flyersfan1088

I've got everything unbolted, including the stupid little clamp on the air pipe. I've been wiggling the converter back and forth for half an hour and have made no progress. I tried heating the end with a little bernz-o-matic torch, but it will not slip off the pipe. Any tips? Thanks

65Z01

My installer just cut it off, tossed the stock Y & cat and installed the new units.

There is an inexpensive tool made to drive between the two pipes to flare the larger tube for easier disassembly. The cat front pipe must have a crimp from the clamp that's still binding on the Y.

This will flare the cat front pipe but a band clamp and a hammer should bring it back into line for reassembly.

flyersfan1088

Well crap, that's not what I wanted to hear! I don't have a sawzall or anything else to cut it off. I have a hacksaw, but I'm doing this on ramps so I don't really have the clearance to try it with the hacksaw. By the way, NOBODY EVER TRY TO DO THIS ON RAMPS!!!!!!!! I'm going to need a chiropractor after all of the contortions I've been through.

I did notice something when I disconnected the rear Y from the back of the converter. The car did not get much louder. The tone changed, but it didn't get nearly as loud as I thought it should by disconnecting before the mufflers. Is this another sign that the cat is plugged up? C'mon I need someone to reassure me that I'm on the right track. I'd hate to think I'm doing this crap for nothing. :D

65Z01

I've done exhaust systems on ramps in the past and yes it always sucked.

Your pre-cats and cat realy inhibit flow and reduce noise. If you're installing a new hi-flow cat it's a very good start; now about eliminating those damn pre-cats...

mash557

Gee, mine came off real easy.....after I removed the front Y-pipe/cat converter combo and took to exhaust shop where an acetylene torch provided a much needed blast of heat. By the way, I noticed the same noise or lack there of when I took my rear y-pipe off.

flyersfan1088

So is there any way to get it off without taking the front Y/cat assembly somewhere? I am planning on gutting the cat, so I don't think any exhaust shop will help me out. Should I just fire up the bernz-o-matic again and try to heat it myself?

IBEAM700

You could always try a slide hammer. If you can find a way to attach it to the rear of the converter

Vic'89

Pull the front ypipe off with the convertor attached to it.

You might have to take it to an exhaust shop.

Vic

mash557

Exhaust shop would be happy to do this, just don't tell them you're gonna gut the cat. Taking front Y off is not too bad as long as the manifold nuts aren't all seized up. A helper makes it a much easier job.

Phobos84

If you are gutting the cat you don't have to remove it from the car. You will need the rear Y pipe off thats it. Just take a metel poker and a hammer. Break everything up inside and then start the engine. It will blow all the stuff out and there you go, put the rear pipe back on. Easy.

flyersfan1088

I found a friend with a shop who'll torch it off for me tomorrow.

Next question. Looking through the rear of the cat, the brick inside looks fine with no damage. This is normal, right? The front is where it starts to fuse if I'm thinking correctly. Could someone reaffirm this.

Also, I'm planning on running a straight length of pipe through the center of the gutted cat. Will this cause any codes or anything since the little air pipe on the side will effectively be blocked off.

Thanks


[Modified by flyersfan1088, 6:42 PM 3/31/2003]