12 replies to this topic

[Benzola]

Hi Folks,

 

Thanks for your help with my previous thread: "Whilst Up On Blocks". Right then, here's my latest "tinkering plan".... can ya'll give a bit of input:

 

1. Replace pre-cat with a pre-cat de-cat.... I'm in 2 minds whether to drill out the OEM pre-cat myself or bite the bullet on one of these (& save myself a load hassle): http://www.elise-sho...-22-p-1034.html

 

Q: Are the "promised" power-hikes of a full de-cat really worth (1) the expense (2) the agro' of swapping back to OEM at MOT time?

Q: Will I need an O2 cheater to run a full de-cat (linked above) & will the full Larini de-cat fit my VSE?

Q: I'll be swapping out my Larini BB for a VSE (just for a fun) will (1) a DIY pre-cat removal / full de-cat, combined with the VSE, result in super-chav-noise levels?

 

2. Replace the Larini BB with (used) VSE.

 

Q. Should I replace both u-bend to cat & cat to manifold gaskets? Can't find part numbers or best place to buy anywhere!

Q. My u-bend heat shield is shot to pieces! I intend taking out (what's left) & wrapping u-bend in this (recommended): http://www.thermalve...ap--/p-105-408/

Q. Is there any advantage in heat wrapping any other part of the pipe(s) whilst I'm at it?

Q. Where can I get one of those Lamda sensor sockets?

Q. Is it worth replacing rubber exhaust mounts as a matter of course?

 

3. Replace all nuts & bolts with stainless. I found a list of all on here (- the length of the 3x M10 manifold nuts req): 9x M8 Nuts, 2x M8 30mm Bolts, 1x M8 20mm Bolt, 3x M10 Manifold Nuts (size unknown?).

 

Q. I know getting OEM nuts & bolts out will be a PITA! What's the best penetrating oil to ease my pain?

 

As always, thanks in advance! I searched VX.org for as many answers as pos, before penning this novel!

 

Ben. 

 

 

 

 

[Andrew aka Stuwy]

Full de cat and vse is going to be sooo loud. And no it's not worth the 4bhp you will gain

[Andrew aka Stuwy]

These is no gasket u bend to cat. Only manifold to cat.

[badgerade]

'Wurth Rost Off Ice' is good stuff for shifting rusty bolts.

[Benzola]

Full de cat and vse is going to be sooo loud. And no it's not worth the 4bhp you will gain

Cheers Stu. You've reinforced my (tentative) decision. DIY pre-cat de-cat (not full de-cat) and see how it goes. Can always switch back to a larini if it's chav tastic!

[Benzola]

These is no gasket u bend to cat. Only manifold to cat.

That's what I thought. Tried to find the thread that referred to NA u-bend gasket... Gone... Now feeling plebish! Part number on manifold to cat gasket? Shared my full service book (with all part numbers) on here. Scores of downloads but I use Mac and it's PC only.... Double plebish!

[Benzola]

'Wurth Rost Off Ice' is good stuff for shifting rusty bolts.

I'll give it a whirl. 24 hrs "soak time" might help?

[Captain Vimes]

I made a cardboard gasket between the manifold and cat section out of a cereal box as I didnt get a replacement before hand. 2 track days and miles later it's still fine... The manifold to cat bolts on mine were so badly rusted there was no way they would ever undo. I managed to drop it out and then get the grinder on the bolts. Wasnt too bad and neither was removing the precat. Make sure you've got good drill bits and be prepared to break a few..

[Benzola]

I made a cardboard gasket between the manifold and cat section out of a cereal box as I didnt get a replacement before hand. 2 track days and miles later it's still fine... > Much the same here with an EGR "coke can fix". Nice! The manifold to cat bolts on mine were so badly rusted there was no way they would ever undo. I managed to drop it out and then get the grinder on the bolts. Wasnt too bad and neither was removing the precat. Make sure you've got good drill bits and be prepared to break a few..

> As I feared. All the tools, but no power at my garage. Daren't run the angle grinder of a 12v inverter!

[christhegasman]

My ubend bolts were knackered I ended up using the dremel from inside the wheel arch to take the heads off then tap the remains out Vse with pre cat removed sounds great loads of pops and bangs

[FLD]

Hi Folks,

 

Thanks for your help with my previous thread: "Whilst Up On Blocks". Right then, here's my latest "tinkering plan".... can ya'll give a bit of input:

 

1. Replace pre-cat with a pre-cat de-cat.... I'm in 2 minds whether to drill out the OEM pre-cat myself or bite the bullet on one of these (& save myself a load hassle): http://www.elise-sho...-22-p-1034.html

 

Q: Are the "promised" power-hikes of a full de-cat really worth (1) the expense (2) the agro' of swapping back to OEM at MOT time? [color=rgb(255,0,0);]No[/color]

Q: Will I need an O2 cheater to run a full de-cat (linked above) [color=rgb(255,0,0);]yes[/color] & will the full Larini de-cat fit my VSE? [color=rgb(255,0,0);]Don't know[/color]

Q: I'll be swapping out my Larini BB for a VSE (just for a fun) will (1) a DIY pre-cat removal / full de-cat, combined with the VSE, result in super-chav-noise levels? [color=rgb(255,0,0);]Fook yes!  Just do the precat (if you want a free flowing cat get a 200cell weld in section)[/color]

 

2. Replace the Larini BB with (used) VSE.

 

Q. Should I replace both u-bend to cat & cat to manifold gaskets? Can't find part numbers or best place to buy anywhere! [color=rgb(255,0,0);]You can reuse them if they're OK but best to have a spare if you're messing about with it.  Astra 2.2 manifold to system gasket is the same.  You can use compound on the u-bend one.[/color]

Q. My u-bend heat shield is shot to pieces! I intend taking out (what's left) & wrapping u-bend in this (recommended): http://www.thermalve...ap--/p-105-408/

Q. Is there any advantage in heat wrapping any other part of the pipe(s) whilst I'm at it? [color=rgb(255,0,0);]Probably not[/color]

Q. Where can I get one of those Lamda sensor sockets? [color=rgb(255,0,0);]ebay[/color]

Q. Is it worth replacing rubber exhaust mounts as a matter of course? [color=rgb(255,0,0);]No, replace them if they're fooked[/color]

 

3. Replace all nuts & bolts with stainless. I found a list of all on here (- the length of the 3x M10 manifold nuts req): 9x M8 Nuts, 2x M8 30mm Bolts, 1x M8 20mm Bolt, 3x M10 Manifold Nuts (size unknown?).

 

Q. I know getting OEM nuts & bolts out will be a PITA! What's the best penetrating oil to ease my pain? [color=rgb(255,0,0);]Angle grinder!  Seriously, if its not been off for a loooong time it will come to this.[/color]

 

As always, thanks in advance! I searched VX.org for as many answers as pos, before penning this novel!

 

Ben. 

 

 

 

 

Hope this helps?

[Benzola]

Fab! Cheers FLD :-) 

[Benzola]

Finally finished over the weekend. Pre-cat de-cat & VSE. VERY happy with results. Thanks to all for your help. Ben.