The cat on my Edelbrock TES system is almost completely shot (makes a rattling noise b/c of all the stuff that's falling apart inside it). I'm considering cutting the pipe right behind the cat and gutting it out, then clamping the pipe back on the cat b/c I don't feel like spending 200+ bucks for a new converter. Does anyone know if this will hurt/help the engine's breathing? Improve exhaust sound? I don't have to worry about emissions tests, so I'm also thinking about removing the smog pump and using a different belt so the engine can run without it. Thanks.

1989 IROC-Z -- TPI 5.7 L -- TH-700R4 Tranny -- K&N filters -- Ram/Cold Air Induction -- Hypertech Performance Street Chip -- Accel Ignition Wires -- Edelbrock TES (y-pipe, single converter, dynomax muffler, dual outlets) -- all the free mods

 

Just stick a 2.5" or 3" (I am unsure on what size exaust u have) pipe in its place and have a muffler shop weld it into place for ya. Save ya some bucks,sound better and maybe gain a few ponies.

------------------
Eric Natzke
91 Firebird 305 TBI

ASCD Ram Air Hood-3" custom exaust-Flowmaster 80 Series-No Cat-Edelbrock TES Headers (coated)-March Pulleys-TBI Spacer-K&N Open ELement-TransGo Shift Kit-B&M Supercooler 28,000 GVW-Hypertech Thermomaster-160 Stat-3:42 GM Gears-Auburn Posi Unit-Edlebrock Strut Tower Brace-MSD Superconducters-MSD Cap & Rotor-MSD Blaster Coil-Rapidfire Plugs-265/50/R15 Tires-Emmison's all Gone-Free TBI mods
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[This message has been edited by 91Bird305 (edited December 30, 2000).]

 

Like he said have a pipe installed in it's place(temporary).
Remove the cat and measure it's total length.
What you want the muffler shop to do is to remove the flanges from the cat and have them installed/welded on the straight pipe. Should you have to replace the cat in the future all you have to do is remove the pipe.
Some muffler/welding shops will fabricate this pipe but they won't install it . legal reasons

 

COME TO FLINT TOWN BROTHA! WE'LL SET U UP REAL NICE! They do about anything in my town for ya. legal or non-legal!

 

I would core it out by driving a piece of pipe (with a sharp leading edge) all the way through. You may have some trouble driving it past the AIR injection tube. Then cut off a length almost the same length as the cat, slide the pipe section inside and put the cat back up.

If you leave the smog pump and AIR tubes in place, be sure that a gap exists inside the gutted cat for the air to enter into the exhaust stream. You don't want the smog pump to pump against a blockage.

It all looks kosher from the outside, but inside is a straight pipe!