Gutting cat and cat/y-pipe gasket

[Billdogg]

I'm in the middle of putting on a new exhuast. Is there a gasket that goes between the cat and y-pipe?

Also, can I gut the cat while it's still hanging on the downpipe? I don't think I'll be able to get the cat off w/o taking out the downpipe.

 

[Dan Thompson]

#1 No. Just make sure that both surfaces are clean and flat.

#2 Probably not. The way I got mine off was to spray the hell out of it with Gunk's Liquid Wrench. I also tried twisting the cat.

Once you get it off. Get some gloves, eye protection, and a box to set the cat in. Set the cat on end and pound on a pipe or other object that will fit into the cat. I used something small and put a hole all the way through. Then I was able to knock out the rest of the junk.

It is pretty clear in there now, completely empty. I think I also had to replace the bolts on the cat.

 

[Billdogg]

Thanks for the help. I just left the cat alone. Only 37K on it, so I doubt it constricting it much. I'll be getting a dump someday anyways.

 

[Dan Thompson]

Even on my nearly stock setup, I could "feel" the difference, I think. I don't have that much in the way of mods, see my website for a list, but I think that did the most for improving the turbo spool up.

 

[dan lephart]

gutt that cat!

I successfully gutted a cat while it was connected to the down pipe. A crow bar or pipe or whatever longer than the cat works well. Use a shop vac to suck it out as you go. Strange honeycomb looking stuff just comes right out! It is restrictive if not gutted. It is so easy to do its silly not to (unless your in a emissions check area). And you will notice (I agree you can feel it) a difference in performance and exhaust tone...sweet!