Realistically, Can I replace my own Cats...

BigT8600 · #1 02-13-2010, 09:11 PM

or am I better off going to an exhaust shop?

I'm gonna spend some time under my truck tomorrow but I am not sure if this is a bolt off and bolt on type deal or if cutting and welding will be needed. Although I can use a torch and half ass weld I own neither a torch or welder!

I believe my setup is 2 cats in the Y section coming to the muffler and then another cat towards the end.

Also, If i did this myself, Ive seen the flexible exhaust pipe at the auto store. Is this any good? I was thinking about using this to dump the exhaust over the rear axle.

Thanks ahead of time.

BAMA BOY · #2 02-13-2010, 09:34 PM

if you can weld do it your self

rockwerks · #3 02-13-2010, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAMA BOY

if you can weld do it your self

cats dont have to be welded you can use flowmaster cats and others that are designed to use clamps. Welding is better but not the only option

CUTiger · #4 02-14-2010, 08:35 AM

welding would be best, plus I wouldn't use the flex pipe from the auto store especially for the entire system.

Honestly I would just get your muffler and cat beforehand then have them bend up and weld a good system. If you shop around you should be able to find a place that'll do it pretty inexpensively and would come out on top in the long run. If you had a welder and a way to bend pipe then I'd say go for it your self though.

BigT8600 · #5 02-14-2010, 08:45 AM

Well I am fine with the muffler thats on there. Its a flowmaster...Not sure of the series but I'm really impartial to it. I found some cats from auto stores that had bad reviews. Otherwise I haven't found the Y pipe with the cats in them. Or can I just buy the universal cats and have them welded in? There is a place here that will do whatever you ask them too for cheap so I think I'm good on that, just need to get the cats.

CUTiger · #6 02-14-2010, 09:04 AM

Just curious are you wanting to replace all 3 cats or take out the ones in the y pipe and just replace the one before the muffler or replace all of them? I've seen magnaflow cats for around $60 a piece, I'd imagine they would be good. Jegs has a pretty god selection of magnaflow and other cats online.

BigT8600 · #7 02-14-2010, 09:19 AM

I think I would like to replace the 2 in the Y and then remove the other one.

Ive been thinking about it this morning. I bought this truck so I wouldn't have a note due to my low cash flow. I've spent about 150 buks on it already doing tune up things and not sure I wanna replace the cats real soon. The truck runs fine so it's hard to put this at the top of the priority list. I love being a home owner and being married but it means that the truck gets the crappy end of the decisions lol.

CUTiger · #8 02-14-2010, 08:13 PM

That was my next question, do the cats really need replacing. Unless its running bad and/or the o2 sensor(s) are throwing up gang signs then theres no reason to replace them right away. I understand the truck getting the crappy end of things, especially when gas prices sky rocket even putting fuel in mine has gotten put aside which usually ends in me sitting on the side of the road.

edit* Just saw in another thread you were getting a check engine light...I'd check your oxygen sensor first before I started replacing cats. If theres no other sign that the cats are bad and its throwing up that code I'd almost be willing to put money on that being the problem.