i'm sorry if I put this in the wrong place, but it seems to be in the right loc.

I have a 2008 r56 S model hard top 109k miles, with the dreaded p0420 code, the cat is starting to go. any tips on the diy replacement ? I've read the pelican write ups, do you really need to move the rad core support back 2" ? ten hours total seems like a lot time to do that job. is the rock auto cats worth the money ? have you done the cat replacement your self ? what cat did you buy, and did it last ? how often does the bolts break coming out of the turbo ? the car isn't moded one bit, I spent too much on replacement parts as it is, i'd be happy to get another year or two out of it.

fyi: the nearest dealer is over 100 miles away ,and wants 3k to do the job. the car is worth 2k. I got a est @ a local exhaust shop for 750$ parts and labor for the cat replacement, but he said that just an est, the shop has never had a cooper on the lift, so it could be more ?????

thx for any help

 

I used this guide to replace my downpipe:
https://d1sfhav1wboke3.cloudfront.ne...e7bc9d536d.pdf

Skip to page 11 for the downpipe removal and installation.

You don't "HAVE" to put the radiator into service mode, but it should make it easier. When I R&R'd my downpipe, I did not do the service mode, but I did have to loosen the lower heat shield for more room.

Whichever "new" downpipe you go with, make sure you have this hardware pack on hand:
https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2012-...tic_Converter/

 

thanks for the info, that down pipe kit didn't even dawn on me. what cat did you go with ?

 

I installed a Way Motors cat-less pipe that was purchased used.

https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-ca...8-r59-r60.html

 

thanks for the info, the hard ware kit was a bit more then I woulda thought, but i'll have it on hand just incase.

 

well, sat I did the dead. took me some time, I was able to do it with out putting the core support in maint mode. it was tight, and I have a number of scratches to prove it lol. it took me few hours, i'd say 4 hours maybe longer. I got walker brand cat from rock auto, the quality was kinda poor. the amount of weld on the flange was way to much. it had to hit with a 36 grit flap wheel 3 times so the bolt would sit flush, the holes had to be filed due to weld splatter. the studs on the cat/ turbo flange did have to come out. runs better, takes longer to come up to temp, when you blip the throttle you get much more out of it then before. I did use a fellpro gasket, and I mini brand exhaust clamp. I did not need any hard ware. thanks for all the help