Never-ending exhaust issues...

[Constable]

I've been fighting with my exhaust ever since I had it built. I bought the original Kooks headers prior to anyone else on this board, and therefore had to have the rest of the system built around them (just my luck, they're now offered with the matching x-pipes, etc...).

The first issue was the mufflers, but I've finally got the right sound. Then it was leaks, but I've finally got the right gaskets.

Now, last week I was driving home from work and heard a strange rattling. I couldn't find anything, so I continued (bad idea). The bolts holding the collectors to cats & the x-pipe let loose and some actually shook themselves completely out. Next day I tightened everything up and all was fine.

The next day, I hear a NEW rattling. This time, it's my Dynomax cats. They were rattling as if there were marbles inside of them. I figured I burned them up or they blew apart. I decided to order a set of MIL Eliminators and then hollow the cats.

Today, I was cruising at normal speed and the tone of the car just changed all of the sudden. I tapped it a few times and then heard another horrible rattle; this time it was louder than ever before. I got up to a light and gunned it. I must've blown whatever it was about 50 yards out of my tailpipes... it was F***IN' LOUD!!

I am now rattle-free, but have the loudest, NASCAR-ish exhaust in my entrie COUNTY. There appear to be no leaks, so I guess the cats are just open now. I'm going to tear them apart this week and see what I've got.

I'm just really upset that I paid $100.00 each for these cats and they only lasted me 4 months. I'll update you all on how the MIL Eliminators work.

[martyo]

I figured I burned them up or they blew apart. I decided to order a set of MIL Eliminators and then hollow the cats.First, if this is your plan of attack, I would keep discussion of this in public forums to a minimum. This practice, while widespread, is illegal and can get you in a heap of trouble.

With that said, have you been running race gas or leaded fuel? That'll take your cats out of action pretty quick. Just a thought.....

[CRUZTAKER]

I'd have to agree with Marty on this one.

Kooks offers a great set of legal cats that don't require hollowing. I know it's a money thing, but atleast it's a permanent solution.

[Logan]

If they're magnaflow cats, there are warranties on them, you should get new ones for free if they went south that quick. I've got the magnaflow cats on my car and my exhaust still sounds great after 6 months of Kook's goodness.

[BillyGman]

No Logan, Constable has the Dynomax cats, not the magnaflow ones. He also has the dynomax mufflers ( unless he changed them). When i decided to go w/the Kooks headers, I also opted for the entire Kooks set-up. I realize that all of it wasn't yet offered at the time that Constable made his purchase. but as for me, I decided to go w/the entire Kooks system because I figured that Kooks has been in the exhaust biz for a long time, and therefore they should know what they're talking about when they recommend something to their customers.

When I spoke to Nick at Kooks over the phone, he highly recommended the entire system along w/the headers, which included the X-pipe, hi-flow Magnaflow cats, and the 18" Magnaflow mufflers, so that's what I purchased. I believe I have put about 5,000 miles on my Marauder since I've installed the Kooks set-up, and so far so good.

I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune though Constable.

[Ross]

Hey, Constable. In Jersey do they do an emissions test before you can get your inspection sticker? I know a lot of guys who would like to hollow their cats, but in some of the larger counties in Texas they require a computer controlled (and recorded) emissions test before you can be inspected. This kind of cuts out the possiblity of hollowing cats. Not that I'd ever do anything like that, mind you. :nono:

[2003 MIB]

in some of the larger counties in Texas they require a computer controlled (and recorded) emissions test before you can be inspected. This kind of cuts out the possiblity of hollowing cats. Not that I'd ever do anything like that, mind you. :nono:
Harris, Dallas and Tarrant at (last count I knew about) but it's spreading...

[Constable]

Thanks for all your input folks. My cats were Dynomax units that had a one year warranty. I've been searching around all day to find the card that I sent in. I hope I can get my money back instead of a new set. I'd rather not install them just to blow 'em apart again.

Marty - your advice has been noted... thank you much. I think I am going to toy araound with the cat-less setup for a bit, though. I don't have to re-inspect until 2007, so that gives me plenty of time before I have to get it emissions compliant.

Ross - Yes, NJ does require STRICT emissions testing. It must be done at every inspection. It is also now against the law here to alter any of your stock emissions system hardware (unless you're repairing a broken unit with an aftermarket OEM quality product).

On a highnote, My MIL Eliminators have arrived from Pony Express Performance. They look like they'll be a breeze to install (just splice in between the O2 sensor and the plastic harness connector). As soon as I get my truck out of the garage, I'll wire them in.

[Constable]

Oh yea!! My passenger side cat was completely blown out. It looked as though there was never anything in it. The driver side was still pretty much intact, so I took a large punch and mallet to beat the contents to oblivion. After inhaling a few deep breaths of powdery funk, I was all finished.

I installed the MIL Eliminators a few days ago. I drove the car hard all day today and have yet to get a Check Engine Light. Looks like everything is doin what it's supposed to.

[BillyGman]

Is it a lot louder now?

[Constable]

As my buddy put it, " Your car is 'Apocalypse-Loud' "... Let your imagination take it from there...