Test pipe install

[blackbuick87]

Since I am not afraid to ask Q's I would like some advice on the easiest way to install my test pipe.
I have a stock DP and it appears to be welded directly to the cat?!? Does the DP have to be removed? I hear it is a PIA
Once you install the test pipe do you guys usually weld it on or use some type of clamp. thanks

 

[tom h]

my 87 GN's stock cat converter was not welded to the DP, but it had a U-bolt clamp that crimped the two together so tightly, they may as well have been welded!

I think it would be very difficult to separate the cat & DP while working under a car on jackstands alone.

The stock, combined cat & DP will come out from the bottom of the car if it is sufficiently high, but you need a lift, my 18" jackstands were not enough.

Once cat/DP is out of car, the two can be separated with a combination of cut off wheel, air hammer, and maybe torch -- and it could be done without too much damage to the cat or DP. Mainly the "crimp" has to be loosened , which might require some lengthwise slitting of the cat's socket to do so.

Alternatively, make a straight hacksaw or Sawz-all cut right where the DP enters the female socket of the Cat -- this can be done in place, on jackstands.

Then, use only non-damaging "band clamps" (not Ubolts) to attach Test Pipes, or to re-attach the Cat.

The Torc-tite ™ clamp (http://www.torcausa.com/TorcTite.htm) is slick because it has a pre-formed step to fit over both the pipe and the larger OD slip socket. They can be hard to find in the stock 2.5" smaller sizes, though. My NAPA store had a limited selection.

 

[quickbrick]

ya i had to cut mine off. that thing is on there tight, i fought with it for about an hour and then decided to cut the bastard. i had to cut it on the car since my jack wouldnt go high enough to pull it out. thats the only hard part.

 

[blackbuick87]

What did you cut it with? A wheel? Hacksaw? Acetylene?

 

[tom h]

Milwaukee Electric Sawz-All (it sure does!)

or, lots of elbow grease with a hacksaw.

 

[quickbrick]

i used a 5" disc grinder. took about 5 minutes. i just cut a line down the cat where it attaches to the dp. then pryed it back with a screw driver. came right off. the cat was going to the trash anyway so thats why i cut it like that.