An idiots guide to.. pre-cat removal
Discussion
Look, I won't beat around the bush here. I'm as thick as s
t when it comes to mechanics.
Can somebody explain what's involved with pre-cat removal from a 500, and I mean in really simple terms. REALLY simple.
I understand you have to smash the cones out but what's the procedure?
Does the whole exhaust system need room to move or is it all front end work etc. etc..
Need to do this ASAP.
HELP !
please

t when it comes to mechanics.Can somebody explain what's involved with pre-cat removal from a 500, and I mean in really simple terms. REALLY simple.
I understand you have to smash the cones out but what's the procedure?
Does the whole exhaust system need room to move or is it all front end work etc. etc..
Need to do this ASAP.
HELP !please

Unbolt manifold from the head, wipe blood from knuckles, remove the clamp that joins the manifold to the exhaust Y piece and lift the manifold out. Now do the same for the other side.
Get a suitable socket or box spanner and remove the oxygen (lambda) sensors.
Look down the big end and you will see the cat which is probably best described as looking like a coiled up thin grey corrugated cardboard.
Gather various long drills, chisels, screwdrivers hammers, and whatever else seems appropriate and start drilling, whacking, chipping, prying the Cat. After a lot of huffing puffing and wondering why you started the job you will have made a small hole all the way through but most of it will still be resolutely stuck in place. After a lot more hammering you will start to get more satisfyingly large chunks out until eventually the bulk will come free. There will now just be some annoying sharp bits still attached which will take another couple of hours to remove.
Have cup of tea
Repeat operation for second one.
When refitting use proper gaskets and get a set of ARP bolts with smaller heads that you can actually get a spanner on. When manifolds are back on engine struggle for at least an hour while you figure out a way to get the Y piece clamps to line up
Refit sensors
Start engine and note how "tinny" it now sounds.
Job done
Just out of interest what do you hope to achieve by removing them ?
Get a suitable socket or box spanner and remove the oxygen (lambda) sensors.
Look down the big end and you will see the cat which is probably best described as looking like a coiled up thin grey corrugated cardboard.
Gather various long drills, chisels, screwdrivers hammers, and whatever else seems appropriate and start drilling, whacking, chipping, prying the Cat. After a lot of huffing puffing and wondering why you started the job you will have made a small hole all the way through but most of it will still be resolutely stuck in place. After a lot more hammering you will start to get more satisfyingly large chunks out until eventually the bulk will come free. There will now just be some annoying sharp bits still attached which will take another couple of hours to remove.
Have cup of tea
Repeat operation for second one.
When refitting use proper gaskets and get a set of ARP bolts with smaller heads that you can actually get a spanner on. When manifolds are back on engine struggle for at least an hour while you figure out a way to get the Y piece clamps to line up
Refit sensors
Start engine and note how "tinny" it now sounds.
Job done
Just out of interest what do you hope to achieve by removing them ?
Really is a horrible job but take your time `7 its all pretty Straight forward..
Engine bay stays a lot cooler ,, engine will breath easier, & depending on who you talk to, `Sound a lot better,
Get a sports rear section, Now the car will sound like it should, ACT rear sections fit fantastic & sound even better
Engine bay stays a lot cooler ,, engine will breath easier, & depending on who you talk to, `Sound a lot better,
Get a sports rear section, Now the car will sound like it should, ACT rear sections fit fantastic & sound even better
dbv8 said:
Alexdaredevilz said:
Remove y piece,
Remove lamdas
Get a large SDS drill and bit
Swear lots,
Start car up, to blow the crap out, refit = job done
No need to remove from head
Alex
I like your style Remove lamdas
Get a large SDS drill and bit
Swear lots,
Start car up, to blow the crap out, refit = job done
No need to remove from head
Alex

