89 Pre CATS
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: The Ham AL
The update is that we cut the exhaust pipes behind the front CATs, unbolted each exhaust pipe (with the front CATs) from the engine, and cut out the converters with each pipe section off the car. We cut the conveters out so that we cut the curved section out. Next, we took the two front sections and visited the local auto parts store and bought two 18" pipe sections, 4 clamps, and some pipe sealent. Amazingly, the non-belled end fit well on the front sections and the belled end fit well on the rear section on the car. Some pipe sealent, clamps, and a rubber hammer and it was time to fire her up again. When I cranked the car, we felt around the connections and listened for a leak. I didn't run the car long, but we did not detect a leak.
I hope it holds. I might try to wire weld the pipe later, but for now it seems that it might be fine. I know this is a temporary fix, but if it holds it only costs me like 30 bucks. Surprizingly, it looks clean since I didn't have to use any other fittings.
Thanks out to Siveck again. One of these days, I'm going to help you fix something on your car.
I hope it holds. I might try to wire weld the pipe later, but for now it seems that it might be fine. I know this is a temporary fix, but if it holds it only costs me like 30 bucks. Surprizingly, it looks clean since I didn't have to use any other fittings.
Thanks out to Siveck again. One of these days, I'm going to help you fix something on your car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
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From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
front precats
all this to-do about nothing. Just get some forum member to sell you the front Y pipe off of an 85, problem solved. 85's didn't have precats and voila!
The thing is made for GM, and it looks stock.
The thing is made for GM, and it looks stock.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 201
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From: The Ham AL
Just some FYI. I asked already in the parts sections with no replies.
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11
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From: CA
I have an '87 with pre-cats and the left side pre-cat came loose inside and broke up causing a rattling sound. I took down the front y-pipe and broke out all of the pieces without cutting the pipe. I did this to both sides. I reinstalled the front y-pipe and the car ran great. with no restrictions I picked up an extra 4 MPG and several miles on a tank full along with a few more ponys for performance. The bad thing is when you remove the pre-cats it will not pass smog in CA so I had to spend a couple hundred bucks to get a new front y-pipe from Mid America with pre-cats and take it back and re-smog which passed.
You can buy the front y-pipe without the pre-cats but beware of your states smog requirements when they test your car. It won't pass without them.
I would discourage you from cutting them out and putting a piece of pipe in place. It is almost impossible to get everything lined up to get a good exhaust seal at the manifolds.
You can buy the front y-pipe without the pre-cats but beware of your states smog requirements when they test your car. It won't pass without them.
I would discourage you from cutting them out and putting a piece of pipe in place. It is almost impossible to get everything lined up to get a good exhaust seal at the manifolds.
