I ordered a magnaflow catback for my 96 z/28, it arrived and I had to wait a bit to try to install it, but the install sheet says 94-97 5.7L etc and it seemed to have everything together.

Well today when we go to install it, there are issues. The factory s-pipe is welded to the uh I guess y pipe just past the passenger side cat, and where the driver side pipe comes to meet it.

It all appears as if it all came from the factory and the exhaust is completely stock (GM muffler etc). The over-axel pipe also has a somewhat crushed end which is atleast something that can be adjusted.

Is there something up with my car, or did I not get shipped the right stuff or what?

 

Factory pipe should be clamped?

 

It is not welded like that from the factory.

Dan

 

Ok, that's what I thought but wasn't entirely sure. It seems as though there was some work done on the exhaust. I'm probably going to have to get a replacement y-pipe and cat to actually have this bolt on, there is no way with the existing setup to match the kit up with what exists.

 

This is a good excuse to buy headers!

Dan

 

I've thought about it and sort of waiting to see how much the different options cost. Seems like I would need a stock y-pipe + cat? The way it's laid out now, the two sides come together after the passenger side cat, I assume there's another somewhere on the driver side? Basically it's not even clear to me what all is up with my existing setup, except that the cat/exhaust on my car is not stock. Is it just supposed to have one cat or two.

Right now the driver side pipe comes together with the passenger side after the passenger side cat. I couldn't see but didnt look hard for a driver side one.

Basically, headers and stuff would be easiest, but also probably cost more and I wasn't planning on it right now.. ugh wish things would just work out of the box.

 

Your car has two cats. The driver side one is basically in the engine bay right after the exhaust manifold. It's the Big Round coffee can looking thing. The passenger side is the one you are seeing now. Any exhaust shop can get your Magnaflow to hook up to your existing system. It will just take some work, and may have to be welded on instead of bolted on.

Dan