Catalytic converter on 2000

[papajack]

I am a new owner of an 1982 Spider 2000. The Catalytic converter seems to be too low. it leaves only one inch of road clearance. Is that correct? i don't want to hit a pot hole and lose a couple of grand in repairs.

[So Cal Mark]

sounds like the hangers are broken, it should be up close to the floor of the car. If the exhaust is hanging that low, it will melt the e-brake cable

[TX82FIAT]

papajack, Mark is on point. The exhaust pipes can create problems including the e-brake melting if not the right length or the cat hangers and even the muffler hangers missing. I have an 82 as well and there is actually only a couple inches of clearance between the cat and the proper section of the passenger floor. The good news is the springs to attach to the side of the cat are pretty easy to come across. The hourghlass hangers for the muffler are easy to get as well. A quick and cheap fix if it is the hangars.

[papajack]

thanks for the quick response. the muffler is ok, the converter had me fooled as it was solid and unmovable. i will get it t o the Fiat mech asap/

[rlux4]

Here's what it should look like:

It has the same arrangement on the other side.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

wow, an original cat!

[rlux4]

Yeah, how about that! And it still works.
Uh oh. Now I've done it. Guess I better start saving for a new cat.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

cursed!

[wikkid]

Hey, cat guys - can Spiders take one of the Magnaflow universal replacement cat's (<$60), or do you have to save up the pennies for an OEM style?

[grittracing]

unless your a purest or live in a state where it is required, LOOSE THE PAPER WEIGHT !

[124JOE]

i removed the factory cat a long time ago because some of the exh tube was bent and restricking.
on my 78 CA car the cat was under the pass seat tucked up real nice,
the replcement is for the 49 states cars and runs back next to the driveshaft.
this causes it all to hang a little low.i used a hanger just infront of the premuffler,
and the stock hanger above the rearend, then the hangers at the muffler

yes my new E brake is melted,but still works well .joe

[wikkid]

unless your a purest or live in a state where it is required, LOOSE THE PAPER WEIGHT !

And just run straight pipe in its place? (obviously not a job any shop would be willing to do ).

Also, are there other connections that need to be altered if "losing the paperweight?"

[124cso]

unless your a purest or live in a state where it is required, LOOSE THE PAPER WEIGHT !

And just run straight pipe in its place? (obviously not a job any shop would be willing to do ).

My understanding is that you can actually but a "test pipe" that simply bolts in to replace the cat converter. Same length and same end fittings. If not available in the USA, then spiderpoint in Germany would have them ?
I understand you gain 4hp on a 2000 FI car by doing this. Mine has been gone for years but we had no unleaded fuel in this country when my car was imported.

[dantye]

Hey, cat guys - can Spiders take one of the Magnaflow universal replacement cat's (<$60), or do you have to save up the pennies for an OEM style?

Way too much work unless you own a weld shop or want to cut both pipes and hunt around for adapter pipes and clamps.
I just installed an "exact fit" MagnaFlow stainless steel cat from Summit Racing (part # MPE-23503). It was just over $150 including shipping. It is a bit narrower than the original, but fits perfectly and has pre-punched tabs for the hanger springs. It runs fine and the engine doesn't seem to take quite as long to warm up, which makes some sense.

I think there are some places where you could pay nearly twice that much for an exact fit cat, but why?

Just make sure your heat shield is in place, since it will get much hotter than a straight pipe or a "rodded-out" original cat like the one that was on mine. (On a restoration, it is best to remove the cat and heat shield, then re-rivet the heat shield after inspecting and making any needed floor repairs/treatment.)