The joint where the pipe behind the catalytic converter bolts to the muffler pipe is broken. My catalytic and muffler are fine. Looks like both have to be replaced to fix the joint. Any suggestions?

 

I think you are talking about the Y-Pipe. Does it look like this (one on the left)?

 

If you are standing behind the car, the muffler is on the left. In front of the muffler there is a "pipe" that connects to the catalytic converter. In the middle of that "pipe" is a joint with 2 bolts. It is rusted out. Hope this helps. I am going off what I saw by kneeling down in the back of the car.

 

The pipe you are referencing is a midpipe and it connects the muffler on one side and the Y-pipe on the other. The Y-Pipe is connected to the Cats.

So what exactly is broken? The bolts or the pipe itself? Is it causing an exhaust leak?

 

The joint where the 2 connect is severed causing an exhaust leak.

 

You'll have to determine which pipe is severed, and get a new one. For the midpipe your direct bolt on options are the 03-04 midpipe, 05-06 midpipe (lighter and deeper sound), Coupe midpipe (even lighter and deeper sound, slightly louder than 05-06 middy). For the Y-Pipe you can use any Y-Pipe from a Sedan or Coupe, or better yet find a HR y-pipe from a Z with an HR motor.

 

Click on the link below: Number 9 is where the pipe has severed.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...13&tx=86&ty=29

 

That's your mid-pipe. Follow Candlestick's advice on replacing it.

 

So according to the link in the previous post, I have to buy a "Number 6" and a "Number 8"?

 

You are the only that can answer that op If you can't tell maybe take a pic?

 

Replace with a coupe midpipe... DOOOOOOIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!

 

I went under the car today. Correct me if I'm wrong. I have to replace the central muffler and rear muffler underneath the bumper, because those 2 components join and bolt where my leak is. The bolts where the Y pipe meet the central muffler are shot. Should those be drilled out and new bolts put in? Thanks

 

^The "Central muffler" is part of the midpipe. If you buy a midpipe, you'll get the entire thing from where it bolts to the y-pipe to where it bolts to the muffler under the bumper including the "central muffler" or as most people call it resonator.

If some of the bolts are completely shot, you can replace them. It's a bit of a pain because they're studs and nuts, not bolts. You'll want to replace them with bolts though.

You might consider getting gaskets if you think that might be part of your exhaust leak.

 

Thank you....any suggestions as to where i can get these replica OEM replacement parts other than the dealer?

 

^You're not looking for replica OEM, you're looking for 2nd hand OEM.
Lots of guys with coupes run aftermarket exhaust, and sell their midpipes pretty cheap.
Same goes for the 05/06 sedans.

Check the marketplace here, and your local/nearby craigslist.

You can also run a 350Z midpipe, but it will need to be extended 6in either by having an exhaust shop extend it, or getting a short spacer that bolts in.