Swapping out Cat-Back system
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 798
Likes: 207
From: Rougemont NC
Swapping out Cat-Back system
I'm expecting a Ti-system from a Z06 owner to arrive at my doorstep any day now, and was considering swapping out the cat-back system myself, but have never been underneath a C5, and don't want to bite off more than I can chew here, so to speak. Is this a straightforward swap, or are there little-known pitfalls to watch out for? Is it better to just take it to a muffler shop and have them swap it out? Thanks in advance for any help!
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Smith Mountain Lake Va
If you have a way to get the car off the ground, (jack, ramps,etc..) it is a very easy project. Unbolt the stock system and bolt on the new one. It might take you 30-40 mins if you have never done it before. I did mine in my drive way, with ramps and sockets in no time..
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 21
From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
With both previous posters. It's a very easy project, only takes 30min-1hr at most. But you have to get the rear very high, tires 12+inches off the ground. If you don't feel that comfortable, take it somewhere.
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington Illinois
I had my Ti catback installed at a local muffler shop for $50. As others have noted, the car needs to be way up in the air to allow for removal and installation. In my mind, it's worth $50 or so to have someone else do it (with me watching closely!!!).
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
From: Mesa Arizona
It's a pretty easy job but the car has to be up in the air to twist, turn and angle the pipes over the axle. Only two bolts at each of the two flanges and 2 bolts at each of the two rubber muffler mounts. 8 bolts total.
Consider new GM flange gaskets (2) for peace of mind. About $9. each at the GM dealer. However old one's can be reused with some success but I wouldn't.
Consider new GM flange gaskets (2) for peace of mind. About $9. each at the GM dealer. However old one's can be reused with some success but I wouldn't.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver Washington
Do not unbolt the two bolts on each side that the muffler bracket slips into. After the flange bolts are undone the system will slide out and the new system slide into the rubber mounts. The rear bolts can get pushed up into the tail section and the entire tail has to removed to access them.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,888
Likes: 21
From: Olathe, Kansas
Z06 exhaust install
I've done my car, and a couple of friends cars, so here's a few tips I've learned: 1. get the car on a lift if possible, it makes the job infinitely easier. 2. when removing the nuts that hold the bracket that rubber mounts the mufflers , use extreme caution not to push the bolts into the holes. You may have to remove the rear facia to fish them out!
When remounting torque the nuts to 12 Foot pounds.
3. when you remove the sway bar bolts and nuts to swing the sway bar out of the way, use caution when re-installing the BOLTS. If they are not straight, you could cross the threads inside the aluminum cross member (don't ask me how I know this). Also, make sure you torque the BOLTS to 49 foot pounds and the NUTS to 70 foot pounds when re-attaching the sway bar.
3. If you car is a six speed, it will be slightly easiser to swing out the old system. On Automatics, there's a bit less clearance, so it's more difficult.
4. Replace the exhaust gaskets, rather then re-use the old one's. It's cheap insurance. Gasket P/N: 10276792 (2 needed)
5. Carefully check the tip alignment before tighening the exhaust flange bolts (torque flange bolts to 37 foot pounds)
6. Enjoy your new system!
When remounting torque the nuts to 12 Foot pounds.
3. when you remove the sway bar bolts and nuts to swing the sway bar out of the way, use caution when re-installing the BOLTS. If they are not straight, you could cross the threads inside the aluminum cross member (don't ask me how I know this). Also, make sure you torque the BOLTS to 49 foot pounds and the NUTS to 70 foot pounds when re-attaching the sway bar.
3. If you car is a six speed, it will be slightly easiser to swing out the old system. On Automatics, there's a bit less clearance, so it's more difficult.
4. Replace the exhaust gaskets, rather then re-use the old one's. It's cheap insurance. Gasket P/N: 10276792 (2 needed)
5. Carefully check the tip alignment before tighening the exhaust flange bolts (torque flange bolts to 37 foot pounds)
6. Enjoy your new system!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,572
Likes: 4,610
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I've done my car, and a couple of friends cars, so here's a few tips I've learned: 1. get the car on a lift if possible, it makes the job infinitely easier. 2. when removing the nuts that hold the bracket that rubber mounts the mufflers , use extreme caution not to push the bolts into the holes. You may have to remove the rear facia to fish them out!
When remounting torque the nuts to 12 Foot pounds.
3. when you remove the sway bar bolts and nuts to swing the sway bar out of the way, use caution when re-installing the BOLTS. If they are not straight, you could cross the threads inside the aluminum cross member (don't ask me how I know this). Also, make sure you torque the BOLTS to 49 foot pounds and the NUTS to 70 foot pounds when re-attaching the sway bar.
3. If you car is a six speed, it will be slightly easiser to swing out the old system. On Automatics, there's a bit less clearance, so it's more difficult.
4. Replace the exhaust gaskets, rather then re-use the old one's. It's cheap insurance. Gasket P/N: 10276792 (2 needed)
5. Carefully check the tip alignment before tighening the exhaust flange bolts (torque flange bolts to 37 foot pounds)
6. Enjoy your new system!
When remounting torque the nuts to 12 Foot pounds.
3. when you remove the sway bar bolts and nuts to swing the sway bar out of the way, use caution when re-installing the BOLTS. If they are not straight, you could cross the threads inside the aluminum cross member (don't ask me how I know this). Also, make sure you torque the BOLTS to 49 foot pounds and the NUTS to 70 foot pounds when re-attaching the sway bar.
3. If you car is a six speed, it will be slightly easiser to swing out the old system. On Automatics, there's a bit less clearance, so it's more difficult.
4. Replace the exhaust gaskets, rather then re-use the old one's. It's cheap insurance. Gasket P/N: 10276792 (2 needed)
5. Carefully check the tip alignment before tighening the exhaust flange bolts (torque flange bolts to 37 foot pounds)
6. Enjoy your new system!
Great instructions. Definately use a lift.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Not so easy if you have an Automatic and want to get the old ones off without cutting the over axle pipe .
Administrator
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Its not hard to do, but you do need to get the back end of the car up off the ground at least 30" or so. That's assuming you don't want to cut the stock system off. If you don't care about the stock pipes, then you won't need to get it that high.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,787
Likes: 2
From: Wildomar CA
