Wastegate?

[drmmr15]

Still no pics. After inspecting the exhaust manifold and gasket, there doesnt seem to be any problems with it. This leads me to believe that I might have a plugged cat, causing too much backpressure, causing the exhaust to come out somewhere else, and making no boost. Since the dope I bought the car from put on a huge exhaust and welded in the Cat, I cant pull it out to check it. So, Im going to replace all gaskets and bolts, clean everything, and put it back together properly. I am then going to use a plumbers snake to push through the Cat and see if that solves it. Also, how much would a stock exhaust + Cat and downpipe costs to replace that crappy exhaust that I have on? Also, would it hurt to cut off the Cat, weld flanges on it, and bolt it back in like normal, assuming I get a new Cat? The exhaust piping seems fine, but I want to NOT have the Cat welded on. Thanks.

[IHateHacks]

"causing the exhaust to come out somewhere else, and making no boost"

The only thing causing exhaust to come out "somewhere else" and not make boost is an exhaust leak BEFORE the turbo. Would have NOTHING to do with the cat. Plugged cats don't cause exhaust leaks.

Let's review what we know (or what you said). You said you felt and heard an exhaust leak near the turbo, correct? Start there first before you go ripping apart the rest of the exhaust.

Wow that sucks about what that guy did to that exhaust. Did he weld the cat-back onto the cat also? If the cat back is still bolted to the cat (like it should be from the factory) then I would buy a test pipe and aftermarket downpipe. The dealer will rob you blind for a stock cat and downpipe. Would probably run you $700 if not more. If the cat back is welded to the cat then guess you have alot of work to do, buying flanges, cutting, welding, finding gaskets that fit. So much for a direct bolt on exhaust for your car.

[drmmr15]

Yea, the moron welded both sides on. I have heard of a clogged cat stopping boost though, because the backpressure is preventing the turbo from spooling up. I am still concerned with the exhaust leak somewhere too. I think it might be coming out of the crappy weld job the guy did welding the downpipe onto the exhaust pipe. It just shows that cutting corners screws you in the long run. I am also going to take my turbo into an expert to check it out.