Well, I know it costs about $80-100 to get a catback system installed, but how hard would it be to do it myself? I heard the hardest part was getting the old one off. Would I be able to use the factory exhaust hangers, or do I have to get new ones welded on? And would I weld the pipes together, becase they cam in sections. It is a Magnaflow catback, for what its worth.

 

How hard is it to just get the old one off, without wrecking it?

 

I have never done it but I wouldnt be afraid to dive into that project. I would say the most important part would be getting the axle away from the body by jacking up the back and putting jack-stands on the back frame. The rear should fall down and give you the room you need to get your i-pipe out. I would invest in some Liquid wrench and soak all the nuts and bolts overnight just to be on the safe side. Also, when you get the new one put in, I would have an exhaust shop weld all the points because the clamps can tend to leak. Good luck and be sure to let us know it you end up doing it.

Bo

 

Im gonna me doing it tomorrow morning. I'm not to worried about putting the new one on right now, but I really need to get the old one off.

 

Put some PB Blaster on the connections and the rubber pucks where the rod hangers are inserted. Let the rear end drop and you should be able to get it out with a little twisting and pulling. It isn't too bad. You can clamp the new segments together and they will hold if the parts are notched and the clamps are placed correctly.

 

Okay, so I really just have to unhook the old system, and unbolt it from the y-pipe or whatever it is connected to right? will the new one attach to the same spots, or do I have to get new hangers welded onto it?

 

Also, what clamps do you recommend. Can I get them at any autoparts store? It came with some clamps, but it has been a while since I looked at it. Thanks for your help guys

 

Standard U clamps are fine and they are available at auto parts stores. Just unbolt the system and the new one will probably fit in witht the stock hangers. Most of the better ones fit without welding.

 

Okay, it does have the U-shape clamps in the clep. For some reason I was picturing using the clamps that go all the way around and tighten with a screw driver or socket, like the ones on the end of hoses. nd you mentioned correct placement of the clamps, where is that? Right where the two pieces overlap, or is there a trick to it?

 

I'd recommend eye protection. There is rust under there and that isn't typically friendly on the eyes.

 

Thanks, I would have totally forgot about that. Any other tips I should know? Like don't just use the jack to support the car, or any other stuff I will forget?

 

A hacksaw. I recently installed a hooker catback. I had to saw the stock I pipe at the point right before it goes over the rear axle and where it enters the muffler. Although this second cut isn't necessary if your car is high enough (like on a lift). Since mine was on jackstands, i didn't have enough room to wiggle it out. Total time from start to finish was about 3 hours taking my time and a break or two.

 

Yeah, I had to cut mine there too. I thought the same thing, if it was up higher I could have gotten it at the right engle to get it out without cutting it. It worked out pretty good, but I accidentally busted one of the bolts that comes out from the cat, so I will have to drill it out now since it is welded on.

 

Don't waste your time with a hacksaw--get a Sawzall I used a hacksaw on my '94 and it took me 20 minutes or so of swearing & hacking. Sawzall did it in ~1-2 minutes on my '97.

I can't see saving the stock exhaust without dropping the axle a fair amount.

 

Don't get a Sawsall ... get a cut off wheel. 30 seconds tops.... plus the sparks are cool. Not recommended around the fuel tank. But a hacksaw really takes a lot out of you. You can get electric cut-off wheels/grinders for $13 cheap.