Scorpion exhaust, K-Tec decat on 172 Cup

[nightSpirit]

Due to the stock cat being shagged (and the sensors) and the w**k Powerflow system having a hole in it, I replaced the whole lot at the weekend on the drive..as one of the final bits to turn the Cup into less of a shitbox.

Fitting up the Scorpion system was a doddle, I did all the gaskets and mounts at the same time due to the previous owner being, well...not very good at mechanical things.

The K-Tec decat however, what a b**ch of a job! getting the old cat off was simple but trying to fit the spring loaded bolts onto the decat given it has a floating front mount to the manifold. If I put one side on with the new spring, i couldn't compress enough to get the other side on. In the end I've used simple nut and bolt until I can get longer bolts this week to do it properly.

My question (finally) has anyone had a similar problem with this setup or decating the 172 Cup in general, the clearance and room to do the job is very tight and definitely a 2 man job? I take it the spring loaded mechanism is to self adjust when the gasket wears or changes with heat? what a crap design!!

 

[hipwell]

The spring loaded bolts are there to allow a certain amount of flex when the engine moves with revs. Having them fixed with nuts and bolts may strain parts of the manifold. And yes, as the gadget wears the springs will become at little less tense while still ensuring a good seal.

Never done it on a 172 before but have heard it is a swine of a job due to location of the manifold

 

[nightSpirit]

swine of a job is an understatement. I could imagine removing the gear shifter linkage, dropping the subframe a little/removing arb would make it easier but still....scraped knuckle rating 5/5

Sadly it doesn't pop/burble on lift off either, it just has an increased rasp under heavy load. Not everyone's choice to decat them but to me the car is just a cheap bit of fun for daily commute and a few track days each year. Might even take it to the Ring this year, they always seem to do well there! currently it's the backup car for that trip.

Thanks for the reply.