Dual function manifold assembly incorporating a detachable catalytic converter

A replacement kit suitable for use with a motor vehicle that was originally equipped with an exhaust system including an original catalytic converter having an inlet end arranged for connecting to the outlet end of an exhaust manifold, the original catalytic converter having an outlet end arranged for irremovably connecting to other elements of the exhaust system, the original catalytic converter having been detached from the exhaust system for replacement, the replacement kit comprising:

• a. a catalytic converter for use during use of the motor vehicle on public roads, the catalytic converter arranged to replace the original catalytic converter, and having an inlet end arranged for connecting to the outlet end of the exhaust manifold,
• b. a clamp arranged to surround the outlet end of the catalytic converter for tightening to removably connect the catalytic converter to the other elements of the exhaust system to form a gas tight seal therebetween, the clamp arranged to loosen to disconnect the catalytic converter from the other elements of the exhaust system to enable substitution of a bypass pipe for use of the motor vehicle off public roads, and
• c. the bypass pipe having an inlet end arranged for connecting to the outlet end of the exhaust manifold, the clamp arranged to surround the outlet end of the bypass pipe for tightening to removably connect the bypass pipe to other elements of the exhaust system to form a gas tight seal therebetween, the clamp arranged to loosen to disconnect the bypass pipe from the other elements of the exhaust system.

A method for modifying an OEM exhaust system of a motor vehicle, the OEM exhaust system including an original catalytic converter having an inlet end attached to the outlet end of an exhaust manifold, the catalytic converter having an outlet end connected to the inlet end of an exhaust extension pipe by welding, the method comprising:

• a. detaching the original catalytic converter from the exhaust manifold and from the exhaust extension pipe of the OEM exhaust system;
• b. providing a high-performance catalytic converter arranged to replace the original catalytic converter, the high-performance catalytic converter including an inlet end arranged for attachment to the exhaust manifold, and an outlet end arranged for attachment to the exhaust extension pipe;
• c. providing a clamp arranged to move from an open position to a closed position to engage the outlet end of the high-performance catalytic converter to the inlet end of the exhaust extension pipe to form a gas tight seal therebetween for use of the motor vehicle on public roads, the high-performance catalytic converter being removable from the OEM exhaust system by moving the clamp from the closed position to the open position and detaching the high-performance catalytic converter from the exhaust manifold;
• and,
• d. providing a bypass pipe arranged for use of the motor vehicle for racing competition off public roads, the bypass pipe including an inlet end arranged for attachment to the exhaust manifold and an outlet end arranged for attachment to the exhaust extension pipe by moving the clamp from the open position to the closed position.