov 12, 2007 | 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by csheerin
Does that pipe blow air on the Converter or does it pull hot air off of the converter and inject it back into the engine for a cleaner burn?
Are you referring to the air line blowing hot air on the converter? You guys are teaching me alot.

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