How hard is catback install?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 0
From: Homer Glen IL
How hard is catback install?
I have turned a wrench or two and am wondering how difficult it is to put Corsa's on using jackstands.
Alos what should it cost if I call a local shop instead?
Alos what should it cost if I call a local shop instead?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 5
From: Germantown, TN
I would check their website to see if they have a pdf with instructions. I installed the borlas I have on my car myself. The only forseeable (spell check...
) problem that I could see doing it on jack stands is having enough clearance to remove the stock exhaust.
Mike....good luck!
) problem that I could see doing it on jack stands is having enough clearance to remove the stock exhaust.Mike....good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 18
From: DFW Texas
I would not even think about it on jackstands. you really need a lift to do it, or at least to get the stock exhaust out.
Not enough room to get the exhaust pipe up and over the rear axle without getting it very high up in the rear. It helps to drop the rear sway bar, but even still it's a 15 minute job with a lift.
Do a search and you'll see some have done it in the garage.. Extremely dangerous. A chance of slipping off these crazy home made ideas make me shake just looking at them.
Not enough room to get the exhaust pipe up and over the rear axle without getting it very high up in the rear. It helps to drop the rear sway bar, but even still it's a 15 minute job with a lift.
Do a search and you'll see some have done it in the garage.. Extremely dangerous. A chance of slipping off these crazy home made ideas make me shake just looking at them.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 0
From: Homer Glen IL
Thanks guys. What is the level of difficulty? Just want to make sure I am not half done and have one of those Aw sh!!t moments lying on my back and regret not taking it to the shop.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 0
From: Homer Glen IL
I would not even think about it on jackstands. you really need a lift to do it, or at least to get the stock exhaust out.
Not enough room to get the exhaust pipe up and over the rear axle without getting it very high up in the rear. It helps to drop the rear sway bar, but even still it's a 15 minute job with a lift.
Do a search and you'll see some have done it in the garage.. Extremely dangerous. A chance of slipping off these crazy home made ideas make me shake just looking at them.
Not enough room to get the exhaust pipe up and over the rear axle without getting it very high up in the rear. It helps to drop the rear sway bar, but even still it's a 15 minute job with a lift.
Do a search and you'll see some have done it in the garage.. Extremely dangerous. A chance of slipping off these crazy home made ideas make me shake just looking at them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
It is not hard.It is much easier if you "drop" the sway bar,1 bolt and 1nut and bold each side at the middle mount /bushing.This gives you enough room to maneuver the pipe/muffler. 2 bolts for each pipe flange. a novice should be able to do it in about 30 to 45 min. Knowledgeable pros should take about 10-15 min. tops. 
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Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
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From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
If you want your stock exhaust out in one piece, you need to get the back of the car up 36 inches off the ground. 
If you do not want your stock exhaust (it's worthless) than you can cut behind the mufflers and it will drop right out using just jack stands...
Difficulty is a 2
Peace
Chip
If you do not want your stock exhaust (it's worthless) than you can cut behind the mufflers and it will drop right out using just jack stands...
Difficulty is a 2
Peace
Chip
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Just a few bolts on the exhaust flanges, sway bars and gas tank shield.
It is a high lift with a floor jack.
We needed to make a sandwhich of a 4/4 and 2 -2x6's to use as a lifting pad on top of my jack to get the necessary height.
twist, turn and wiggle the old exhaust to get it over the axle
use a short piece of 2x4 under the exhaust tips and lift in the middle with a second floor jack to lift the tips and make them all the same height...
then tighten all the alignment bolts.
It is a high lift with a floor jack.
We needed to make a sandwhich of a 4/4 and 2 -2x6's to use as a lifting pad on top of my jack to get the necessary height.
twist, turn and wiggle the old exhaust to get it over the axle
use a short piece of 2x4 under the exhaust tips and lift in the middle with a second floor jack to lift the tips and make them all the same height...
then tighten all the alignment bolts.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 2
From: fort hood tx
on a scale for skill it is a 1.5 so easy. 1 is replacing wipers and 10 is rebuilding your engine. dont be scared of having it that high up on jackstands plenty of people on here have done it that way and no one has died! just dont half as$ it. or just cut your stocker off and youl have it done in half the time and half the hight.jmho
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis MO
If you have an automatic, you need to remove the heat shield on the right gas tank. Most folks keep their stock exhaust intact. That way when you go to sell your car it can be reinstalled and sell the cat back used. David
