Universal Cat vs. model specific
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3
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Universal Cat vs. model specific
Hey i need to replace my Cat on my 96 1500 but don't really want to pay the $250 that they cost. So i was wondering if anyone has tried using a universal converter with exhaust clamps to attach to the exhaust pipes. I have a MIG welder too but don't have too much experience with welding exhaust pipes. Any info on this would really help. Thanks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 14
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RE: Universal Cat vs. model specific
I wouldnt use clamps, weld it your self or have a shop do it. I had mine replaced with a universal at a local muffler shop for
$217. They simply cut it out "actualy i already had because truck wouldnt run" and then bend new pipe and weld it. It was dirt cheap compared to tuffy and midas both of which qouted me above 600$ That was however for the factory bolt on cat...From the local dealership i think they wanted $325 but not positive on that one....that was for JUST the cat not the install.....Unless forsome reason you dont belive in cutting and welding exhaust then i would go with a universal cat.....cheaper and its not any worse then a factory bolt in cat.
P.S you wont recognize your truck once you get it on....assuming your old one was plugged
$217. They simply cut it out "actualy i already had because truck wouldnt run" and then bend new pipe and weld it. It was dirt cheap compared to tuffy and midas both of which qouted me above 600$ That was however for the factory bolt on cat...From the local dealership i think they wanted $325 but not positive on that one....that was for JUST the cat not the install.....Unless forsome reason you dont belive in cutting and welding exhaust then i would go with a universal cat.....cheaper and its not any worse then a factory bolt in cat.
P.S you wont recognize your truck once you get it on....assuming your old one was plugged
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,811
Likes: 3
From: Bett-neee
RE: Universal Cat vs. model specific
holy crap!!!!!!!!!!! tell ya what.. go to summit online and look up a cat for your truck..should have one..thats where i ordered mine... get a direct fit one...one that comes with the downpipes with it... whatll it will be is 2 downpipes and the cat and a small section past the cat where your exhaust hooks up to... unbolt your old cat off of the manifolds...fit the new cat up to the manifolds and with a marker (if you dont have your own welder or access to one) and mark small stripes that go from the downpipe to the cat across the collar where the weld needs to be..then unbolt it take it to a shop that knows how to weld...and have them weld it... shouldnt cost you alot atall... i think i payed 160 for the direct fit cat from summit..... and its a maganaflow highflow cat too..helps out with performance!!!!!!!! u get 2 downpipes but one is already fixed to the cat...the one that comes from the drivers side of the motor is the one that needs to be welded... goodluck hope this helps..post what happnes!
