Smaller, Narrower, I do not care.

[XFactor]

I figured that thread title would get me some looks. Now read below ;D

Well yesterday I got to the auto shop and changed the diff fluid (1000 mile break in). While I had the X up I decided to take a look at my shaft ;D and see what all the noise was about. Well lets just say my shaft and cat do not get along well ;D. My cat conv is beat to hell. My shaft is rubbing raw as well. I have tried to look online to see if I could find an 04 Xterra cat conv that was either smaller or narrower so that I could install it, keep my immisions good, and not have to hear that annoying tink tink tink when I am in 4x4, as well as the annoying zrrrrrrrrrrrrr when I hit a bump and my shaft rubs the cat. Any suggestions would be grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat.

[crazy4ink]

Check out Summit Racing and/or Random Technologies. They both offer smaller, aftermarket high-flow cats for a pretty reasonable price.

[AK20]

Where is it hitting the cat at? If it's on the side could you just run a stock one and invert it to clear your drive shaft? Just a thought, or like Rob said look for an aftermarket high-flow cat.

[XFactor]

Niether company has them. Summit does not even have anything newer than 2000 for any type of Nissan and they do not list Xterras :'( The converter is round so inverting it would not work, but thanks for the though. ++++ Nissans lol...I may just go to Stanleys tomorrow and see what the stealership has to offer. :-\

[AK20]

Here you go, you can even get the oval shaped one and invert it if needed. Just gotta figure out what diameter inlet\outlet you need.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10002&storeId=10001&categoryId=20921&parentCategoryId=10251&langId=-1

[STOMPR]

DONT DO IT !!! Why go to the stealership to buy a part you can get at NAPA or Scmucks ? You can buy Universal Cats at either place just have them look one up Universal ones and find one with a diameter that will work. My .02 trying to save yours ;D

[ajpthng]

Relocate the cat if at all possible so it's not in the way. Forward, backwards what ever way it needs to go so your not beating it up, and it keeps your I/M good. Just my .02

[4x4_MMMH_4x4]

its illegal to do something with the cat before 50,000 miles i just cant remember what... dave how many miles are on it...

[AlaskaToy]

how 'bout smack the cat with a 4lb sluggo? Clearance it as needed.

Otherwise, just slightly reroute it. No biggy; certainly not worth involving any dealership over.

[XFactor]

I Have 25555 miles. I am afraid to beat it to much I do not want to put a hole it in, but I guess if I have a hole in there I will have to replace it which is what I am looking at doing anyway. BFH Away lol.....

[crazy4ink]

I beat on it a little bit when I helped Mousee put the front driveshaft in. At static height, everything looked good. Beat on that thing some more. Like you said, if you punch a hole in it, you were already considering replacing it. You could always do AJpthng said and move the cat a little further back in the system.

[mousee]

yeah we tapped the heatshield in a bit. the ultimate fix is to just move the cat up an inch or so. no need to replace unless you want to go high flow or somethin'. DON"T GO TO THE DEALER!!!! Go see Chris at Fairbanks Radiator and chat with him, he can hook you up.

[pyrotmaniac]

If you do move the cat dont move it a lot. The cats require enging exhaust to "light off" thats why cold start emmisions are always so bad. the cats dont work if they dont reach a certain temp. I like the idea of beating on it with a hammer too. Of course I'm a big fan of red necking it. if you punch a hole in it, JB Weld that thing.

[XFactor]

Well I am due for an oil change in 1001 miles. I will look more closely at it then. If I move it, forward would be the best?

[pyrotmaniac]

Please understand I'm no engineer, but I know that its placed by the factory based on where the temperature range will be within the operating limits of the converter. What can a few inches either way hurt? I dont know if I would move it more than a few inches. Truth is this is the first state I've lived in with emissions checks. Back in ohio we ripped out all that stuff. incidentally on a small block chevy. Like my '75 camaro you WILL gain at least 30 Hp. by removing the emissions stuff. That means air injectors EGR, PCV, and whatever that stupid valve is in the exhause manifold is called. I guess thats not realy an option though.