I replaced the original CAT (155,000 mi) w/a magnaflow replacement. The replacement may not have been the correct part. It fits as far as length & mounting brackets go, but did not have a flange to mount the hanging support on to. After mounting the replacement, as well as adding exhaust hangers to the middle hanger studs & using exhaust straps to attempt to stabilize the forward support bracket the fix makes more noise than the old CAT w/broken heat sheild.

Would it be feasable to hollow out the old CAT & remount it? Also could the rubber exhaust hangers added, when there were none be causing the increased vibration?

 

Is just the heat shield bad on the old catalytic converter?

 

Yeah the heat shield was broken away from all but 2 bolts top & bottom. Due to milage & not owning the car for long I decided to replace the cat.

 

Would replacing/fixing the heat shield be out of the question.