Hello!
I am soon to receive a magnaflow cat-back exhaust system, and am wondering what I may be getting into.
My 99 Z currently has the stock exhaust & manifolds... so... How difficult is it to install the magnaflow, and do any of you suggest any special tools to do so!?

I've gotten my hands greasy a time or two working on other things, but I've never installed an exhaust system, so any help is appreciated!

Thanks!

 

if you are mechanically inclined in any way or have sommon sense it should be easy to do. It just takes a while to do, and hte higher up the car is, the easier it will be to install. Be sure to use band style clamps or if using U clamps, dont crimp the pieces to where you cannot remove them.

 

It's not hard at all, and with the Magnaflow system, don't be discouraged if you can't hear the difference. You will in a few days/weeks.

 

I had the local muffler shop do my Magnaflow, for one they put it on the lift and cut my old exhaust off and for two they welded it together instead of piecing it together with clamps. I heard the difference right away.

 

Well, I received the catback today...
I spent a few hours working on it... The hardest part was using a hacksaw to cut the old system out... no fun!

I have run upon another issue, that I hope you guys can help me out with.

Here is a pic of my problem...



No matter what I do, I can't seem to get the tips to go below my ground fx. The passenger tip also sits against a piece of the frame, causing rattling at times (I drove it for about 5 mi, just to test it out...)

I used the hardware supplied with the system, for mounting it.
It seems that the issue lies with the mounting tab that connects the pipe that goes over the rear axle. If this tab would pull the muffler up, it would lower the tips (kinda like a see-saw)

Does anyone have any suggestions? I would like to get rid of the rattle, and keep from destroying my GFX with heat....

I can't really drive my car until I get this sorted out, so any help is much appreciated!
Thanks!

 

My magnaflow system had to be modified slightly at the same mounting tab you are talking about. The muffler shop cut the mounting tab off, and repostitioned it to make a more secure fit, and just welded it back on. You may want to reconsider repositioning the mounting tab.

Edit - mine is an LT1, im not sure if there is a difference

 

You should look to see if you can get some 1/2" thick strips of metal (holes cut out for bolts) and some longer bolts. Put this in between the mounts for the back of the catback. This will also adjust the angle that the tips come of the muffler, so you will have to loosen the fittings there and then tighten backup when you have the correct look.

BTW, I am guessing on 1/2" strip. This is something that you will need to look at. Maybe get 6 or 8 1/4" strips and stack them.

 

Well,
Thanks for the suggestions!
Plauge, I actually used a variation of your Idea....


I still need to retighten the mounts, and go through the system in a few days to check for tightness and leaks... but, for today, I'm done! I'm just happy the tips aren't going to melt my gfx!

By the way, do any of you guys know how I can tell how tightly I should clamp everything down? I would love to have the clamps as tight as possible, but don't want to crimp the pipes...
Any suggestions?

 

good question. not really sure. I just tightened. You can try calling their support line. 800-959-9226 ext 4500

My guess is that is your best bet.

 

If you can get under your car, it is one of the easiest mod's to do to your car. Other than those plug in chips and CAI, it might be the easiest. I wish i could be more help but when i did mine everything came off, i did header back at once. It is a BOLT ON modification, just follow the directions, have a couple of hours, and dont ruin/loose your factory hangers. dont tighten the clamps that come with the kit too much because it will pinch the tubing and youll never get it off, your better to use the band clamps. Thats about it. Good Luck