well I got a new helicoil and re-threaded the head and this fixed the issue. I just got the spark plug repair kit to overcome the depth issue I was having. No I just need to get under there and weld the exhuast leak. But final word on the cat\no cat\hallow cat is.... The precat needs to be there and complete. Taking ot off or hollowing it out will kill what little torq and power we have. Also getting to the plugs is the worst set up I think I have ever seen....