Removal of cat backs?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
One big tip that will make it a lot easier is drop the sway bar!! Detach where it bolts to the frame. 1 bolt each side screws directly into the rear cradle and then 1 nut and bolt each side. The bar drops down and allows the stock system to drop out with out a hassle!!Very easy on M6 trans. I've heard the A4 has a tighter fit and is more of a problem!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
Removal of cat backs
Ron, find a drive-on lift unless you make sure whoever is lifting your car with a regular lift knows where/how to place the supports. If you've found a drive-on lift, make sure you can get maximum overhang at the rear of the car. Then remove the sway bar--easy, as the previous responder indicated--and the cat-backs come out with only a little jockeying required (on my car, the right was harder to remove/install than the left, but neither is bad). Good luck
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,331
Likes: 61
From: Port Huron MI
FWIW, i do not know how you guys removed the stock catback. I used a drive on lift, removed the rear sway bar and it wasn't coming out. I ended up cutting both sides to remove it. The drivers side of the Corsa dropped right in, the passenger side was a bitch and took some persuading to get it in. Car is a 99 M6 coupe FWIW.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
After I got started I wish that I would have taken the car to local shop and paid the extra $. This job will put you at great risk if you don't have the lift. You need to raise the rear of the car 2-3' off the ground. The drivers side in and out no problem. The passenger side I cut OEM to get out. I thought I was never going to get it back in. Total project time with welding joints 6hrs. Sounds great and runs great. good luck.
