I got my SVT out of storage yesterday with the intent to install some of the parts that have been sitting in my basement for a while now. I was planning on installing my catless sho shop y-pipe today, but I am not quite sure how to get the stock catalytic converter off. It appears that the cat and resonator are attached to each other via a two bolt flange, but when I looked closer I don't think they are bolts. They are more like rivots (i.e. bolts with flat tops). Any ideas if this can be easily removed?

they are bolts, your just have to take off the nut, they are pressure bolts (aka no need for the standard bolt end)

I looked at it closer to make sure of what you said. I was only looking at the one side of the flange. Well, it appears that one of the nut rusted off on one side (unless only one side of the flange is suppose to have a nut). So as it is right now, one of the two bolts has a nut and the second does not. I am guessing that if I remove the one nut that is still on there i can maybe punch the remainings of the other bult out with something....what do you think? Also, what are the specs of those exhaust bolts since I am going to have to get some replacements (or can I just go to Ford and get them)?

Yea, just remove the other nut (use some PB plaster or liquid wrench anti-rust) after thats done you can just remove the stock main cat and everything should be good (are you installing a test pipe in place of the main cat?)

The bolts you need are: 3/8" x 1 1/2" stainless steel bolts and locking nuts that can be found at any hardware store. Just use a washer on either end.

Ok good. As for the test pipe....I bought this part used from another CEG'R a while back so it is what it is but yes, it has the bypass pipe (aka tubing in place of the cat).

everything should bolt up properly then, tell us how its sounds after!

I picked up the bolts you told me to get....kind of crappy that the total came to $5 for just two bolts, some washers and locking nuts but oh well Is there any reason why you told me to get 3/8" bolts? They will definitely work to connect the exhaust as long as I use the washers...I guess I was wondering why you didn't tell me to get a larger size bolt. Either way, this should work...

its cheaper than what ford would have sold you.

i used 3/8" for every exhaust bolt on my car, its what i measure to work the best, i guess you coulda gone 5/8" if you wanted but it might have been to large and i didnt want to drag my y-pipe into the store to test out bolt sizes.

I might install the pipe tonight if I have time....i'll let you know how it sounds

I'd love to hear the CSVT completely CATless, can you get a audio sample of it with the test pipe?

I can probably do that if someone will host the video clip....

Oh one more thing....is there a rule-of-thumb when tightening exhaust clamps? Since this y-pipe is not welded together I am going to use clamps...obviously I don't want to over tighten them resulting in obstructed flow...so how do you know when they are tight enough?

Originally posted by bullion:

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I can probably do that if someone will host the video clip....

Oh one more thing....is there a rule-of-thumb when tightening exhaust clamps? Since this y-pipe is not welded together I am going to use clamps...obviously I don't want to over tighten them resulting in obstructed flow...so how do you know when they are tight enough?

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when they dont leak