93 Q45 Exhaust Query

[cincyq45]

I know I need exhaust work...I took my car to a mechanic a good friend recommended, and he said I'd have to replace the exhaust and the catalytic converters.

Here's my question...

Does anyone think I can get away with having the exhaust fabricated and using the converters I have?

Any opinions would be welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

[Q451990]

It's pretty rare to have exhaust trouble... at least down south... maybe different in areas with a lot of salt in the winter. What's wrong with yours?

Heath

[Q451990]

Also, don't rule out getting another 90-93 exhaust system out of a salvage yard if you can find one in better shape. I think the 94-96 style is similar, but you'd have to extend or shorten one pipe just a bit. I know Q45Tech did that...

Heath

[db_autotek]

Dollars for Dollars, you would be better off replacing the exhaust yourself with one from a salvage yard. I took mine off myself with no trouble. It's freakin heavy when you're underneath it by yourself, but not impossible by any means.

If I remember (from my 94) you have to loosen the bolts to the headers, disassemble some center mount near the transmission (under an aluminum cover, near a jumble of wires and connectors. Be careful not to damage the wires!!). Then remove them from the rubber hangers but leaving the very last rear hanger still attached, this allows some support while still allowing plenty of play. Finally, finish unbolting from the headers, and set it down. Lastly, using some jacks, remove the rear hanger and set the back of the exhaust down.

The more rolling jacks you use in this process the better for your aggravation level. I may have left out a step and I don't claim that it's "by the book" but that's how I did it with very little trouble.

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If you don't care about dollars, then a really good exhaust shop will be able to bend up a whole new exhaust. I go to Midas for muffler / custom work, since they have the CORRECT benders and many pre-made bends and hangers galore. My best advice is not to have some family mechanic or a small shop do the exhaust work. The wrong types of bends will hurt performance, sound like doo doo, and cheezy welds will not last. I had Midas chop off my third "suitcase" muffler and the work was amazing. These guys really took it seriously and bent up a very nice pair of pipes, welded on some beautiful tips, and built up a good hanger.

As far as re-using your Cats, well that depends on who you ask. Purists would say that Cats should not be reused since they degrade so much. They would be right. My Cats in the 92 and 94 were empty, as in old, blown, hollow, or whatever. I personally did not mind, but there are even some purists that argue that some performance is actually LOST with hollow Cats due to the turbulence created, and there is a lot of credibility to that.

Chances are, your Cats are empty, and any you get from the salvage yard will be too. Replacement Cats can be purchased for a very very reasonable price from Magnaflow and will improve performance!! http://www.car-sound.com/02pro...A.asp. Now If you don't care, then yeah you can re-use your Cats or use the ones from a used exhaust from the salvage yard if you really do need to replace your exhaust. If you really really don't care and want maximum performance then you can ditch the Cats and replace them with "Test Pipes" or "Race Pipes" but be warned, I don't recommend it and it is illegal for street use, not to mention harmful to the environment.

You have alot of options. If you choose to have a whole new set of pipes bent up, then consider leaving out the last "suitcase" muffler on the very back. It will sound much better, look better, and the midas guy said it felt like about 50 pounds. Definitely consider the Magnaflow replacement Cats, they can be ordered from the dealers on the website.

[Q45tech]

You can also use a 94-95 exhaust by welding a very short 6" extension on to the passenger side of exhaust.

[AlabamaDan]

Yeah just go with a used set. Their stainless I think so last forever. The only problem with that is that some yards cut the cats out. Why do you need a new system? That's rare.