88 Carrera catalytic converter removal question

[Netspeed]

Bentley manual says the muffler has to come out first but it looks like the cat will come off easily while leaving the muffler there. Is there a shortcut or is the manual correct?

[m110]

No need to remove the muffler. Jack left side up, put on jacKstands. Get an assortment of 13mm ratchets and wrenches plus an O2 sensor wrench. Remove fasteners and it will come out. Replacing involves 3 new gaskets or reusable copper gaskets. If re-re this item will be a common occurance I would recommend the brass-silicon nuts on steel for ease of removal. There are a few threads, I'll try to post one.

[m110]

Check this out

Where to buy Si/Br nuts? (for exhaust)

[DRACO A5OG]

+1, leave the muffler on & new gaskets/nuts/nolts.

But first inspect all the nuts for rust weld, tackle the worse one first. use a chisel/sledge and some penetrating oil to help loosen them.

You may need to use a dremel in the end.

[Gustyones]

As m110 said, no need to remove the muffler. I bought an M&K premuffler with the gaskets and fasteners and plugged it in. A word of advice is to use wing nuts when installing it to make it easier to remove down the road for valve adjustments, etc. I got my wing nuts from Lowe's. I had to grind some of my original fasteners off with a Dremel tool.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by m110

No need to remove the muffler. Jack left side up, put on jacKstands. Get an assortment of 13mm ratchets and wrenches

Plus 12mm wrenches!

[Netspeed]

Thanks for all the great advice!

[m110]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Plus 12mm wrenches!

Correct! After changing over to the silicon bronze nuts from the thread I mentioned I think I'm all 13mm (or actually 1/2 inch) now. FWIW those fasteners are great. I never struggle with rusted nuts.