Question-------------------------
Followup To Roland
hi sorry i ment the whole thing including the down pipe from the manifold
AnswerHi Jay,
I would begin at the old catalytic converter and remove it first, and work foward from there. A few hours before you start I would apply penetrating oil to all the threads of nut/bolt interfaces to loosen rusted fittings. When loosening the fittings, rock the wrenches back and forth to loosen the grip of the rust so as no to snap the bolts.
Remove the heat shields, and the electrical connection of the oxgen sensor at the catalytic converter. Then remove the converter, and go forward as far as you need to removing pipes and supporting clamps.
Then reassemble in the reverse direction, but don't tighten the bolts/nuts until it is fully reassembled and held together say finger tight on all the fittings. This will help to spread the weight evenly. Then tighten all the support clamps bolt/nuts firmly, maybe leaving the last torque until the entire system is together, then finish up by tightening all the other fittings to the torque spec. The torque for the converter to manifold fasteners is 20 foot-pounds, the support clamps is 5 foot pounds.
I would also recommend that you apply anti-seize compound to the threads of all fasteners before reassembly to aid in later disassembly if needed. This is even more important for the oxygen sensor threads, but don't get any compound of the tip of the sensor. Of course reconnect its electrical connector.
I think it should be pretty straightforward. Let me know if something comes up.
Roland
