castillo817

I was wondering of how difficult is it to remove the cat off my s5 vert. I want to install some headers which I already have (RB streetable headers). My local muffler shop will just cut off the end of the cat since it is welded due to a cat back I already have. What tools will I need? I tried looking up videos on how to do it but I just couldn't find anything. Not even on any forum. I would really appreciate for any help.

jjwalker

It is against US federal law to remove a catalytic converter unless removal is for replacement for a stock or more efficient catalytic converter.

With the disclaimer out of the way, the stock cat is kind of a bitch to get off. It has 2 studs on each side and the bolts are 17mm if I remember correctly (it's been years since I *cough* replaced my main cat).

If you unbolt it, the next step is making yourself able to maneuver the "cat back" portion of the exhaust. You need to do this in able to pull the studs free from the front section that is ridged and cannot be moved.

Easy way: Pop all of the exhaust doughnuts and drop the whole cat back section off the car and just slide the cat out. The doughnuts are on there tight so you need a LONG screw driver or pry bar to get them off.

Lazy way: This is how I did it in fear of tearing the rubber on the hangers, especially on the rear. Pop the 2 exhaust doughnuts closest to the cat on the y pipe ( still need large screw driver or pry bar) then you can maneuver the back section down to clear the studs, but you must be careful not to mare your rear bumper doing this.

castillo817

Okay yea I will be "replacing" my cat with a new one a.k.a headers lol. So I'm looking at 2 hrs+ of labor right? Or maybe less?

jjwalker

Not even that really, if you can get the car high enough, it becomes much easier.

May I suggest that you sell your old cat to a recycler? I sold mine for $400 in Garland.

castillo817

PB blaster will be a must-get or will I not need it? Where in Garland did you sell yours?

jjwalker

Penetrating lube is a must.

As far as recyclers, that was years ago so call around. I had one recycler quote me $12 and I laughed and hung up. Rx7 cats are the biggest cats on the market so you should get at least at bare minimum $300. Just got to get on the phone and call.

castillo817

Okay thanks for the help!

ibeljin

iTrader: (1)

I wish i knew my old cat was worth something before junking it

lduley

iTrader: (1)

You never heard the news stories of people cutting them off parked cars?

You must have a cozy rock patrick star lol

DeaconBlue

iTrader: (31)

I replaced my factory S5 pre-cat and main cat assembly with a SS CorkSport shorty header (with DEI Titanium wrap) and CatCo main cat. The car was on jack stands, it much easier with the intake removed (working on the 6-port setup and installing PineApple sleeves). But it would have also been easier with the car up in the air, but I don't have a lift at home.

ibeljin

iTrader: (1)

:lol The cat was OEM could have even been the original one. My rock is quite cozy I'll have you know, i got a mancave going on down here with pool, darts, and a fully stocked bar

lduley

iTrader: (1)

*knock knock knock*

jjwalker

The RX7 main cat is one of the largest catalytic converters ever fitted to a passenger car. I pulled up to the recylers place and the guy standing there got on the radio and said "Uh, this ones a monster" and the guy on the other end said "Must be from an RX7, give him $320".

AbortRetryFail

Getting rusted to hell exhaust parts off is a bitch, but your engine will love you for it's new "high-flow cat" (Mine has a RB presilencer)

This is why I wish my mom hadn't trashed mine.