I have a set of Corsa Sport axle backs on the way. Looking at their installation video, they disconnect the sway bar prior to installation. Is that really necessary? If possible, I would like to do the install myself, but I will only be able to get my car up on stands. If I cut the mufflers off I should be able to pull the pipe out, right? Looks pretty straight forward. Any tips, tricks etc....

Mike

 

not mind compromising the original equipment cat back, you can get it up on stands and cut them off. After that it is a piece of cake. Local shop had quoted me $100 to install on my 01. I did it myself with no issues. Was , as always, fun and satisfying. Just be sure to tighten the clamps very well. Retighten after a month of driving.
Dave

 

Thanks Dave,

Did you remove your sway bar to do the install?

 

Just unbolt the 4 bolts where the sway bar mounts on the rear cradle and you can swing the sway bar down. I haven't seen the video you are referring to regarding the sway bar, but I have done that many times when installing aftermarket exhaust. Doesn't take long at all to do and really simple.

 

Just unbolt the 4 bolts for the sway bar bushings and swing the bar down towards the ground. Install is very easy. Should take about 30 min.

 

No need to completely remove the sway bar from the car.

 

It will depend, while you have the car up on the jacks; check to see if the sway bar will interfere with the removal or the install. I went through 3 exhaust changes and not one time did I remove or swing my sway bar out of the way. I believe it would be necessary if you planned on removing your old exhaust whole, I cut mine out and threw it away. My last exhaust change I removed it entirely only because I upgraded to a bigger sway bar and solid links.

So the straight answer is........hope for the best, expect the worst

 

considering adding a little anti seize grease to the bolts when you reinsert them and be certain to get them stared correctly. You are working with aluminum and I have seen and corrected several cases of cross threaded bolts in this area. Just a suggestion. Torque to spec.
Dave

 

Dropping the sway bar is not a problem. I just added the C6 Z51 sways and end links back in April. Would rather not unless necessary. Thanks for all the input guys.

 

I've spent lots of time at 'Installation Alley" at Carlisle, and the sway bar is dropped but not removed on every C5 installation and it takes no time to do.

 

Okay, got my Corsa Sport axle back installed this morning. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. Took me about 2 hours start to finish, I cut my old stock unit off just before the mufflers, made it much easier than trying to get it up high enough to feed the pipes out with the mufflers attached. Did have to drop the stabilizer bar down, the driver side pipe would not come out without doing so. No problem. Install went very smooth. Everything lined up easily. Now, my opinion on the Corsa Sport sound. Frickin' awesome. I love it. Quiet at lower RPM's, comes to life when you put your foot in it. Not a muscle car sound, definitely exotic, but that is quite alright with me. No, I mean absolutely no drone at any speed. Took it out on the interstate, 5th and 6th gears at 1500 - 1800 RPM's,cannot even hear the exhaust over the road noise, I have a convertible. Have not tried it yet with the top down, we had a very unusual cold front come thru last night, the high today here in Mobile is lower 30's. The pro series tips look great, had trouble deciding if I wanted pro series tips or Tiger Shark tips, I am real happy with my decision. No popping on deceleration, I would describe it as a mild gurgle. Have to be careful, have not had a speeding ticket in many years, but these things make you want to move. All in all, I am very happy with the Corsa Sport Series axle back system, anyone on the fence about doing this, as I was, go for it, you will not regret it.

Mike

 

Glad everything went well with the install. Enjoy those Corsas!

 

I felt the same way about my corsa sport when I got it installed a few months ago. I also opted for the pro series over the shark tips. Then I painted my chrome C5 exhause plate (that goes between the two sets of tips) black to make it more subtle looking.

I went with the x pipe as well, for a few reasons, but mainly because it got rid of the factory motor boat burble and enhanced the more refined and musical note of the Corsa Sport.