Cat, etc.

  Ciro Design supplied the 100 cell race catalytic converter and Yawsport welded it directly behind the race header which gives plenty of clearance everywhere.  This mounting position loses the OE catback flange location so when SMOG time comes I will need to swap the entire exhaust to legally pass inspection.

During the shop visit we noticed the rear swaybar is making contact with both lower control arms.  Moving the swaybar mounting brackets up is an easy adjustment but it may not be enough.  Longer endlinks may help too so I will keep an eye on this problem.

Edit: Some quick searching and I think that I have the rear swaybar mounted upsidedown - Oops.

Okay, the first two pictures below show the new correct installation of the Hotchkis Competition swaybar.  Gained about a half inch more clearance to the LCA, but now the right side swaybar arm hits the exhaust when the swaybar mounting brackets are placed in their maximum 'up' position.  New poly bushings and new brackets are also installed at this time and there is enough wiggle room to make it work without interference, but the ultimate test will come at the next autox.

Thinking more about the catback exhaust and potential future swaybar changes and upgrades, it would be easy to save weight and avoid swaybar clearance issues altogether by using a custom muffler located where the resonator sits with a dump at the rear wheel. It would be a very tight fit, but a custom 6"x8"x24" muffler should keep the sound levels reasonable, especially if a Burns stage 2 muffler is used.  I think two Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonators would fit back-to-back but may not have enough total volume. Magnaflow sells a 6" round chambered muffler that is cheap enough to try.  Underbody exit and exhaust gasses entering the passenger compartment is a major concern.  Would also want to keep the sound quality good with minimal drone or raspyness. Stuff to think about.