Hello Everyone,

Clogged Cat on my 03 ZR2 Blazer. Dealer wants $1500 to do the job. OEM Y-pipe, pre-cat, main cat. 5 yr warranty parts and labor. Was told not to use aftermarket parts due to performance issues with the 4.3L and constant SES issues. Just a "bit" outside my budget.

Local muffler shop wants $300. Eliminate the pre-cat with a straight pipe and install a universal APExhaust cat. 2yr warranty on parts. Told me the universal ones really don't last that long and they do get a lot of returns. It's basically a "cost" issue for their customers.

Wanted to get some opinions. Can the pre-cat be eliminated without issue?? I have read the the main cat will overheat and burn out quicker w/out the pre-cat installed as well.

Aftermarket: I am sure many use the aftermarket parts available. Anyone have any issues and/or problems with these parts. Is their any real reason to use GM OEM as the dealer advises??

Was looking at a Magnaflow OEM direct fit which includes the Y, pre-cat, and main for around $300.00 Magnaflow good, bad?? Anyone use the direct fit parts w/out issue?? Thanks everyone....

Rob

 

I installed the Magnflow direct fit onto my '02 4dr, 4wd in 2014. Have had zero problems. It was a bit of a pain to install as I had to drop a crossmember down in order to get the new one in.

But no problems at all with operation or SES or anything else.........go for it.

 

Hi Lanny,

Thanks for the reply. Did you have any issues with fitment?? I read that some were having issues with the drivers side "Y" making contact with the torsion bar. Did the hangers line up OK with the stock mounts?? Also read that some did not like the sound of the exhaust after the install. Too deep..... As long as you are not replacing the muffler I would not think the sound would change that much. Thanks....

Rob

 

Sorry for the delay, been busy;
I had no problems at all with fitment, other than having to drop a crossmember in order to get the new one in. Everything lined-up just fine.

Had no difference in sound that I noticed. I have a flowmaster muffler as it tucks-up between the frame rails better than the stock unit.