Gutting a Catalytic converter
11-27-2001, 11:57 PM
#1
Pro
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Gutting a Catalytic converter
Is there a trick too gutting a stock catalytic converter other than just pushing holes thru it? I cant go to true duals or a test pipe--(Inspection).. I Posted in the wanted section if anyone is selling one... Any help would be appreciated.... :cheers:
11-28-2001, 03:56 AM
#2
Racer
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Re: Gutting a Catalytic converter (Rich80)
I can't tell you about the original, if thats what you have. But on my after market converter, I took a long steel rod and hammerred it thru at 1 inch intervals. You basically want to break up the honey comb material until the pieces are small enough to come out the pipe :smash: It's a real mess, so i put one end of the pipe in a card board box while doing this. Any way it was fairly easy and everything just fell right out. Took 20 minutes. I could believe the difference. Gas milage went up and it will also sound nicer too :D lou
11-28-2001, 11:42 AM
#4
Safety Car
Re: Gutting a Catalytic converter (Rich80)
If you have the stock pancake converter (about 3" thick, it's wide and flat), there is a plug in it that holds the media in. Unlike all the other manufacturers, GM used loose "*****" that are poured into the converter and the exhaust passes through them. You have to remove the converter to get them all out, but I have had success removing the plug, firing up the vehicle and thus blowing out the remaining pellets. We used to replace the media when people ran leaded fuel through them and ruined the pellets. The plugs (used once) are available from GM. One good thing, you can save the pellets and put them back in for smog check purposes. By the way, it's tough to poke through these, as they have two layers of angled steel plates. Good luck.
Hans
[Modified by Wrencher, 9:50 AM 11/28/2001]
Hans
[Modified by Wrencher, 9:50 AM 11/28/2001]
11-28-2001, 12:32 PM
#6
Racer
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Re: Gutting a Catalytic converter (Rich80)
Rich80,
Like Wrencher said you can remove the media inside. I felt even with the guts removed it was still very restrictive. I used a large drill motor with side handel and a 2 1/4 in. hole saw to cut out the interior metal baffels. Now theres a nice straight shot for the exchust to pass thru. Re-installed. If it doesnt pass emisions I'll buy a new high flow cat.
Like Wrencher said you can remove the media inside. I felt even with the guts removed it was still very restrictive. I used a large drill motor with side handel and a 2 1/4 in. hole saw to cut out the interior metal baffels. Now theres a nice straight shot for the exchust to pass thru. Re-installed. If it doesnt pass emisions I'll buy a new high flow cat.
