Hey All-
I got my Downey 2 1/2" cat back delivered today! I was looking over the installation instructions, and the install seems to need alot of cutting. Anyone have some experience with installing the system? They also mention the installation of a new converter, but i didn't buy one. Is it necessary to use the Downey high flow cat with the system?

 

Don't worry about the cat. If your stock cat is working it will be fine.

 

Thanks! so I should follow the cutting instructions from the cat back? It looks like the one pipe is long enough to eliminate the cat all together. If I didn't have to pass the NJ smog test, i would eliminate it.

 

Keep the cat bro. I am not sure about the cutting, but following the instructions should be a safe route.

 

there's a long straight pipe that needs to be cut. it goes between the Downey cat connector, and the muffler elbow pipe (just before the muffler). The exhaust tip also needs to be welded in place...my welding is worse than my pipe cutting!

 

Hey Greg, some cutting is required with the Downey system. Regarding the cat, if you keep the stock cat then it'll be "choked down" because the pipes are smaller. I'd recommend getting a cat with the 2 1/2" inlet and outlet. And I'd like to add, my system uses the regular u bolt clamps with no problems. You just gotta check them and make sure they're tight. I DID have to change the muffler one time and with the welded pipes I would have had to take it to a shop.

 

Oh, and if you do want to go with a high-flow cat as mentioned above, I recommend a Carsound cat off ebay. I got one for $60 shipped, and it worked great on my now sold 88 Celica Turbo.

 

I just installed last night a 2 1/2 inch Dynomax Super Converter(Summit Racing $54.) and Summit's 2 1/2 inch turbo muffler($15.). I did my own 2 1/2 pipe all the way back cutting and welding mandrel bends(Summit) to make it the way I want. Just fired it up and it sounds healthy. I'm going for a ride now.

 

thanks for the input..
i'm seriously considereing the high flow cat now...and then i'll be done. (yeah right!)
i was gonna eliminate the cat after inspection, but i'm thinkin' that the high flow & exhaust might be enough..., and i wont have to worry about getting through inspection next time!