bikky

My OEM cat failed so I replaced it with an aftermarket standard job. (Money not being free at the moment with the missus starting at college)

Anyway, I had issues fitting the new CAT. It seemed too small. Measured side by side and there was 4mm difference in length, but I suspect more at play.

To take the old CAT out I had to push apart the Header and CAT. With the replacement there was much room to spare.

Anyway, I fitted the new CAT and tightened the bolts to the mid section as much as I could, using some soft metal ring to seal the gap that remained.

My exhaust is now sounding more throaty after about 2 weeks of having this new CAT.

I suspect I could need a flange to fill the missing space. Following pics are the OE vs the replacement in situ (remember in measurements they appear to be nearly the same length, and can't account for the gap shown. SO anyone know what the sizes are of the standard pipe and bolt locations so I can either buy one or have one made.

Images all in this drive folder
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B6...mhqX0x1LXprakE

B serious

Are used, good condition OEM cats not available?

Have you checked to see why it sounds louder? Leaking from a gasket? Loose bolt?

Apex1.0

It looks like the tapered flange on the header side is too large, causing it to be pulled closer to the header. I do not like the look of that cat and would consider finding a used replacement.

Your other option is to find a tapered flange donut gasket and stick that between the header and new cat. That should push it back enough.

bikky

couple of things in the offing here.

Thanks for advice.

1. is having a 2nd donut added (it's got one fitted). And at a later date, either a 2nd hand good condition, or a high flow.

2. is see if my neighbour (who works in a metal fabrication plant), can make a flange to close the gap more.

3. the blowing noise was me being stupid (oil filler cap type stupid), with a nice smear of oil on the underside of the bonnet at least I didn't loose much oil.

At the moment I'm stuck, with the Mrs quitting work and starting college, for the next 2 years money is tight.

NFR-S2k-

Why not just sell the cat and buy a test pipe? It's all of like $70 for a tp or $100 for a used oem cat with decent mileage.

bikky

Because a TP will fail the annual MOT (test) in the UK.

I've seen cars fail with a Berk Hi Flow, but pass with the OE.