Catalytic converter stuck
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,055
Likes: 0
From: Sarcasm. Just one of the many services I offer.
Catalytic converter stuck
Hey guys. Need some help getting this cat off. i pulled the exhaust system off, but the u bracket on the transmission side of the converter has created a bulge in the pipe that is preventing me from pulling the cat off.i sprayed oil on it and pulled hard as I can but it will not come loose from the pipe. Any suggestions?
BTW, my car has straight pipes now....its not near as loud as I imagined. how will it sound if I gut the cat and how much will it improve my performance? I noticed a big difference when i switched to straight pipes...
BTW, my car has straight pipes now....its not near as loud as I imagined. how will it sound if I gut the cat and how much will it improve my performance? I noticed a big difference when i switched to straight pipes...
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Heat heat and more heat! Just be careful not to ignite that oil you put on it. The other option is to cut a slit or two (180* from each other) from the edge of the pipe to the bump. Sometimes that'll let it relax (like taking off your belt) enough to slide it ou.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Florida
While we here talking about Cats......I was going to gut my cat but could'nt for the life of me figure out how to drop it out w/o unhooking the small pipe comming from it to the front of the car. Also, if I was to remove the cat all together what do I do with that small pipe? Crimp? Cut or just remove it also from where ever it goes to? Will this throw any codes?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
The small pipe goes up to a check valve that stops exhaust from blowing back to the AIR pump. It wont cause a SES light. Not real sure what it will do if you close it off though.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 980
Likes: 2
From: Chandler AZ
One thing to watch for
Many times when CATS are gutted or removed, a trouble code 32 is generated due to the lack of back pressure. I found I also lost low end torque on my '90 when I removed all the CATS, so I ended up replacing the main CAT. It also mellowed the sound ever so slightly.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I'm on a rather small budget. The wife is pregnant with twins and I'm a poor professional Firefighter-paramedic. 
I can't afford to buy a cat back system or replace the whole system. I can afford some mufflers to replace the stock ones. I'm looking for a more throaty sound. I was going to keep the pre-cats and gut the large one to help get that sound. What do you think I might do to get what I'd like?
I can't afford to buy a cat back system or replace the whole system. I can afford some mufflers to replace the stock ones. I'm looking for a more throaty sound. I was going to keep the pre-cats and gut the large one to help get that sound. What do you think I might do to get what I'd like?
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