1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Clogged cat.con.

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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 11:36 AM
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Clogged cat.con.

Ok, well, due to financial difficulties, I am still unable to get the Catalytic Converter (CC) off and now, over a month after disconnecting the smog pump, it's getting slower and slower. Obviously, it's clogged.

Well, now, I got the belt back on the pump, and I need to know if it will eventually unclog the CC with the air pump working.... or did I just screw myself and now I need to go straight pipe? (which, ultimately is my goal.)

Thanks!

--Jeff
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 11:37 AM
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Oh, by the way -- stock 84 GSL w/45k miles on a rebuilt 12a and the cat is a Bonez Hi-Flow Cat that Rotary Performance put on sometime before I bought it. (within the last few years.)
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 11:47 AM
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Well, I'm certainly no expert but according to what I've read on this forum I think your cat is probably toast.

If you are planning on doing the sensible thing, and eventually upgrading to a complete Racing Beat exhaust system, I'll tell you what I did to get by until I can afford it.

I went to Autozone and picked up a 5 foot length of flexpipe and two clamps (cost about $10). After about three hours with a hacksaw the cat, pre-cat, and the rest of the pipe back to the section that goes over the rear axle dropped off (about 30 Lbs.). After that it took about ten minutes to work the flexpipe on and clamp it down.

Some people on the forum told me that it would burn up after a day or two, but its been a week and a half now with no leaks. The sound is not bad either, hardly any louder than before. LOTS more power too! The pipe will probably burn up like they say, but for another 10 bucks and 15 minutes of my time I figure I can redo it if I need to. Keep in mind that this is just a temporary solution until I replace the whole system. But at least I can drive the car without that damn clogged cat on it!

Good luck!
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 12:04 PM
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Yeah, well, (no offense to anyone here) but I really don't care how good an RB exhaust system is for our cars, I'm not spending that much money for it. Quite rediculous if you ask me, but yeah, eventually, I'm gonna do the straight exhaust thing and a grapefruit shooter.
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 12:20 PM
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Cut the cat off with a saw and use a straight peice and two clamps.
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 02:46 PM
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...i just unbolted mine...pulled it off...break the insides out with a pry bar and a hammer till it was empty and bolted it back on....

why is everyone saying saw it off?
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 02:49 PM
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Probably because, like in my case, they're usually welded on.

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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 03:34 PM
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I use an 18 volt drill and a 3/8 Irwim speed bore wood bit that is 18" long and just drill out the core. Much easier than beating it to death. If you just want more flow and not as much noise, then drill out 6 to 10 holes all the way through and be done with it.
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 03:37 PM
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I guess being an exhaust leak, this is quite appropraite for my first post, and I have now doubled my post count. Oh my.
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 03:42 PM
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Congratulations there, Trochoid!

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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 03:46 PM
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Originally posted by jweather73
Yeah, well, (no offense to anyone here) but I really don't care how good an RB exhaust system is for our cars, I'm not spending that much money for it. Quite rediculous if you ask me, but yeah, eventually, I'm gonna do the straight exhaust thing and a grapefruit shooter.

It's the best money I've EVER spent on a car part.


I've got the RB Streetport exhaust... and it is without a doubt, 100x better than the "straight pipe to a grapefruit shooter." I used to have a straight pipe with two cherry bombs on it, and it was painfully loud, conversations were impossible.

With the RB exhaust, I can drive 100mph and still carry on a conversation without shouting. It's quiet, adds a LOT of horsepower, and sounds GREAT.


Save up the money, don't do these chintzy repairs that will keep breaking (and eventually, costing you more), and buy the RB SP exhaust, and be done with it.

Just my $0.03
--Evan
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 04:44 PM
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I can't drive 100 as it is, first of all (because of the clogged cat)...
Secondly, even if I were able to drive that fast, I can't say that I know anyone that would want to be in the car with me to even have a conversation.....
Third, in my car, the wind noise (due to lack of decent weatherstripping), it's hard to hold a conversation at any speed above 30.

And finally, we're getting off topic...
I've had ONE post (thank you Kentetsu) that is on topic... will my cat get cleaned out now that I have the smog pump back on, or is it toast? I have one opinion... I need more!!

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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 04:50 PM
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So wait, you' ruin an expensive cat, but not buy an excellent after market exhaust? And your cat is toast, if they could unclog themselves...every company that made them would eventually go out of business.
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 04:58 PM
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It is Toast.
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 05:03 PM
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"So wait, you' ruin an expensive cat, but not buy an excellent after market exhaust?"

just FYI -- it was already on the car when I bought it a little over a month ago.

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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 05:07 PM
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Originally posted by jweather73
"So wait, you' ruin an expensive cat, but not buy an excellent after market exhaust?"

just FYI -- it was already on the car when I bought it a little over a month ago.


They sell on here for $50 to $100 or more, I think I would have removed and sold it.
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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 05:11 PM
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Unhappy

didn't know any better.

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Old Jul 8, 2004 | 05:23 PM
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oh well, It happens.
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