Dual Exhaust

[Brandons]

Since the trucks broken down, and since im thinking of ways why it is broken down, ive come across the catalytic converters being a problem, as in them being plugged. I came to this conclusion when i noticed a nice bulge in my muffler which i purchased last june. So i figured, its a good time to switch to dual exhaust, now since im pretty poor, ive decided to go a rather cheapy way for it.

I plan to dump it before the rear wheels, having one cat. and one muffler per exhaust pipe. Would this pass emissions? Or does it need to be dumped out the back? Theres lots of time for me to change plans, since this mod would be done in the spring, any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[EBInterceptor]

As far as I know there is only one cat on the 1st gens that is after the Y-pipe coming off the headers. This then runs into a single in/single out muffler. If you're planning on doing it cheaply, replace the cat (if you do in fact have to replace it), get a single-in/dual out muffler and then get a custom bent exhaust from the muffler back out the rear. To if you're thinking of running a pipe out the driver's side before the rear wheel you're going to run into problems with the gas tank being in the way. Also for that to happen you'll have to have it bent it down and below the frame which won't look especially good. Like I said, cheapest way would be to get a single-in/dual out muffler and get duals bent exiting the rear. Muffler and the bending runs about $250-300 US. Not sure how much the cat will be.

 

[audiodude332001]

Brandons
Since the trucks broken down, and since im thinking of ways why it is broken down, ive come across the catalytic converters being a problem, as in them being plugged.

When you say "the truck is brocken down", what do you mean, does it not start, or just die shortly after starting or what?

 

[IAmTodd]

Not sure about emissions, but you will have problems with inspection. Most of the time the exhaust has to exit after the passanger compartment so that fumes do not circulate into the passanger compartment. Which leaves running it out the back only. Its a very tight squeeze to get it out the drivers side. If I remember correctly they had to bend 4 or 5 pipes to get mine correct. And it still contacts the swaybar mounts when the supension compresses.

 

[Brandons]

urrrgg.....

Well for some dumb reason, i have two of them, i have no idea why.

The two are circled. That picture was suppose to be the shift motor processes for takin it off, but i managed to find that it had some of the exhaust in the pic.

My plan is also just to dump the exhaust right after the muffler, not out the side or anything. The fuel tank was a problem i saw, and i didnt want two ugly pipes hanging out the right side, so just keeping them hidden underneath was my idea, with lots of help from a friend.

 

[Brandons]

Emissions here are basically what the fumes that come out are, its not as strict as other places.

 

[Chew_12]

Yea I heard that it is illegal if you dump your pipes while its above the cab. So as Todd said you would have to run them out the back.

 

[Brandons]

I hope its not the case here in Ontario Canada, my friends brothers exhaust runs the same way though, i beleive it passed emissions. If it needs to be dumped out the back, thats fine then, probably an extra $100 though.

 

[TheRookie]

Couple things. first, the first gens have 2 cats on one pipe. they are inline (look at the pic) Next, a plugged cat can not in any way make a muffler bulge. Think about it, the pressure wouldnt be getting to the muffler it would be stuck in the cats. New cats for a first gen are going to be expensive. Problem is the shape of the first one. The inlet is Wide and odly connected. The Y pipe actualy goes into the first cat about 3 inches. This design makes universal cats not usable without extensive fab work. Whats your truck doing that makes you think the cat is your problem?

 

[Brandons]

The heat from the cats could mess up the muffler, is what ive heard, i know that the pressure for sure would be stuck in the cats, sorry if i wasnt very clear (i never am). Its alot cheaper for me to go duals and dump them under the truck, then get new cats, there $640 canadian + tax for the two.

and its really a PITA when you need to take the cats off, since theres 3 horribly rusted and positioned bolts. And a sawzall wont cut it, at least well, without sacrificing blades.

Thanks for the help. I have lots of time to wait till i get my job to change plans .

 

[TheRookie]

that thing about the muffler is wrong.
I just did my cats and they arent that tough. Use a 13 mm deep 6 point socket and an extension. Just break the bolts. (well studs) It doesnt sound like cats are your problem though. What is your truck doing that makes you think its the problem?

 

[Brandons]

well for cats on mine, being 10 years old in Canada, with tons of rust, cats are very hard with just a socket wrench, anything after the cats is fine, but actually taking them off are hell.

And the engine just rotates, doesnt even try to start, i tried using ether to start it since the fuel pump seems rather - dead - which also did nothing. 2 spark plugs are fireing fine, never checked the other 4, but im totally lost and ready to give up and send it to a shop..

 

[TheRookie]

thats why you hammer the socket onto whats left of the nut and break it. I take off unreconizeable bolts all the time at work and thats the easiest way without a torch.

if you cant figure it out then its probably shop time.

 

[Brandons]

well i know its gettin gas, exhaust system is clear, spark plugs sparking. im lost

 

[Brandons]

also rookie, would i be able to seperate the cats off the damn exhaust, because it is awfully rusted, the bolt idea sounds good. I also want to replace the bolts, so this is in my best interest.

 

[TheRookie]

well not really. its unlikely the problem. Seperating from the exhaust is easier. its 2 spring bolts. Same idea, break them. Or cut the nuts off with a grinder. dont just cut the center of the bolt cause that wont actualy do the entire job, they are shoulder bolts. You can get new spring bolts from most parts places.
Getting fuel and spark the next thing is compression. If there is a parts place that will loan out a compression tester then use it. Just replace a spark plug with the end of the gauge and have somneone crtank the motor. IS the motor cranking over faster than usual?

 

[Brandons]

no motors cranking normally, and the exhaust im trying to cut its right after the crossover pipe for the manifolds, that connects to the cats, ive already easily got the spring bolts off for the exhaust after the cats, but there the only problem now.