the Y-pipe is where the catylic converter is "supposed" to sit right? Cuz i just read in another thread that i have that a bad smell is caused by the string hanging from my converter. Whats really wrong with my cat and is buying another y-pipe going to solve my problem. Oh, and how easy is installing the y-pipe your self. I.E. jacking up the car and doing it myself on the weekend type thing. Thanks

 

the y pipe is not going to replace your catalytic converter. The y pipe comes before the cat. The string hanging is the grounding to the cat and shouldnt be a problem. If you are getting a smell its prob the cat but my ground strap has been hanging for awhile and my cat works fine.

 

so what i need to replace is my cat? Some exhaust systems have it straight pipe all the way through. So what are my alternatives besides replacing with another stock cat. converter?

 

you can do a high flow catalytic converter. Many companies sell them. Look at custommaxima.com. or you can even find them on ebay. Alot cheaper than replacing with a factory one. I have never replaced mine so I dont know if they are as of equal quality or not.

 

ye, the custommaxima.com cats are actually magnaflow, so for 100 buks you getting a great cat, ebay could work but are often real $hitty prouducts.

as for doing it yourself, its very doable but a pain in the A$$. get ready to do some bolt cutting cause every install ive seen the bolts were rusted as hell. a dremel tool helps, some new bolts and your set!

 

Yeah, I've heard it's a PITA to install a y-pipe, especially if your nuts/bolts are really rusted. I paid a shop $50 to install mine. What kind of smell is coming from your cat?

 

i just had my friend install mine with no problems whatsoever... took about an hour at most and that was mostly just letting the bolts soak after shooting them with PB Blaster. Bolts broke loose with just a little bit of force... very easy install