So I need to switch from modular 100 cell cats to 200 cell cats, is this done easily by taking the fender off and loosening the muffler clamps or do I need a lift etc and remove the whole system to do it properly ??

 

Richard,

Yes, you can change them easily and there is no need to remove the bumper cover. You will have to loosen and remove the V-band clamp between the cat and mid-pipe, then loosen the clamp where the mid-pipe enters the muffler. Spray the muffler inlet area with some WD-40 to make it easier to remove the mid-pipe, by twisting and pulling on it at the same time. Once the mid-pipe is off, the cat has 4 bolts and a small heat shield bolt on the side. Spray the 4 turbo/cat bolts with WD-40 and let it penetrate for a bit, then remove the bolts. I have done this many times in a garage with no lift or stands. You can lay on the ground and see everything. There is plenty of room with the mid-pipe off to see exactly what you need to do...take your time. You will have to remove the 02 sensors, so be careful not to mix them up or stretch the wires - mark them if you need to and it's best to remove them while the cat is still mounted because it provides better leverage for cracking the bolt. First time, I figure 1-2 hours for this job. I can do it in about 30-45 minutes on a garage floor - quicker on a lift. You will need a metric socket set and it's a good idea to have an articulating knuckle for the socket you are using...

 

Nice write up John tx.

 

No problem Richard, my pleasure - I appreciate the business. Also, I forgot to mention that you should have a metric open end wrench set available as well.

 

John, Tools I have plenty of but with the mid section off, I should be able to get to the top 13 mm nuts on the Cats with the socket extension easily

 

Yes, you will need open end for the 02 sensors.

 

a bit, nothing I wasn't able to work around with various tools. I think the issue was on the passenger side, maybe they have since changed the bung position, as I remember thinking "if they would have just welded this a few millimeters to the left/right (can't remember direction), this would be so much easier" Again, it wasn't that bad.

I have the Speedtech X 2.5

 

Are there any gaskets at the joint with the Turbo's or is it just metal to metal, I received my 200 Cell cats yesterday

 

You can re-use the OEM metal o-ring gaskets.

 

John I had a look this eve, what is the size on the nut on the clamp where the mid sections goes into the muffler as it doesn't seem to be 13mm like the one on the clamp to the cat. Think I am going to whip the fender/bumper off as then it is much easier to access the clamp by the muffler where the nut is above the exhaust, not below

 

Hi Richard,

It's a 15mm.

All clamps should be placed on the vehicle with the nuts down for easy access for component swaps. They probably did the installation with the bumper off and did not realize this...I would put them back on with the nuts down, now that you will have them off.

When the clamps are installed with the nuts down, it is very easy to access them, even from a garage floor.

 

Yes realised its a 15 MM an odd nut size in Europe everything is usually 8/10/13 or 17 mm here. anyway did the swap with the Bumper off & had a very enjoyable time, took me 2 hours though

 

With 200 Cell Cats I genuinely think it is better all round, less noisy on tickover, picks up with a lovely whistle and rasp without any loss of performance. John the 100 Cells are back in the post to you for my surcharge to be credited

 

IMO...would would have been better with the 100 cell cats.....

 

Seriously after 10 years of trying, BUT my personality devoid 996 TT has found a purpose in life and that is a result of the Speedtech 2.5 Quiet with 200 Cell Cats exhausts.