catalytic converter replacement

[Dodgeglht]

I am going to be replacing the converter on my car since it's shot & I'm not too sure how to do so on this car. Is it welded to the pipe or what? Someone help me so I don't cut something I shouldn't. Might be a stupid question but I'd rather be sure I'm right in my thoughts on replacement.

[88_Pacifica]

They're intentionally welded on. This was done originally to prevent leaks as well as prevent removal by "unqualified" people...

[Dodgeglht]

Is that on all the TD's? I prolly should have mentioned it's a GLH turbo.

[88_Pacifica]

That should be all brands and cars that left the factories in the 80's. I think I remember reading that somewhere. I think it was a federal thing. I may be wrong, but I know that it's not "easy" at all for the "home mechanic." I know the emissions states that it is "supposed" to be installed or removed by "certified" personnel only. Whatever... Anyway, you just get a new one before you cut out the old one to make sure you don't cut off too much exhaust pipe. Of course, that's not necessary in Ohio(no sniffer test)... Just throw in some straight pipe!...

[overboostperformance]

yes they are welded on both ends so you will need to cut it as close to the weld as possible and get a cat that is slightly longer with a larger i.d. than the pipes that are on the car. so the exsisting exhaust will slide inside it and line up as intended from the factory. if a longer one is not available you will need 2 sleeves to join them.


Norm

[Dodgeglht]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88_Pacifica That should be all brands and cars that left the factories in the 80's. I think I remember reading that somewhere. I think it was a federal thing. I may be wrong, but I know that it's not "easy" at all for the "home mechanic." I know the emissions states that it is "supposed" to be installed or removed by "certified" personnel only. Whatever... Anyway, you just get a new one before you cut out the old one to make sure you don't cut off too much exhaust pipe. Of course, that's not necessary in Ohio(no sniffer test)... Just throw in some straight pipe!...

lol As much as I want to put in a straight pipe I'm gonna be autocrosssing it in stock class so I'm gonna need a convertor on there.

[88_Pacifica]

Does it have to be OEM? If it's stock class then it probably has to be installed in the factory location correctly with a correspondingly identical unit. Triple check on that before you buy because CC's aren't cheap!

[86Tona]

There are several high flow converters available from Jegs.com or Summitracing.com. You could get one that is longer than the one you cut off with the diameter you need. I got one from them and had the entire system welded.

[overboostperformance]

in regards to being stock for the class as long as it is there and in the general location no one will bust balls as scca realizes the cars are 20 years old. if you were running in production class in pro club racing they might be more nitpicky as the cars are newer. but how many people actually run old fwd chrysler stuff. not many.so there really won't be anyone to protest you and if they protested on you on that i is because they were SPANKED

Norm

[Dodgeglht]

Yeah, I hear ya norm. I work at advance Auto & I'm prolly gonna take the exhause off at the downpipe, replace the doughnut gasket since I saw some exhause leaking there & put the whole exhaust on a couple sawhorses or something like that in my garage. Then I can make even cuts off the ground & make sure it's a better fit.

[black86glhs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88_Pacifica Of course, that's not necessary in Ohio(no sniffer test)... Just throw in some straight pipe!...

Depends on where you live.

[Dodgeglht]

I take it you're around cincy?

[overboostperformance]

DODGEGLHT i have a cat from a shadow that is in really good condition if you need it. i can send pics email me @overboostmotorsports@yahoo.com. though you may be able to buy pretty cheap working at a parts store and all.


LMK
Norm

[Dodgeglht]

Thanks, but you're right.With my discount I can get parts at a good price. Especially with a convertor I want to make sure I get the best possible part. Now I just gotta get the whole exhaust off the car. The muffler doesn't want to separate from the pipe.

[overboostperformance]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodgeglht The muffler doesn't want to separate from the pipe.

heat and more heat. without oxy/acetyline torches use a propane torch for plumbing it will take a little while.

Norm