dwhitlow

Hey all,
I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on a replacement catalytic converter on my driver side. (2002 C2 with 79K miles). Since I'm likely going to pull the bumper cover off to get at that cat without removing the passenger side one, I am entertaining the idea of doing the plugs while I'm at it. I haven't attempted a plug replacement on this car yet, but I've looked at the various Renntech and Rennlist threads here for the procedure. Based on the service history I do have, it looks like previous owner's have never replaced plugs.

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is whether I make it any easier to get at the coils/plugs by having the bumper cover off, or do I really only make my life easier for that task with the muffler's off? From what I see, it looks like the muffler's are most of what is blocking the plugs, but figured someone here could shed some light on any additional ease that I may not be seeing in pics.

Thanks, and sorry if this is a relatively dumb question.
-Don

grain

I just did the plugs and coils on my 02 and taking the mufflers off only took me about 5 minutes each and gives you alot of room to work.

Ahsai

You can remove both cats without removing the rear bumper and you're right that removing the mufflers will give you the most benefits. Having said that removing the bumper is very simple and you will be able to see the plugs more clearly but IMHO it's not needed.

Ahsai

That is correct if you don't have to fight with rusted bolts so it depends.

wyovino

Agreed - Remove mufflers - Yes. Bumper - not necessary.

5CHN3LL

Taking one cat off without the other may require some Jenga-ish maneuvering, but as other have said, it can be done.

This probably goes without saying - but don't choose the moment when you've undone all the bolts and you're lying under the car holding the cat in both hands to realize that you need to disconnect the two oxygen sensors for that cat.

dwhitlow

Hey everyone. All good information. Thanks much. I think if I was doing the passenger-side cat, it looks pretty easy to get off without removing bumper, etc. However, that driver's side one looks like it would be interesting to get it out of there without taking the bumper cover off. We'll see. Since the bumper cover removal looks so easy, I may just do it to make my life simpler. I'm playing around with idea of doing engine mounts as well. I know it's easy to do those without pulling everything apart, but seems like as good a time as any if I'm already in there.

I haven't had a ton of time to get under the car and really study the condition of the bolts and how rusty things may be. Lifetime California car, so I'm guessing things aren't too bad, but who knows?

I just want to catch up on some of the maintenance that appears to not have been done before I got it. Need it to be a solid daily-driver.

Thanks again.

dmw996

Easier with mufflers off. Also great time to get the Fister D mod done while they're off ;-)

Nedster

Get the bumper off, 'cause it will be easier to get the mufflers off, and then look forward to two plugs (one on each side), still kicking your ***

Hurdigurdiman

Don't worry if any of the muffler bolts are rusted. I had doused mine with penetrating oil and still they both snapped. No problem, I simply replaced therm all with new bolts from a hardware store. They worked perfectly as they were the same size and shaped bolt as the original. I changed my plugs and sleeves with the mufflers 'off' the car.

cobra935o

I was able to do them just fine without taking anything off, laying on the floor of my garage. The more you take off the more prone you are to something else breaking.

alpine003

+996

Just like you replace throwout bearing when you usually replace the clutch while you're in there, some planning can be a great opportunity to do the plugs/coils at the same time mufflers are being done or vice/versa imo.

pfbz

It's the muffler mounting bracket that ultimately limits access, and that piece is not easily removed... Pulling the mufflers only really helps with visibility, not actual clearance, so it might be useful the first time just to get a better look at the space you can't really fit your hand or tools into, but after that, it usually takes more time than it saves...

There are several other threads on this, but for me, the best advice is get a a small ratcheting bit driver to help with the coil bolts.

p.vanderlinden

Plan on 5 hours for first time plug/coil change!

islaTurbine

Didn't remove either. The most helpful for me was loosening the exhaust tips and rotating them down (or you could remove them).