90 Cat removal

[Belsy]

Loose cat (rattle from inside) do I have to remove manifolds to fix or change cats? Can I live without them? Any good performance cats or headers available new or used? Can resonator be removed or is it not recommended due to noise? Thanks for any advice on these topics!!

Gene, the 90-92 manifolds are a one piece design. You can have them cut and rewelded, but you are still stuck with a crappy exhaust manifold. Best option is to upgrade to headers with a set of aftermarket cats. You will pass emissions with no issues, and will pick up a good amount of power from the change as well.

[Z Factor]

Originally Posted by gene

Loose cat (rattle from inside) do I have to remove manifolds to fix or change cats? Can I live without them? Any good performance cats or headers available new or used? Can resonator be removed or is it not recommended due to noise? Thanks for any advice on these topics!!

Well living in Florida you do not need to worry about cats. Not only can you live without them, but you will notice a significant increase in HP if you replace the one piece manifolds/cats with headers. Unless you find a used pair, expect to pay about $1200.00 for them. As to whether you want to replace the resonator, it will depend on how loud you want your system to be. For instance, I have headers, no cats, no resonator, an X-pipe going into a 3" B&B (new style) exhaust. The HP increase is significant and the sound is very aggressive which is fine for me. However others might find it to be too loud for their taste. Your best bet is to listen to a few different catback systems along with ones the have gone all the way such as mine to decide what is best for you.

You might want to read this thread on a related subject.


http://zr1netregistry.com/forum/showthread.php?t=470

If you decide to stick with the stock system you can either have your cats gutted or just replace the manifolds/cats which are one piece. If you need to find some I know of at least one set down here in S. Fl so just drop me a line.

[rkreigh]

go with the SS headers and the random SHF (super high flow) metal matrix 3" cats. they can slip right on the collectors and make for a very neat install and don't cost much hp (3-5) if you need cats.

look for deals if you want stock manifolds, so many folks have upgraded you can get them at a decent price, 4-800 is common. new from GM they were stupid expensive.

the factory 90 manifolds are terrible. they pinch at the pipes going into one big tube before the cats and yes, they are one big welded part.

callaway did the "chief" manifolds which eliminated the pinch and worked better with a factory looking design. hard to find.

do the SS headers from stainless work (brian a. carries them too) and be done with it. you will love the way the car picks up.

[Belsy]

Originally Posted by Z Factor

Well living in Florida you do not need to worry about cats. Not only can you live without them, but you will notice a significant increase in HP if you replace the one piece manifolds/cats with headers. Unless you find a used pair, expect to pay about $1200.00 for them. As to whether you want to replace the resonator, it will depend on how loud you want your system to be. For instance, I have headers, no cats, no resonator, an X-pipe going into a 3" B&B (new style) exhaust. The HP increase is significant and the sound is very aggressive which is fine for me. However others might find it to be too loud for their taste. Your best bet is to listen to a few different catback systems along with ones the have gone all the way such as mine to decide what is best for you.

You might want to read this thread on a related subject.


http://zr1netregistry.com/forum/showthread.php?t=470

If you decide to stick with the stock system you can either have your cats gutted or just replace the manifolds/cats which are one piece. If you need to find some I know of at least one set down here in S. Fl so just drop me a line.

Thanks for the advice, can you tell about the X pipe and where to get one or can I make one (any pics would help). I figure if I have to pull it apart I might as well go for max improvement and enjoy the sound as I will save all original items. Gene

[Belsy]

Originally Posted by rkreigh

go with the SS headers and the random SHF (super high flow) metal matrix 3" cats. they can slip right on the collectors and make for a very neat install and don't cost much hp (3-5) if you need cats.

look for deals if you want stock manifolds, so many folks have upgraded you can get them at a decent price, 4-800 is common. new from GM they were stupid expensive.

the factory 90 manifolds are terrible. they pinch at the pipes going into one big tube before the cats and yes, they are one big welded part.

callaway did the "chief" manifolds which eliminated the pinch and worked better with a factory looking design. hard to find.

do the SS headers from stainless work (brian a. carries them too) and be done with it. you will love the way the car picks up.

Thanks for the info, could you tell more about where I can get headers as that will probably be the way to go since I have to tear it apart to repair. I will save all original parts for future. Gene

[rkreigh]

stainless works and brian alspaugh are the only sources unless you can find used jeals. jeals I don't think are made anymore nor the watsons.

the B&B can be had for the same price with the x pipe in lieu of the resonator. you can also get them made up by stainless works, and a few other custom folks. the B&B is a pretty aggressive exh with the x piple but man does it rock at WOT

the car will really pick up above 6k rpms with the headers. you will be very pleased.

[Z Factor]

Originally Posted by gene

Thanks for the advice, can you tell about the X pipe and where to get one or can I make one (any pics would help). I figure if I have to pull it apart I might as well go for max improvement and enjoy the sound as I will save all original items. Gene

There are several places to buy headers from;

Mike Ebert can be reached on the forum by sending a PM from his profile linked below.

http://zr1netregistry.com/forum/member.php?u=219

Aaron Scott at SGC also sells them and can be reached at

http://www.sgvette.com/

Brian Alspaugh also sells X-pipes and can be reached at balspaug@indiana.edu

The only other choices are used Watsons or Jeals.

Be warned that with headers, no cats or resonator into an X-pipe it will be very loud and have resonance between 1800-2000rpms.