okay trial number two. I really wanted to stick with replacing catalytic converters for catalytic converters versus converting over to headers. But of course aftermarket is weary with these types of parts and it bolts right up to the head but the rear flange is right up against the firewall and will not take about because of how jammed it is. what would you guys do in the situation? I really just want to get an aftermarket converter bolted up.

performances isnt a worry. If I were to walk into a shop tomorrow and they were to offer to do the job, who are they ordering from to know they have a direct fit? Other than OEM of course. That's like $1,000 per converter..https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d7a0f512a8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e2dfcb8772.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c734fb1e0a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f4d78659b9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...63767cefcd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...23c03862eb.jpg

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Is it possible to delete the cats and the diffuser putting a single large cat in place of the diffuser? :dunno:

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What did you do to / for your E53 today??
 

I’d call it “hammer time”... ran in to that issue installing long tube headers on a Mustang and what I did was get the flange and surrounding tube as hot as I could get it with a propane burner, inserted a 36” pry bar and gave her some love with a hammer until I pulled the half inch I needed out of it...

Not sure which side has the most tube in your case, but that’s the side that would probably move the easiest. - That said you probably want to pull that flange away from the firewall, get it hot, bend it slow and you may be amazed how much it will move for you.

Just thinking out loud, good luck with that [emoji106]


2005 X5 4.4i (04/05 build date)
Titanium Silver w/Black Interior

I was thinking the same thing: heat and force. Do you just need to move the flange over 1/2"?

Learned my lesson and I cannot be mad at it. Nothing Lines up and the flanges are massive compared to what the rear side is showing... Returning and another member mentioned he used these (Links below) with is a performance brand that MangaFlow bought out in 2017. He said they bolted right up. So with the free time waiting for shipping, i did my Valve Cover Gasket, and replaced all the studs.

For anyone doing this on the 3.0 X5, you DO NOT have to remove the stabilizer bar, just remove the bushing and gently adjust it out of the way.

BOSAL is the brand..
Front
Rear

At least the down time was productive [emoji106]
Keep us posted on your success with the new system.


2005 X5 4.4i (04/05 build date)
Titanium Silver w/Black Interior

Will do, brand new Bosch O2 sensors came in the mail today. All I care is that they both directly up.

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O2 sensors came in, boss of force. They were courteous enough to even put anti-seize on themhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f1adaf669f.jpg

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Edit: the app let me upload the picture because it says it's an adult image. I was going to upload a picture of my cracked catalytic converter. Must think it's a black dong... Lol

Diagnosed my old catalytic converter before and they get over to the souls for some cash. Nice big crack. Not sure how that got there

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Got the Bosal cats installed. No Modifications needed. Runs like a kittyhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6d5af0258f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e3576ecdd8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...27def1acd6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b1961a3d7d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e3ddbbb5e7.jpg

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