3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
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as i have been posting my car has been lazy, lacking performance, and been all around slow (98' 323is) well today finally found out is was the "cats "
so does anyone know where i can get a replacement
or a cheap performance exhaust system under $500
Take it to an exhaust shop, have them cut it off and weld in a piece of pipe instead or have them dump it out and put it back if you want it to look like it's still there. If there's no emissions testing, you don't need it really.
To answer the question from the PM, the part number is not the same, though I can't see why it wouldn't work.
most exhaust shops have lengths, i put one in an old car, they sometimes keep remnants from past installations, should have one to fit. yes you will probably obligated to pay for the piece, might charge you ten bucks.
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R.I.P fast 6
Two wheels or Four, I'm happy as long as the throttle is pinned.
As Torque pointed out, unbolt the old CATS, get a Long screwdriver and a hammer and just break up the Catalytic comb within the body of the CAT. Hey presto, not more obstruction, and totally transperant to the casual observer. Dirt cheap too if the bolts aren't seized and you can get under your car ok.
brettski has another point, if you're the least bit DIY-minded, you can hollow out he cats and be on your way. And i understand about the cats at the shops, i used to sell 'hi-flows" to people all the time, easy 300-400 bucks.
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R.I.P fast 6
Two wheels or Four, I'm happy as long as the throttle is pinned.
oh okayy that sounds good to i need to do something quick it gets worse everday
as far as straight pipe i would only need enough to replace the cats right? and would i need oxygen simulators for that
What the other guys are saying is right, but you may find it difficult to find a shop, even though your state has no emissions testing, that will gut the cat or replace it with straight pipe. In many cases this is illegal to do for any shop and they won't take the chance. What I am saying is, if you don't want to replace the cat you might have to do the gutting or replacing of the cat with a pipe yourself.
Around here, Virginia, you can't even buy a cat from a junk yard. I don't know for sure that it's illegal for them to resell the cats, but I know they won't do it.
Chris
__________________ 1997 E36, 125K
1986 E30, 323K and counting.
Other vehicles: 99 and 96 Dodge Ram 2500's, 4x4 DIESEL. Twin turbos, 600 hp and 12's in the 1/4. I wish could afford a BMW with a diesel.
Yes you can knock them out I've done it in my shop on a MB 500SL...but I usually take to the local muffler shop that does all my work & they usually charge me $80.00 to $120. for each & its legal...
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problem found 
Bad cats 
Yes you can knock them out I've done it in my shop on a MB 500SL...but I usually take to the local muffler shop that does all my work & they usually charge me $80.00 to $120. for each & its legal... 
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