3rd cat removal

[sandrew]

I'm finally getting around to installing the new flex pipe & 3rd cat delete from FPS that I bought awhile back. The front (where flex pipe meets y-pipe) came off pretty easy after one application of PB Blaster. The cat, however, is being a stubborn ****** I've loosened the hose clamp that connects it to the resonator (?) and squirted PB Blaster around the seam but it doesn't want to move. I've tried twisting it and whaling on it with a BFH with no luck. Is it time for a propane torch?

 

[SHOZ123]

Use MAP gas instead of propane and get it glowing red.

 

[sandrew]

Unfortunately propane is the only thing I've got atm. Between PB Blaster, heat and a BFH I've got it almost 1/4" out so far.

What I wouldn't give for a lift - it's hard to get a lot of leverage under there with the car only up on jackstands.

 

[SHOZ123]

MAP is the yellow cyclinder available almost anywhere propane is sold.

 

[sandrew]

Thanks. I'll hit Lowe's or Home Depot tomorrow and see if they have any.

Using a BFH and BFS (big frickin' screwdriver) it is coming out...SLOWLY. Literally fractions of a millimeter every 20 whacks or so.

Do you know what the size of the exhaust clamp is that goes around the junction of the 3rd cat and the pipe after it? 2 1/2"? Thanks to the rust that little puppy broke after a couple turns of the wrench.

thanks again for all the help,

Scott

 

[sandrew]

Well, got it nice & glowing red with the MAP torch but it still won't budge. Any other ideas?

 

[E1 v2]

Yeah.

I've done it several times.

Dremel with a cutoff wheel. 2 tiny slices from the lead edge of the outer pipe to just past the dent from the pipe clamp, then spread the pipe with a flat blade screwdriver. Don't go too far, just past the dented section so when you put it back together the pipes will still overlap.

 

[sandrew]

Sounds like a plan. Time to dig out the dremel and see if I have any cutoff wheels left. If not I can hoof it the 6 blocks to Lowes to grab a pack.

Thanks, Eric!

 

[sandrew]

Update: 2 problems

1) Whoever put that exhaust clamp on must've used an impact wrench because they creased the !@#%$ing pipe big time on the top. It took 4 cuts instead of 2 to get it off.
2) The pipe that the 3rd cat was attached to is the SAME diameter as the bypass pipe that FPS sent. Since I'm the 3rd owner of the car I have no idea if what's on it is stock so I don't know who is at fault there.

It looks like I'm going to have to find an exhaust coupler tomorrow to finish the job as well as cut 1" or more off the bypass pipe.

 

[sandrew]

So I finally looked this up on V8sho.com and the person who wrote the article had the same problem with theirs - same size pipes. They used a tube expander to stretch the bypass pipe so it would fit over the end of the resonator. I'd rather do that than buy a coupler and a couple of hose clamps if it's something a local muffler shop would do.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

YOu can rent that tool at Autozone.

 

[sandrew]

Autozone is a 20 minute drive away. The new Meineke shop - under 5. They expanded it for $10. Brought it home & the pipe slipped right on and all is well with the world.

Thanks, everybody!