I finally figured out I had the wrong gasket between the exhaust mani and the cat so I went and got the appropriate sized 2.25" donut. I put it on between the stock mani and the cat, lined everything up right, and bolted it all up tight and my car still sounds like a two-stroke bike. It seems tight but it still leaks and sounds like straight ***. My set-up is currently:

Stock D16Z6 manifold -> JR Catalytic Converter -> Greddy Evo 2

 

You might have a crack somewhere in the z6 manifold.

 

It wasn't bad back before I tried to trade the cat and exhaust, I'm giong DOHC in two months so I'm not two worried, but it does sound like ***

 

if your going dohc in a couple months then why not just by some silicone sealant and put it on all of the seals of your exhaust. that should take car of the problem.

 

More!

I'm so frustrated with this exhaust issue. My car sounds crappy all the time.

 

Cover up your muffler for a little bit while the car is on and look under the car to see where any exhaust is coming from.

 

Is this safe? Can it cause any damage?

 

Just have a buddy hold something over it just long enough for you to try to see where the exhaust leak is.

 

not if you cover it for just a little bit, look, then release. if you use your hand or something like a rag you will be able to tell if there is to much pressure, if there is let it go.

 

I'm not forgetting something major am I? Like coating the gasket in something? Anything like that?

mani -> donut -> cat?

Nothing on the donut? Just bolt tight and go?

 

Is the JR cat for an OBD-II car? Might have an extra o2 bung.

 

I coat mine in red Permatex to seal it, that seems to work.

 

Hmm, I don't recall- you're really on it tonight Killbot. I think I recall seeing a bolt on there, but torqued down all way? Maybe not.