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Replacing cats

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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 01:58 AM
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From: Austin Tx
Default Replacing cats

Need to replace the factory cats on my 2000 couple. I'd like to replace them with the orig style. The pipes are in good shape.

Can the orig style cats be bought new?

What are the pipes made of?

Can the pipes be welded with a MIG?
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 06:08 AM
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If you find O.E. Cats, it will be the h pipe assembly. The pipes are stainless and can be mig welded.
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 11:29 AM
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Thx Martysauto.
I don't necessarily need OE cats, just OE style with the offset.

Last edited by zz28zz; Feb 18, 2014 at 02:13 PM.
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 01:34 PM
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You need to find a good used MID PIPE (same part number as your midpipe) and replace the entire mid pipe. You will not find the same CATs anywhere.

Not many places will weld in used CATS. Its easier to find an entire use low milage midpipe.

There are three or four different midpipe configurations. SO,,,, make sure that you find the one that fits your model year/exhaust manifold configuration. Other wise, the manifold outlet and the mid pipe inlets will not line up.

If it were me, i would get some new high flow CATs and have a shop weld them in.
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 02:29 PM
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Great reply as usual Bill.

I can weld them in. Just the matter of getting the right ones. The mid-pipe option would definitely be easier, but shipping on a intact mid pipe assy would probably cost more than the mid-pipe. I'll try to find a decent mid-pipe locally first.

Guess I'll need to find out what years had the same part# mid-pipe as my 2000. Is there a good site to research that? Are the differences obvious looking at a pic?

I've seen where some have had trouble with the post-cat O2-sensors after installing high-flow cats. Not sure what issues were involved with those situations.
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 02:33 PM
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Just have a tuner tune out the post cat O2 sensors if the PCM complains.

All the post cat sensors do is tell the PCM that you have operational cats. Does NOT effect performance or emissions.
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 02:35 PM
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See if you can find a Vette or performance shop near by and see if they have any scrap / discarded c5 exhaust that they removed. When I go to Carlisle PA, there are mountains of them at the header booths!!!
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Old Feb 18, 2014 | 10:00 PM
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Do not use any aftermarket cats, unless you have codes p0420&430 tuned out. Otherwise the light will go on and they will set. It's just a matter of time. I have seen it in as soon as 1,000 miles.
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