removing exhaust system cat back
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
removing exhaust system cat back
I don't have a way to get my '98 coupe really high in the air and I don't want to hack up the exhaust pipes to remove them and the mufflers. I don't see other options. How high off the ground is the minimum to get the exhaust out? I thought I saw 42" under the axles somewhere but now can't find it again.
Is 42" the right number or is the minmum height under the axle needed to get the system out a different value?
Charlie
Is 42" the right number or is the minmum height under the axle needed to get the system out a different value?
Charlie
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 692
Likes: 13
From: Lithia Springs Georgia
If it is the stock C5 (non Z06) exhaust, you might as well go ahead and cut it. They aren't worth much at all.
FWIW I swapped my Z06 Ti's in my garage on jackstands. I don't remember exactly but I think you need about 32" to the bottom of the bumper, not the axle. It's a little hairy - not for the faint hearted.
FWIW I swapped my Z06 Ti's in my garage on jackstands. I don't remember exactly but I think you need about 32" to the bottom of the bumper, not the axle. It's a little hairy - not for the faint hearted.
Last edited by SS2001SS; Nov 21, 2012 at 10:23 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
If you do it on jack stands, you will have to raise the front of the car up before you jack it up that high.
I drove mine up on some 2X8 planks stacked up about 6". If you dont raise the front up some, when you jack up the back, you will smash the spoiler into the floor and will not be able to get the full hight that you need.
BC
I drove mine up on some 2X8 planks stacked up about 6". If you dont raise the front up some, when you jack up the back, you will smash the spoiler into the floor and will not be able to get the full hight that you need.
BC
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
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If it is the stock C5 (non Z06) exhaust, you might as well go ahead and cut it. They aren't worth much at all.
FWIW I swapped my Z06 Ti's in my garage on jackstands. I don't remember exactly but I think you need about 32" to the bottom of the bumper, not the axle. It's a little hairy - not for the faint hearted.
FWIW I swapped my Z06 Ti's in my garage on jackstands. I don't remember exactly but I think you need about 32" to the bottom of the bumper, not the axle. It's a little hairy - not for the faint hearted.
He could also find a ledge of some sort like a loading bay or even just backing up to the top edge of a steep driveway.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
A "little hairy" is an understatement. I had the rear of my C5 as high as my jackstands would allow, and I didn't dare get under it. I too would guess you need about 3 feet.
He could also find a ledge of some sort like a loading bay or even just backing up to the top edge of a steep driveway.
He could also find a ledge of some sort like a loading bay or even just backing up to the top edge of a steep driveway.
WCSINX
Ah, come on,,, NO ***** NO BLUE CHIPS.. If this guy can do it this way,, whats a little 36". LMFAO!
Just kidding.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,645
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Tech Contributor
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Hopatcong New Jersey
It's worth whatever the aftermarket one you're replacing it with. If you ever decide to sell the car you can return it to stock and sell your aftermarket. That's the only reason I didn't cut mine, even used Corsas go for $700-800.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
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Agreed but, it is not worth risking his life over. It is obvious that the OP does not have any easy way to lift his car high enough.
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 692
Likes: 13
From: Lithia Springs Georgia
If you use jacking pucks under the frame rails the stands do not have to go that high. The rear of the car does not have to be 3' off the ground its 30-32" to the bottom of the bumper cover.
Its all in how confident you are with your skills, safety awareness, proper equipment and procedures. I've been working on cars in driveways and garages for over 30 years so to me it wasn't that big a deal.
The stock catback is worthless. I paid $30 for a pristine set I wanted to modify. I've seen them for free as well.
Its all in how confident you are with your skills, safety awareness, proper equipment and procedures. I've been working on cars in driveways and garages for over 30 years so to me it wasn't that big a deal.
The stock catback is worthless. I paid $30 for a pristine set I wanted to modify. I've seen them for free as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,939
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From: Simpsonville SC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Well, today, I did the reverse: I installed the stock mufflers on my car, since I sold my Corsa system. I was able to put the front wheels on ramps, then lifted the read just around 31.5""
I also removed the sway bar to get enough clearance. No problems!
I also removed the sway bar to get enough clearance. No problems!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
If you drive the front up on ramps, you can then raise the back end far enough to get them off... but you will never use them again.. you will store them somewhere and then five years from now , you will throw them away.. be very careful doing this if you are going to crawl under the car... Of course money is a motivator but most exhaust shops can remove the old exhaust and put on the new one in under 45 minutes.
FYI,,, body shops can do this too... Body shops charge less per hour than mechanical shops... around here Body shops get about 60 an hour and mechanical shops get 100 an hour...there is a certain level of danger doing this because you are raising the car higher than you would normally doing anything in your driveway. I going to say this on purpose...you would not be the first person to have a car fall on them doing this,....be careful. they thought they had it up safely..
Bill aka ET
FYI,,, body shops can do this too... Body shops charge less per hour than mechanical shops... around here Body shops get about 60 an hour and mechanical shops get 100 an hour...there is a certain level of danger doing this because you are raising the car higher than you would normally doing anything in your driveway. I going to say this on purpose...you would not be the first person to have a car fall on them doing this,....be careful. they thought they had it up safely..
Bill aka ET