1983 catalytic converter - I stuck a box wrench up there and it came off with little more than hand turning!!!! I used the "muffler removal tool" from the Harbor Freight impact tool set. It's not the first time this Cincinatti Pneumatic Impact Driver and HF tools have driven a "muffler" of a pipe. This one was particularly easy. The Catco 4111 I am using at Ken Matson's recommendation is a perfect fit. It knocks 19 lbs off the car-it weights 6 lbs while the GM bead bed converter weights 25 lbs! A lot more air space in the area too. --------- LATER........... What a difference! I assume that during my "Quadrajet Saga" that the excess gas getting into the engine due to the carb needle leakage caused an overheated catalytic converter and melted the matrix. I am now sure that I have been suffering from a clogged coverter for more than a 1000 miles but the last ones have been really bad. The engine felt "constipated" and I guess it was. The Catco replacement fit right into the system and if I did this for a living, it would be perfect. As a DIY'r, you miss the fine points of exhaust system alignment. No big deal it is all together nicely. The thing I should have noticed is that the exhaust burble had disappeared. As soon as I started it I could hear a new snarl in the exhaust. It sounds much better and it will probably satiate my desire to install glasspacks for a while. I still plan to install all the Accel HEI ignition upgrades I purchased, but the engine is not missing noticeably at high rpm as it had been. Real smooth and powerful up there now. What a relief! Only $90 for the converter, and maybe $10K for all the stuff in the garage to do the work. :) ---------------- Later - Later............ Told Ya it was easy considering it is exhaust stuff (which can be a bitch as we all know). I knew you would like the improved sound, less weight and improved air circulation (keeps the passenger floor much cooler). Now get your Butt Back To The Shed and put in the Accel Coil and Module and you will be able to rev this 305 puppie to valve float (around 48-4900 rpm) (ByZWay-- I have found that the Delco plugs are best for this engine. Use the ones Recommended by GM for the 305. I have tried both Autolite and Champion "so called direct replacements" for the Delcos -- Forget it -- Buy The Delcos! Regards, Ken Matson ============================================== On my 82 the use of a CATCO 4111 from Summit was a true bolt in. I had to cut the converter off the inlet pipe with a muffler removal tool on an air chisel. The back end was a ball and socket connection with two bolts holding it on. I cut the originals with an electric saw because the CATCO used nuts and bolts instead of bolts into a threaded plate. A couple of days of PB Blaster would have been necessary to get the original bolts out. The AIR connection was easy to do just rebending and cutting the Avanti's existing line with a new clamp. Took me about two hours. I put a new exhaust system from Nostalgic on prior to that in about 4 hours. I know Roland has had problems with a muffler shop getting his put on. I did it in my garage and it all fits fine. It made a world of difference in how the car runs and sounds as my orginal was clogged. The CATCO weighs 6 lbs vs. 25 for the GM one and there is a whole lot more room under the car 'cause the CATCO is a lot smaller-a lot better air circulation keeps the floor cooler over the converter. chuck =======================================