1997 SVX Front CAT pipe equivalent?

[ddmd]

Hi All. I went to replace the left front CAT pipe (44107PA330) in my '97 and, to my dismay, it's no longer available. Interestingly the same pipe is available is for a '96 (44107PA250) and a '92 (44107PA050). I didn't check '93-'95. I had previously assumed (apparently incorrectly) that the exhaust parts for all of the years were interchangeable. I do remember reading that California and Canada had different part numbers (different CATs?). Aside from a used part, can I use the part from a different year? Thanks in advance for the advice.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

The only difference I recall is that the 97s have three O2 sensors while the other years have only two. I don't see how that could affect the actual pipe with precat.

[svxcess]

Dennis,

The 96 and the 97 pipes should be interchangeable. They are both OBDII systems (with the addition of the third 02 sensor at the main cat) which basically does nothing more than keep an eye on the other 2 sensors.

Should not affect what you are trying to do.

[ddmd]

Hey John, I assume you meant that the '96 and '97 front CAT pipes should be interchangeable. Interestingly, the Right front CAT pipe on a '96 (44107PA240) and a '97 (44107PA320) also are different part numbers. Is the Catalytic converter itself different?
Where are you guys saying that a '97 has an additional sensor? Behind the main Catalytic converter or before one of the two front CATs?

[svxcess]

On the OEM rear cats for 1996-1997 (OBDI), the third O2 sensor is located on the top of the cat towards the rear. On the aftermarket ones they were still located in the top of the cat but towards the front.



1992-1995 OBDI main cat. Magnaflow 94007






1996-1997 OBDII main cat. Magnaflow 94037

[svxcess]

But to make it easier to service, I just used the OBDI main cat and welded the 3rd O2 sensor bung into the rear pipe, just behind the cat. Gets a much cleaner reading and easier to replace if needed, rather than dropping the exhaust.



.

[alia176]

Originally Posted by svxcess

But to make it easier to service, I just used the OBDI main cat and welded the 3rd O2 sensor bung into the rear pipe, just behind the cat. Gets a much cleaner reading and easier to replace if needed, rather than dropping the exhaust.



.

Do you happen to have a pic or two of the rest of your exhaust system? The one pic you posted shows a real, clean and simple system.