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Changing the cat back

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Old Jun 28, 2017 | 03:31 PM
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Default Changing the cat back

Is it pretty easy job?
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Old Jun 28, 2017 | 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by hotrod03
Is it pretty easy job?
Not for me w/o a lift so I took it to the Chevy dealer where they charged me .5 hr. labor...$68 out the door...










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Old Jun 28, 2017 | 04:02 PM
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You really need a lift to get it high enough off the ground to remove or install the stock exhaust. An after market exhaust breaks down into sections so a floor jack works fine for installing and removing them.

Last edited by RVETTE42; Jun 28, 2017 at 04:04 PM.
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Old Jun 28, 2017 | 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by RVETTE42
You really need a lift to get it high enough off the ground to remove or install the stock exhaust. An after market exhaust breaks down into sections so a floor jack works fine for installing and removing them.
I do have a bendpak scissor lift goes up about 50". Is there just one anchor per side? Thanks!
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Old Jun 28, 2017 | 04:19 PM
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Yes and 2 flange bolts on each side at end of pipe
see pic above...

Last edited by Yello95; Jun 28, 2017 at 04:21 PM.
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Old Jun 28, 2017 | 07:42 PM
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It is if you don't care whether or not you cut the stock exhaust system off. If you want to leave the stock exhaust intact, then a lift is your best bet.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 12:46 AM
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I cut my old stock pipes as they aren't worth anything. That was the hardest part. Used one of chain type cutting tools that I rented and was likely dull from use. Once the pipes were cut, removal was very easy and I only had the rear up on jackstands. Didn't even have to remove the sway bar.

Rear was maybe up 1 ft and it was enough. Use some penetrating oil on the bolts connecting to the h pipe and a breaker bar. I had my bar at an angle since its long and my car wasn't that high in the air but it worked all the same.
Install was pretty easy. Might have helped to have an extra set of hands to hold the muffler while you are trying to connect everything into position.

Overall it took me about 4 hours. 2 hours to cut the old pipes , 1 to get the rusted bolts off scrape off old gasket and the last hour to put the new exhaust on.

Last edited by jackjohnson_218; Jun 29, 2017 at 12:49 AM.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 09:32 AM
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Jack stands and a sawzall can do the trick. Stock exhaust is crap to keep only if you plan to replace it back if you sell the car.

Took me an hour to replace mine.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 12:02 PM
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Agree with others. This can be done on your scissor lift. 50" is more than enough. If you plan to cut your existing exhaust, you won't even need it that high.

Local parts stores rent the chain cutting tool for free (or maybe a refundable down payment).

Easy job really.
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Yello95
Yes and 2 flange bolts on each side at end of pipe
see pic above...
Thank you do I need new gaskets?
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by hotrod03
Thank you do I need new gaskets?
Unless the gaskets are damaged no. I have removed for repairs or swapped multiple cat back setups. Always reused the gaskets.

If you have an auto, the passenger side is a bit tight to get the stock pipe out. It takes a bit of patience and being able to visualize the angle needed to get it out.

Gary
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Old Jun 29, 2017 | 10:27 PM
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Depending on the system you bought the clamps might be crap. If you even think they are go to a parts store and get some good ones. Otherwise you will be making the trip during the swap.
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Old Jun 30, 2017 | 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Ducati Guy
Depending on the system you bought the clamps might be crap. If you even think they are go to a parts store and get some good ones. Otherwise you will be making the trip during the swap.
I have TI Z06 cat back I'm taking them off and putting stock on. I'm
Selling my C5 440rwhp!! Thought I could sell them.
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Old Jun 30, 2017 | 12:30 AM
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You guys are crazy, I got mine off on jackstands without any issues. No way was I chopping my ti exhaust but it was in the way.
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Old Jun 30, 2017 | 01:05 AM
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Originally Posted by hotrod03
Thank you do I need new gaskets?
check to see the condition of the gaskets...mine looked new so they were reused...it would have been a bitch with all the twisting that was needed to get them on and off from the ground even if they were 48" off the ground...it took my mechanic 30 minutes to do the job and only $68 out the door...
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Old Jun 30, 2017 | 09:14 AM
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My borla came with new gaskets. Unless you bought it used.
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