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Exhaust smell in cabin - after new Cats installed

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Old 10-10-2018, 03:11 PM
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slang
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Default Exhaust smell in cabin - after new Cats installed

Hello!

I have a 2003 Corvette zo6. I just had a set of new cats installed at an exhaust shop.

This is the part:
Magnaflow 93989 | CHEVROLET CORVETTE | 5.7L | Catalytic Converter-Direct Fit | Standard Grade EPA

Before install there was no exhaust smell in the cabin when I Idle. however after install the smell is there, only when I dont move (which makes me think its at the front of the car). I took it back to the shop and they didn't see any leaks in the weld joints.

Anyone have this issue before? I didn't buy a gasket for the new cats - and no one advised me to get one could that be my issue?

any help would be appreciated!
Old 10-10-2018, 05:42 PM
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grantv
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Does it actually have the pup cats as shown?
Were the previous cats done for, or PO removed?
Yes the gasket may be the cause. Did they run a smoke test or just visual?
The smell will only be pronounced when sitting still generally.
Old 10-10-2018, 05:58 PM
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slang
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yea they had the pup cats, everything in the picture here is the part: https://www.hottexhaust.com/Magnaflow_93989

they just did a visual check, no smoke test. My previous cats were done for - i was getting the cat code on the driver side. My O2 sensor voltage proved that the cat was in fact bad (I graphed the voltage).
Old 10-10-2018, 07:06 PM
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redzg
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Originally Posted by slang
I graphed the voltage
Yeah for data! Exhaust can be trickier than one might expect. There isn't any way to move the head pipes without dislodging the entire set -- and new cats have an odor all their own...
Old 10-10-2018, 09:33 PM
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bwill03z
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For me when I added new high flow metallic cats I had a very strong smell that you could smell inside the cabin for awhile until they get “broken in”. It’s normal
Old 10-11-2018, 12:39 PM
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slang
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Originally Posted by bwill03z
For me when I added new high flow metallic cats I had a very strong smell that you could smell inside the cabin for awhile until they get “broken in”. It’s normal
Do you by chance remember roughly how long? I have had them installed for a little over 2 weeks and she is my daily driver.

Old 10-11-2018, 01:07 PM
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bravo29
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When I did my Trans Am LS1 it took about 2 months for the smell to go away. If you drive less it will take longer.

Last edited by bravo29; 10-11-2018 at 01:13 PM.
Old 10-11-2018, 08:53 PM
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bwill03z
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Originally Posted by slang
Do you by chance remember roughly how long? I have had them installed for a little over 2 weeks and she is my daily driver.
No I really don’t remember, sorry
Old 10-12-2018, 12:42 AM
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striper
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Now that you've done the cats maybe you should consider changing the O2 sensors.

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