Cat bypass with resonator

[SoloPierre]

If you are running a muffler that is known to drone, you might consider the test pipes with resonators. I ran the the cheap eBay test pipes (no resonators) and eBay muffler, and I had no droning what do ever. If you running a stock muf, skip the resonators. If you are running something like a GLH muffler that is known to drone, I would consider the test pipes with the resonators.

[Booker42]

I live in California and just bought the Top Speed "test" pipes. Called the well respected exhaust shop in the area and he said he cant install them, its illegal to remove even the secondary cats.

There is no way I can burn the existing rusted bolts off without professional help (in more ways than one, ha!)

Any tricks you all could share?

[Cunningr]

Originally Posted by Booker42

I live in California and just bought the Top Speed "test" pipes. Called the well respected exhaust shop in the area and he said he cant install them, its illegal to remove even the secondary cats.

There is no way I can burn the existing rusted bolts off without professional help (in more ways than one, ha!)

Any tricks you all could share?

Yeah illegal in cali for sure. Probably wont work but you could try soaking them with wd40 or some type of penetration lube let it sit for a couple of hours, see if that would work.

Look for a not so respectable shop, to cut the bolts for you.

Tell them you need you are installing because you will be tracking the car, so you will be switching in and out. I am sure thats belevable.

Myself have not had them installed, so good luck.

[BrokenLinkage]

Seems I recall the bolts at the triangular plate are splined at the base and pressed in, so inspect yours and if this applies, turn the nut not the bolt.
Pretty sure I replaced with normal non-splined bolts. Was a while back.

[elgyqc]

Originally Posted by BrokenLinkage

Seems I recall the bolts at the triangular plate are splined at the base and pressed in, so inspect yours and if this applies, turn the nut not the bolt.
Pretty sure I replaced with normal non-splined bolts. Was a while back.

You are right about the splined bolts. They can be cut off with a Sawzall or hacksaw if you have lots of time. When I do muffler work I only take the saw under the car with me... I replaced with stainless steel bolts and nuts.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Booker42

I live in California and just bought the Top Speed "test" pipes. Called the well respected exhaust shop in the area and he said he cant install them, its illegal to remove even the secondary cats.

There is no way I can burn the existing rusted bolts off without professional help (in more ways than one, ha!)

Any tricks you all could share?

Try a welding shop. They can cut off the old bolts in about 2 mins and they usually could care less about what you're doing to your car or why.

Everything after that is a fairly easy DIY.

[Booker42]

Thanks all, good advice!

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by thstone

Try a welding shop. They can cut off the old bolts in about 2 mins and they usually could care less about what you're doing to your car or why.

Everything after that is a fairly easy DIY.

You also should be able to cut them off with a Dremel...