Aftermarket exhausts and catalytic converters

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gilead.cl19

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So, I've been having a random miss in my car since the day I bought it. Did all the general fixes for the problem with no results. Finally took it in to have it looked at, and turns out that the cats are completely wasted. Of course they are funky shaped, and the shop says that the aftermarket cats are a no go. So I am asking has anyone upgraded their exhaust with aftermarket cats? If so what kind, (part number would be helpful), do you have pics? What kind of mufflers did you use? If I've got to do the cats, I might as well add some rumble to her.

Thanks in advance!

Before you ask, no its not a coil, no its not a plug, she's really just choking on her exhaust.
 
Not sure if you have a Gen I or II or if you have a V6 or V8, but companies like Catco, Eastern and Magnaflow offer direct fit replacement catalytic converts assembles for our cars. The replacement units come with the inlet and outlet pipes welded onto the converter, so that you basically just unbolt the factory parts and bolt on the replacement units. This is the route most exhaust shops do when they have to replace damaged, non functioning or clogged catalytic converts. I am surprised that the shop you took your car to, who diagnosed the problem as clogged catalytic converters didn't offer you this option. Just go to you favorite search engine and type in "Lincoln LS catalytic converter" and look at the results and photos.

Now I have not needed to replace them on my LS (yet), but I have installed them on several of my other cars with great results. If you are doing this job yourself, you may need some gaskets or clamps, but those tend to be included most of the time or at least they are called out in the instructions. You will need some PB Blaster for the rusted nuts on the studs and clamps as well. You are not in California, so that helps to simplify things for you.

Hope this helps.
 
Lots of thread discussing exhausts and options associated - it is probably top 5 in terms of topics that have been discussed on this forum. I'd suggest doing your own research since exhaust tone is subjective. What I may like may be too loud for you, etc. For catalytic converters some have had success using aftermarket (myself included), although once again some do change the tone of your exhaust. Your own research is required. A lot depends on the shop doing the work as well.
 
It's an 01 with a 3.9. I was mostly wondering about the universal cats, since the factory ones are in at odd angles. I realize that each person wants their own sound, but was hoping to get some advice from other LS owners on how exactly they went about an exhaust upgrade. I work at a parts store and have virtually limitless access to get the parts I need, but again just wanted some input from your guys perspective.

Thanks again.
 
I would rather go with aftermarket direct fit, VS getting universals and welding them to fit. the angle on the back side turns pretty sharply right as its necks down to normal pipe size at the end of the cat.
 
I use Eastern cats. Good so far. Dont use Thunderbolt universals. You will eventually get the check engine light.
 
gilead.cl19 said:
It's an 01 with a 3.9. I was mostly wondering about the universal cats, since the factory ones are in at odd angles. I realize that each person wants their own sound, but was hoping to get some advice from other LS owners on how exactly they went about an exhaust upgrade. I work at a parts store and have virtually limitless access to get the parts I need, but again just wanted some input from your guys perspective.

Thanks again.
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The aftermarket cats might require flanges or special order bolts to make them work, but a good exhaust shop will be able to get these parts or fabricate something to fit them. Like I mentioned, its not only the parts as it is also the welder and the quality of the materials the shop is using. I've dealt with garbage welders and I've dealt with some of the best. Do some searching here for exhausts and different setups and see what you like - a lot of threads are very details with pics, write-ups, etc.
 
I have magnaflow cats, I also have a check engine light on.

I also have massive leaks due to bad manifold bolts where the cats bolt to it so that could also lead my CEL.

Over all I guess they are okay if you want them. they fit well enough that any decent welder can get them on.
 
hite337 said:
I use Eastern cats. Good so far. Dont use Thunderbolt universals. You will eventually get the check engine light.
Click to expand...

I've had very good luck with eastern cats too. Which reminds me I need to go tighten the bolts because I have a small leak.
 
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