I have an '86 Regal with the 307 roller motor. I would like to know if any of the GN/Turbo Regal cat-back exhaust kits out in the aftermarket (ie. Hooker, Flowmaster, etc.) would bolt up to the factory 4-bolt cat flange on my V8 Regal. The reason I am asking this, is because I don't believe catalytic converters for V8 cars have the same diameter outlet flange as the Turbo cars, thus resulting in a "non-bolt-on" installation, requiring some test pipe creation, etc. Also, in replacing the factory crossflow muffler on my V8 car, what parts/hangers/modifications would be required to hang dual mufflers? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated for this non-Turbo Regal question.
I'd like to add that this website is extremely helpful in helping to solve some non-Turbo Regal problems (ie. sticking TCC solenoid, correct wheel backspacing, etc.), therefore, thank you guys for accepting my non-turbo car status!!! (hehehe)
Thanks, Lou
The 86/87 TRs have a large, wide flange at the back of the cat. I believe this cat was also used on the 'Vette of similar vintage. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the original 84/85 exhaust used a smaller flange that's more what you are looking for.
All that aside, the Olds 442 cars were basically exactly the same as what you have underneath (powerplant included), and used a dual exhaust-dual muffler system from the factory. A setup meant for one of them should have the right flange.
For what its worth, I believe the aftermarket exhausts for TRs usually come with the necessary hangers and mounting hardware, since our OEM systems had a 'cross flow' muffler, too. Basically, a few rubber hangers bolt on to some points on the frame behind the mufflers, and the tailpipes have mounting tabs that bolt on to holes in the frame behind the rear wheels. Many Buick cars do not have these holes present.
Lou, if I remember correctly, the V-8 G-bodies all had the wide flange that Scott mentioned, and if so, any of the Factory Dual Systems will work. i.e., monte, 442, etc., I guess you would make the choise based on where you want the pipes to exit. monte SS' run straight out the back, 442's out just behind the rear wheels. just my .02
Scott/Robert...thanks for the feedback...I was looking at the ATR 2.5" SS system, hoping that I could hang the dual SS muffs, the intermediate Y-pipe, and POSSIBLY mate the factory V8 cat to the ATR 2.5" intermediate Y-pipe flange...however, it looks like a trip to a quality exhaust shop could result in a one-off adapter to mate the ATR system to the V8 cat...OR, it may be possible to cut off the V8 cat flange and weld on a Turbo cat flange, using some used/decent factory cats...what do you think?
I believe ATR also sells the flange itself for such a purpose.
I'd buy a fresh high-flow cat before bothering with used ones.
Thanks again...yes, I would use a new cat, but as far as the flange goes, I was thinking of using a junk Turbo cat (if at all possible to find these days) to pirate the flange from...I will contact ATR to see if they can remedy the situation...thanks much for the insight!
Cat?, what cat? Well, at least over here there is no emissions test. How about gutting the cat? the only inspection for emissions equipment is visual, so thats common here. Hey Scott, the 84-85 T/R's use the round flange, and the 86-87's use the rectangular one tha has four bolts in the front side too, right?