I have been saving for a while for my new exhaust. I am getting the magnaflow system including the high flow cats. For the install should I be looking for a shop that will weld it or just use the clamps. Does it matter?
Also, how difficult is the job? Should I attempt it myself? I do must of my own work but havent done much with exhaust. It seems like the hardest part would be removing and installing the cats to the headers due to the lack of clearance. I' guessing cutting the rest off is pretty easy.

 

Since nobody chimed in,here is my advice.Let a good muffler place do this for you.Clamping went out in the 60's(they leak).I think the 96 has only one cat.I would do a search for a high flow cat,and a bigger intermediate pipe.Hope this helps.

 

The 96 has 2 cats. I just put headers and new exhaust all the way back on my 96. I went with Stainless Works headers and catted Y pipe. Kind of pricey but cheaper than Kook's. I did it by myself and I used CLAMPS. I would not weld it up just in case it needs adjusted or you want to change it sometime. It took me 3 tries to keep it from rubbing in various locations. Use the good stainless steel band clamps they can be had from summit or jegs for about 8 dollars each. Good luck.

 

Do it yourself and learn a little about your car.

Band clamps will allow you to adjust the exhaust as necessary as the install progresses- Welding is retarded IMO since you are stuck with it without some serious cutting later..maybe a joint of two that you KNOW you will never have to change but for the price of some band clamps they will pay for themselves in ease of taking the exhaust off later.