So, I was swapping out the midpipe on my car for a stock cat only to realize that the bolts used on the midpipe don't fit the stock cat. Are there supposed to be bolts coming out of the front side of the cat that connects to the downpipe? There are bolts attached to the cat on the side that attaches to the exhaust, but none to connect the downpipe... Does anyone know the answer.

Joe

 

I'm not sure, but I think the bolts are separate, meaning that they are not welded to the cat in the front. They may be welded to the stock precat ......... or maybe not

 

Thanks for the quick response. I ended up pulling the cat back out and you could see threads in the flange for the front... I ended up having a BFH moment. I got the hammer and beat the heat shielding seam into submission. Suddenly the other bolts I had worked just fine. However, the stock cat's flange doesn't quite match up perfectly to my Gotham Racing dp... Oh well. It'll only be on the car for a few days.

Joe

 

If you have a big enough hammer (and duct tape), you can fix anything

 

Sorry if I left out any useful hardware! Let us know if you pass the sniffer.

 

I had to drill the holes on my ebay DP to enlarge them to fit with the stock cat. Kinda of annoying...

 

Whell to answer your cat question, a cat goes meow...

 

A stock cat has studs permanently attached at both ends. Only nuts are required, unless those studs are chewed up.

A few years back someone was making downpipes and they screwed up the bolt holes you're talking about. They were spaced wrong and wouldn't fit any other exhaust parts, so not long after that I started to see those downpipes sold along with a midpipe. Obviously the midpipes had holes spaced to match the downpipes, so you can't use just one and expect it to fit. Seriously crappy business practices, and worst of all there isn't an easy way to know if the one you're buying has the screwy holes until it arrives.

 

Not a big deal. I got the side I was having issues with to work. I just have to head to the hardware store to pick up the proper nuts for the studs on the other side. I'll let you know how e-check goes.

Joe

 

That would most likely be because there two different sizes. The DP is generally 3" where the stock cat is 2.5 or 2.75" CRCN.