Yep.

 

They just plug into the port here in Jersey...if they are gutted, will there be a big empty "bubble" in the pipe in the shape of the cat? If it is just a hollow cat-shape, how will that affect performance? On my 85 Monte it was very helpful (gutted cat), but this is a completely different beast.

 

You could just knock out the center of the cats, then hammer a piece of pipe through the center. Surely 2.5" pipe would stuff in there.

 

well, i'm not sure what they do to test for emissions. I know in Mass they actually check the carbon monoxide readings coming out of the exhaust. It sounds so easy to just punch out the cats. Unfortunately, I don't weld. they are welded into place. I don't know anyone who is willing to break the law for me. I guess i'm gonna spend $300 on new cats and another $150 on a new muffler and whatever it costs to install all of that. ****** FUGGER!!!!

 

Have you decided what cats to go with?

 

Find out what they do for emission test. If they plug into the port you can take out the y-pipe and gut them. Then bolt the y-pipie back into place. 2-3 hours of your time vs 300.00 for new cats.

 

I was thinking about using these cats http://www.rpmoutlet.com/powercat.htm

I'm told they are better than the magnaflow cats which are only $55 each. Hmmmmm, tough call. Anyway, even if they do just plug into the port, i still need to find someone willing to cut off the cats an punch them right?

 

I've got the same boost problem with my truck. with a 4" pulley on my 5.3 i get 9-10psi but most of the time i get 7psi. i have dual 2.5" exhaust with NO CATS and magnaflows so i think Steve is full of it. there has to be another reason for this. check the intake side of the blower for restriction (filter, maf, tb). if theres any vaccum getting to the bypass valve it will pull open and bleed boost.

 

well, the whole butterfly valve thing confuses me anyway. i'm not using any of the whipple electronics and the only thing i've changed is the throttle body. i can't see where there could be any vacuum leaks. who knows