peeeot Posted November 30, 2006 Report Share Posted November 30, 2006 I need to replace my catalytic and am hoping to do so myself. It isn't clear to me how the converter is attached though. The converter pipes are inserted into larger diameter exhaust pipes, like sleeves, but there is no weld at the seam. There is, however, a weld running around each sleeve, but this is about 1.5" away from the end. I don't see how the welds do anything. Does the cat have to be cut out, or can I work it loose if I remove the pipes? What's the best method? This is a 1991 Cutlass Supreme 3.1. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93CutlassSupreme Posted November 30, 2006 Report Share Posted November 30, 2006 The cat is all welded together. The best method to remove it would involve the use of a sawzall and some safety glasses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted November 30, 2006 Report Share Posted November 30, 2006 The cat is all welded together. The best method to remove it would involve the use of a sawzall and some safety glasses. then use some exhaust clamps to install the new one. then drive to a shop to have it welded up. clamps = or skip the "do it yourself" all together and have a shop do it. shouldnt be more than $40 for install if you supply the new cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
97loudcut Posted November 30, 2006 Report Share Posted November 30, 2006 Just curious where your getting the new cat from. The Magnaflow hi-flow cat can be had from Summit Racing for $50 shipped. I think that is a pretty fair price compared to what you will pay if you go the OEM way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peeeot Posted December 1, 2006 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2006 It's the Magnaflow cat, though I didn't get it from Summit. It was $63 shipped. It's a direct-fit unit though, not a universal. I called a muffler shop about this before I bought the part. They said they wouldn't install the cat for me if I supplied it, but they WOULD weld it up if I brought it in already installed. That was my plan. Maybe I should call some other shops. It would be nice if I could get someone else to install it for me. How much of the existing pipe needs to be cut off? Or, how far into the exhaust pipes do the catalytic pipes go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ns87 Posted December 2, 2006 Report Share Posted December 2, 2006 Whatever you do, don't bring it to a shop without a welder like I stupidly did. "We have to replace front and rear exaust bc we can't just cut out the cat" $700 :redface: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peeeot Posted December 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2006 Yikes! I would have refused service and driven home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peeeot Posted December 4, 2006 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2006 The new cat is in! I found a shop who was willing to get the job done. Turns out the catalyst had disintegrated on the original cat. I'm going to cut it open to get a better look. No more rattle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ns87 Posted December 4, 2006 Report Share Posted December 4, 2006 Congrats. Sure it breathes much better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canada Posted December 5, 2006 Report Share Posted December 5, 2006 Most shops are scared of cat work (like the one I work at)....it either gets replaced by an orginal unit, or it goes down the road. Fines are hefty.....even though replacing a cat with an aftermarket unit is legal, management has nightmares about it......between the DNR and GM watching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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