cat rasp

[timmay316]

Hey. I just installed a custom exhaust (Xpipe after the cats and straight pipes all the way back) on my 1990 V6 bird. It really sounds good and loud, except for the little bit of rasp I get when the car is in the mid Rpm range. Im positive this rasp is coming from the catalytic converter heat shields. Is there any way I could fix this rasp with out replacing the cats?

[JR Tigerstar]

Originally Posted by timmay316

Im positive this rasp is coming from the catalytic converter heat shields. Is there any way I could fix this rasp with out replacing the cats?

Sure, remove the heat shields.

[timmay316]

Yes, I thought about this lol. But arent they spot-welded on? If not, how are they connected?

[timmay316]

Also, if I am able to remove the cat heat shields, will this cause an emissions problem?

[JR Tigerstar]

Originally Posted by timmay316

Yes, I thought about this lol. But arent they spot-welded on? If not, how are they connected?

Yeah, they're usually just spot welded. You can use a pair of tin snipes or a pair of wire cutters.

Originally Posted by timmay316

Also, if I am able to remove the cat heat shields, will this cause an emissions problem?

I would think not. The sheilds are external only and shouldn't affect the operation of the cats.

[Mike75]

I was cosidering the same course of action to get rid of my rasp. But don't you think this will get the inside hot as hell?

[timmay316]

yea, I considered the same problem, overheating. Will the excess heat caused by removing the cats cause any problems? Anyone know?

[timmay316]

***removing the cat heat shields, not the cats themselves, sorry

[timmay316]

anyone know? (see former post)