I did remove the manifolds but never bothered removing the lambdas
steve-V8s said:
Unbolt manifold from the head, wipe blood from knuckles, remove the clamp that joins the manifold to the exhaust Y piece and lift the manifold out. Now do the same for the other side.
Get a suitable socket or box spanner and remove the oxygen (lambda) sensors.
Look down the big end and you will see the cat which is probably best described as looking like a coiled up thin grey corrugated cardboard.
Gather various long drills, chisels, screwdrivers hammers, and whatever else seems appropriate and start drilling, whacking, chipping, prying the Cat. After a lot of huffing puffing and wondering why you started the job you will have made a small hole all the way through but most of it will still be resolutely stuck in place. After a lot more hammering you will start to get more satisfyingly large chunks out until eventually the bulk will come free. There will now just be some annoying sharp bits still attached which will take another couple of hours to remove.
Have cup of tea
Repeat operation for second one.
When refitting use proper gaskets and get a set of ARP bolts with smaller heads that you can actually get a spanner on. When manifolds are back on engine struggle for at least an hour while you figure out a way to get the Y piece clamps to line up
Refit sensors
Start engine and note how "tinny" it now sounds.
Job done
Just out of interest what do you hope to achieve by removing them ?
Interesting and useful, thanks.Get a suitable socket or box spanner and remove the oxygen (lambda) sensors.
Look down the big end and you will see the cat which is probably best described as looking like a coiled up thin grey corrugated cardboard.
Gather various long drills, chisels, screwdrivers hammers, and whatever else seems appropriate and start drilling, whacking, chipping, prying the Cat. After a lot of huffing puffing and wondering why you started the job you will have made a small hole all the way through but most of it will still be resolutely stuck in place. After a lot more hammering you will start to get more satisfyingly large chunks out until eventually the bulk will come free. There will now just be some annoying sharp bits still attached which will take another couple of hours to remove.
Have cup of tea
Repeat operation for second one.
When refitting use proper gaskets and get a set of ARP bolts with smaller heads that you can actually get a spanner on. When manifolds are back on engine struggle for at least an hour while you figure out a way to get the Y piece clamps to line up
Refit sensors
Start engine and note how "tinny" it now sounds.
Job done
Just out of interest what do you hope to achieve by removing them ?
I hope to achieve better breathing, cooler running temps and a slightly louder sound.
lazyitus said:
Alexdaredevilz said:
Remove y piece,
Remove lamdas
Get a large SDS drill and bit
Swear lots,
Start car up, to blow the crap out, refit = job done
No need to remove from head
Alex
This sounds easier. Is this a recommended method ? Seems a bit easier than what I've been led to believe..Remove lamdas
Get a large SDS drill and bit
Swear lots,
Start car up, to blow the crap out, refit = job done
No need to remove from head
Alex
Roy
Alexdaredevilz said:
Worked for me, tried and tested :-)
If you insist on doing it the hard way, please please post on here on how much fun you had with the manifold removal
Alex
Actually you little Devil ! it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I have a good spanner selection and I set a challenge with myself on the passenger's side and my boy Luke on the other. Of course he won! It went quite well, a little fiddly I know. Interestingly, although I have a ramp, we found it no help in removing the underside bolts, probably helped prevent back ache though If you insist on doing it the hard way, please please post on here on how much fun you had with the manifold removal
Alex

With the sloted lower fxgs, it will be a lot easier next time !
Roy.
ps Alex, got me WON sorted for The Pod

Edited by roysum on Wednesday 26th January 20:58
roysum said:
Alexdaredevilz said:
Worked for me, tried and tested :-)
If you insist on doing it the hard way, please please post on here on how much fun you had with the manifold removal
Alex
Actually you little Devil ! it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I have a good spanner selection and I set a challenge with myself on the passenger's side and my boy Luke on the other. Of course he won! It went quite well, a little fiddly I know. Interestingly, although I have a ramp, we found it no help in removing the underside bolts, probably helped prevent back ache though If you insist on doing it the hard way, please please post on here on how much fun you had with the manifold removal
Alex

With the sloted lower fxgs, it will be a lot easier next time !
Roy.
ps Alex, got me WON sorted for The Pod

Edited by roysum on Wednesday 26th January 20:58
WON :-p
Ill be ringing you tomorrow to talk about a WON kit,
Alex
Alexdaredevilz said:
roysum said:
Alexdaredevilz said:
Worked for me, tried and tested :-)
If you insist on doing it the hard way, please please post on here on how much fun you had with the manifold removal
Alex
Actually you little Devil ! it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I have a good spanner selection and I set a challenge with myself on the passenger's side and my boy Luke on the other. Of course he won! It went quite well, a little fiddly I know. Interestingly, although I have a ramp, we found it no help in removing the underside bolts, probably helped prevent back ache though If you insist on doing it the hard way, please please post on here on how much fun you had with the manifold removal
Alex

With the sloted lower fxgs, it will be a lot easier next time !
Roy.
ps Alex, got me WON sorted for The Pod

Edited by roysum on Wednesday 26th January 20:58
WON :-p
Ill be ringing you tomorrow to talk about a WON kit,
Alex

dbv8 said:
Nice, what shot was that ?dbv8 said:
lovelyroysum said:
dbv8 said:
Nice, what shot was that ?Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff



