97 suburban exhaust issues

[x1957x]

Bought a 1997 suburban with the 5.7 vortec and yes it had only 91,000 miles. Think i got a good deal. Runs great. I had a slight exhaust leak when I got it home and after I looked, the 2 inlets(2") and the outlet(3.25") on the muffler where all cut at about 5" from the muffler. They where cut all the way threw exept to about a inch on the tops of each one. Were they going to change the muffler? Dont know for sure. Any body got a good reason why they would do this. Muffler looks good. If it was the catalytic converter they would have cut it in front of it. Guess I was just suprised and dont really know why is all, although it runs great. Thanks

[Jeremy airjer W]

Interesting!

From what i have found through experience is they typically do not use power tools to cut out the cats. at least not in the local park and rides. They use a pipe cutter which is quite and pretty fast. A saws all or hack saw would make to much noise and raise suspicions.

If somebody where going to replace the muffler with an after market than the cuts would typically be as close to the muffler as possible in order for there to be enough pipe to clamp to when the new muffler was installed.

So I would have to believe that an one-who-thinks-I-am-silly was under the vehicle.

If the muffler is still in good shape than there shouldn't be any problem welding those cuts up.

[x1957x]

Thanks Jeremy. My thoughts exactly. I was just seeing if there was any kind of reason (perfomance wise, Ch. engine light etc.) would have been an issue to cut it that way. Once again I just bought it and I was just thinking if the person I got it from was doing a shady deal so to speak!! Oh, and they were cut with a pipe cutter after further inspection to.

[x1957x]

I was wondering. Right off hand. How do you check?// or what are the things to check to see if your catalytic converter is plugged? Are there any tell tale symtums to look at or for? Thanks again.

[Scott K]

The best way would be to perform an exhaust pressure test. Are you experiencing a lack of power? Try dropping the exhaust y pipe, and see if your power comes back. But you will more then likely break off exhaust studs while doing so.