1997 850 t5 turbo Anyone removed the catalytic con.? Mine bl

[mescalinedreamz]

I just bought the car and noticed a slight smell of exhaust. I looked down the back of the engine and seen the catalytic converter. The cat was blown, that steel braiding was busted and spread out. I live in Michigan and so I don't have to worry about emissions. I plan on putting a pipe in it's place. I was wondering if anyone has done the same and what size pipe do I need and length? Clamp it or weld? The car is turbocharged if that matters. It would be great if someone could give me a list of all parts they used and any tips. Thanks guys!

[Ozark Lee]

The ECU will post a P0420 code and perhaps some others so the Check Engine Light will always be on. I would clamp it so that it would be easier to actually put a proper converter back in. You can get an aftermarket converter pretty cheap if you send in the blown one as a core, check eBay.

I've never straight piped one so can't tell you the pipe sizes but a tape measure will go a long way. Just measure stuff. You will likely need to trim the pipes to get everything to fit.

I use Ma and Pa muffler shops to repair exhaust systems but they won't touch this one for fear of the fine and possible jail time.

...Lee

[misha]

Yes you can put a straight pipe instead cat BUT you MUST disconnect rear o2 sensor connector.Like Lee said...you will have permanently check engine light on.

If you don't disconnect rear o2 sensor from it's connector after removal of a cat,you will have issues.