To anyone thats installed a test pipe themselves, does anyone have ideas on how to get the stock cat off without removing or loosening the cat back part of the exhaust?

I got all the bolts off the pipe this weekend and when i went to pull it out i couldnt get it over the donut gasket on the header so that i could slide it off.

I dont know if u know what i mean, but basically on one end the bolts look welded on to the cat and the threads extend far enough that i cant just push the rest of the exhaust back far enough. And i cant slide it over the header gasket.

Maybe im challenged. Im wondering if the bolts are really welded to the cat, or if the donut ring comes off. Or if theres any other way to do it with out going and loosening/removing the end the exhaust.

 

what's up chris, those nuts and bolts are not welded.....you gonna need some kind of penetrating oil to free the rust on those bolts and nuts and try to soak them for like 15 minutes....be careful not to strip the nuts....worst scenario you'll be going to cut it with dremel. good luck.

here's the link for a diagram...hope this help

http://www.hondapartscheap.com/southbay/js...PIPE&vinsrch=no

Marc

 

Argh, I used PB blaster, and it worked like a charm on the bolts. But i just figured they were welded on cause the head is a strange shape.

Thanks tho. Ill give it another shot this weekend.

 

The three bolts on the end are welded to the cat. you have to basically pull the catback away from the header and slide that end off the doughnut.

I just put one on a 2005 the other day. It was much easier because I have a lift though. Laying on the ground is a pain.

 

hmm...didn't seem to have this problem when we installed mines

 

Sent you a pm back. Let me know if you need any help.

 

having this same issue, took off my testpipe and couldn't squeeze the stock cat between the stock header/catback. Can anyone shed some light on this? it appears that those bolts are welded on the cat...

 

They actually are, use a pry bar and make sure you have enough room under the car to move around. It takes quite a bit of leverage to clear the bolts.