Catalytic Converter Replacement

[phaZe]

My catalytic converter needs to be replaced. It pretty beat up and actually has a few holes in it which is creating a loud ticking noise. I was looking around at the Walker Direct-Fit replacements and the Magnaflow Direct-Fit replacement cats and they all seem to have air tubes and I reached up and around mine and didn't feel an air tube (plus, I don't believe 81's had air tubes), so what would I do about that? It appears like they are plugged, but that also could just be a cap to keep anything from getting inside before installing it.

I was also wondering what all should I replace if I want to replace everything from the exhaust pipe from the manifold to the end of the Catalytic converter? (Down-pipe, clamps, gaskets, cat, etc.)

Walker Exhaust Diagram:

 

[TBRtat2]

smost replacment converter have an air tube on them nowadays.
It should be caped, not all cars use the air tube, allyou do is leave the cap on the tube and put the converter in place of your old one.

as far as the rest of the system, it depends on what shape the rest is in.
If it is badly rusted to the point of rotting out, then you should replace it.
If the pipe just has a surface rust on it and is still strong, then you should be able to reuse it.

You should go ahead and get a price to replace the rest of the pipe. And then decide what you want to do.