I was able to reach all four flange nuts with a long extension (I think it was 12") from the front side of the cross member. Turned without a cheater. This weekend I was able to compare my gutted converter against a stock exhaust system. No comparison. Even if less efficient than a straight pipe, is a gazillion times freer than factory. Is MUCH cooler too. Re: fuel economy -- try mistiming your vehicle (the notches on my Volvo block aren't labeled -- thank goodness I FINALLY stumbled across page C:05:03) and compensating by cranking up the fuel mixture. Drops to 13-14 mpg. Bill Robertson #5939 >--- In dmcnews@xxxx, Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx> wrote: > Hi Andy > > If you have a look at this article I wrote about exhaust gaskets I went into some detail > on removing the exhaust. Taking the cat out is quite difficult because you have to remove > the crossover pipe from the manifolds in order to access the upper right cat mounting > nut. > > http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/exhaustgasket.html > > As to refinishing the silencer, over here you can buy high temperature paint in a silver > shade - I did my heat stove with it till I decided to leave it out anyway... I can't > vouch for its lifespan though. I believe there's a ceramic coating process but I can't > see the point *personally*. > > Martin > #1458 > #4426 > > Soma576@xxxx wrote: > > > Hey all, > > > > two questions: > > 1. i want to refinish my muffler. it looks like it is rusty even though it > > really isn't since it's stainless.... i don't need it to look like chrome, i > > just want it to look like it is new again. is a muffler best painted, or is > > there a polishing job that can be done? i'd obviously bring this to a > > specialist. > > > > 2. i'm interested in the catalytic converter straightpipe since i live in a > > state without emissions testing. it would be ideal to do this job when i > > refinish the muffler. is this a very difficult job? are the bolts typically > > quite rusty and solid? also - are there any downsides to removing the cat > > besides higher hydrocarbon emissions? > > > > any thoughts are welcome! > > Andy