OK...Can anyone tell me how difficult this is?

[New97owner]

Ok, I have had the '97 B/W for less than a week, and I want those cats off! Can anyone let me know how difficult it is to remove the sill panels, to access the cats? I really appreciate it! (Geesh...didn't take long for me to start asking modding questions... )

 

[Ron]

Easy but equally easy to scratch them and strip the screw holes upon re-assembly.

 

[Inferno]

Easy but equally easy to scratch them and strip the screw holes upon re-assembly.

In other words it's easy, but it's hard.

 

[Hisserman]

Just go slow, don't use power tools, and have a soft spot to lay the sills on when you get them off. The cats are welded on, not just bolted. Good luck.

P.S. You can search this site for all kinds of references to this procedure.

 

[JKVIPER]

There is a good illustration in the how-to section on this web site of a Corsa Exhaust installation which illustrates how to removed the black plugs which hide the screws that hold the side sills in place. I used a feeler gauge just like the illustration and the plugs came out very easily.

Once you take off the plugs, then un screw the bottom sill screws then unscrew the top ones and the side sill will slide right out. I used an 8mm socket for the side sill screws. Don't over tighten them when you install it since they are very small sheet metal type screws.

 

[New97owner]

Thanks, Guys. I guess I need to search some, instead of asking here, the pics in the procedure on the sit are fantastic! That will make it much easier for me. Now..next question, on my '97, will removing the cats make her throw a code? I assume there are resonators also under the sills, behind the cats, like the pics. I would like to remove them also, have a straight through exhaust to the rear muffler (for now). Can I do this without any codes, or ill effects on my '97? I am sure it will be louder, any idea how it will sound without the cats and resonators? Thanks all...
Mike

 

[Ron]

No codes, really loud and some say smelly.

 

[big-n-italian]

<< on my '97, will removing the cats make her throw a code? >>

My 97 has only Borlas on the sides, with straight pipes out the back. Have never thrown any code, runs great. I have heard that the computers in this year are a bit "stupid"...??

<< I assume there are resonators also under the sills, behind the cats, like the pics. I would like to remove them also, have a straight through exhaust to the rear muffler (for now). Can I do this without any codes, or ill effects on my '97? >>

Your assumption is correct, and again, I have not had any problems with mine. I do have a it more "soot" on the back of the car after doing quite a bit of driving, and am told this is because I am now running "catless".

<< I am sure it will be louder, any idea how it will sound without the cats and resonators? >>

Like it should.

 

[Paul Hawker]

Straight pipes with no mufflers or cats on a V10 can sound obnoxious to some people. What is your purpose of removing the cats.

It is not unusual for codes to be thrown, (there are resistors that can prevent this). The smell of rotten eggs is often noticed on catless Vipers.

The route many happy Viper owners have taken is to replace the stock cats with hi-flow cats. Give a bit more sound and power, replace the stock cat back system with Borla or Corsa. Borla flows better, but has lots of drone. Corsa is a little more restrictive, but is designed to remove the drone.

Unmuffled V-10's do not sound like V-8's.

Best to go to your local VCA club, and listen to a few modified Vipers. Choose the system that you like best.

 

[Casey]

It's very easy to do. Take your time and give the siils a GOOD cleaning while they are off.

If you plan on doing a lot of small projects like this, you might want to pick up a Service Manual(Ebay often has them), and you will learn alot about "how to" your Viper!