Why is there a steel weight mounted to ....

[MidLifeSpeed]

... the stock catalytic converter hanger bracket ? (at least on my M5)

I was under the car tonight checking my tranny mount, and I noticed this extra steel weight mounted to the stock hanger bracket. My stock converter is long gone and I was considering removing this bracket for weight reduction. The bracket mounts on the opposite side of the tranny from the torque arm mount.

Does anyone know why there would be a weight mounted to this bracket ? Is it some kind of "counterbalance" to the torque arm at the tranny in some way ?

Anyone have any ideas ?

Steve

[dstrbd1]

not sure why it's there, but i think i remember seeing that it can be taken off and not cause any problems. takes i think either 2.5 or 5 lbs off, not sure which.

[Noahs40]

When I got me new high flow cat installed I just junked the stock mount too. It's really light, but just not neccessary to keep anymore. It's really easy to unbolt too.

[12secondv6]

That would be a vibration dampener.
Mine is gone.
There is also a circular one farther down on your torque arm.
I ditched both

[MidLifeSpeed]

Thanks James and all ...

I am planning on ditching the bracket and damper as well, and gonna install a tubular torque arm maybe tomorrow nite, too. :D

[mickeys]

yeah i remember reading about this, its like a 5LB weight.. i think it stops something from vibrating

[Shadly]

It is a vibration dampener. Certain vibration frequencies in your exhaust can cause a droning noise. This absorbs the vibration. You can take it off if you want. You loud muffler guys won't care at all.