Exhaust - Banks Monster Exhaust

[aka-justin]

Ok, couldn't pass up this "craigslist" deal...  $100 bucks for complete Cat-Back Banks Exhaust and the Catalytic Converter (not sure who makes it, no Banks markings, probably warner ).

I hooked it all up.  I can see now why Banks doesn't list this system for 4 cyc and why it was only $100 bucks.  The thing now sounds like a tuna can and there's a crack in the cat (all the guys parts were off a wreck yj, should have known better).  I bet banks didn't like the sound either, not that it couldn't fit.  I’m sure the guy didn’t notice, as I hadn’t until I was staring everything over as I finished installing it, but I could still kick myself.  I really liked the way my stock muffler sounded, and now, since I cut and ruined it, I’m stuck with basically a cherry bomb type muffler for now.

Oh well, off to the muffler shop to have the crack welded.

On a lighter note, I believe my drivability issue was that old cat.  It seems to be a bit better going down the road.  The old cat looked perfect, but didn't look like it was the right application.  It was a narrow round cat, definitely not OE.  It’s nice that it driving a bit better, I’m just annoyed at myself.   

[aka-justin]

Here's the kit...

http://www.quadratec.com/products/17603_600_07.htm?sgsc=QSHOPGBASE&utm_medium=compshop&utm_source=googlemerchant

[Jeffy]

Yeah, that's a 2.5" exhaust.  I'm sure it sounds a bit tinny.  If you have a tear in the muffler then it's probably a lot louder then it should be.

Here's what the stock cat looks like.  The bottom one is a Car-Sound/Magnaflow

[aka-justin]

I believe I just confirmed that it was the cat that was the problem with my never getting to 5th gear.  Drove my usual route, and I stayed in 5th gear for 90-95% of the way cruising at 65-70...  WWOOOTTT!!!!    Way better than 55-60 the entire way.  I'm leaving well enough alone now (even if it sounds like a folders can is strapped to my exhaust )

Here's the old turd cat...

[Jeffy]

Yeah, that's a pretty ugly cat.  The comb is pretty tight too.  you can see here that you can see through the holes.  Wrong application cat for sure.

[Torch_Ind]

you running  strait manifold now? or put a pipe in the cats place?

[aka-justin]

The system I got came with a cat and it has replaced the one pictured above.  I believe it looks like a Walker cat, but I'm not sure.  It was installed on a 93 YJ with a 6 cyclinder.  It supposedly ran great prior to the accident.  Seems to work better for me.  I just paid a local muffler guy to weld the crack in the cat.  I think it was from the accident.

[sharpxmen]

The system I got came with a cat and it has replaced the one pictured above.  I believe it looks like a Walker cat, but I'm not sure.  It was installed on a 93 YJ with a 6 cyclinder.  It supposedly ran great prior to the accident.  Seems to work better for me.  I just paid a local muffler guy to weld the crack in the cat.  I think it was from the accident.

i wouldn't trust it if it was in an accident (and also cracked from that) - the insides can brake and block your exhaust, rather buy a universal for $50 or so and replace it, would save you the trouble in the long run.

[aka-justin]

The crack was on the seam of a weld wear the pipe connects to the cat's body.  It's straight and the comb looks good on both end, not dented, neither is any other part of the system.  I already paid the $30 for someone to close it too.

I'll post some pic's after I'm done with my Del Taco Classic Taco's 

[Jeffy]

Since he's in CA he's going to need a CARB approved cat which can be expensive.  Usually $100 more then what 49-state cats are cost.  I just replaced mine and it was $200 for a bolt-on.  $150 for a universal that is CARB approved.

Really though, as long as it passes, I don't see the reason for the whole CARB thing other then the state wanting more money.

[aka-justin]

http://picasaweb.google.com/cajeeper/JeepBuildUp#5475410030824274786



















Oh, and yes,  I removed the friggin rear track bar!!!

[Jeffy]

It does look like a Walker Cat.

[aka-justin]

Forgot to mention, after the welding and the addition of one more hanger strap (I broke one) the tin can muffler sounds has subsided.  As long as I'm not revving up high RPMs, the sound is tolerable now.  Sounds nice at idle, just Honda-rice-grinder-ish between 3000-4000 rpm.

I'll stop whining for now 

[sharpxmen]

Since he's in CA he's going to need a CARB approved cat which can be expensive.  Usually $100 more then what 49-state cats are cost.  I just replaced mine and it was $200 for a bolt-on.  $150 for a universal that is CARB approved.

Really though, as long as it passes, I don't see the reason for the whole CARB thing other then the state wanting more money.

what do you mean by carb approved - are they reading the markings on the cat and then look that up? or just put it thru emissions testing? My $50 cat passed no problems and there's a full-on dyno test here (idle, city and hwy driving simulation thru all gears up to 60 mph or so) - as long as it passes emissions can have a lawnmower muffler.

[Jeffy]

what do you mean by carb approved - are they reading the markings on the cat and then look that up? or just put it thru emissions testing? My $50 cat passed no problems and there's a full-on dyno test here (idle, city and hwy driving simulation thru all gears up to 60 mph or so) - as long as it passes emissions can have a lawnmower muffler.

There are numbers on the cats now.