Has anyone here tried to install an aftermarket exhaust by using some 10-12 in. high ramps (which I can gain access to)? This is probably a stupid question, as I assume it could be done, it would just be very cramped... I only ask because it's hard for me to find a lift for rent around here and I don't really want to pay someone $2-300 to install some HFC and an exhaust system which basically consists of loosening and tightening bolts.

*puts flame suit on*

I live in Houston btw, so if the ramp is out of the question, I'll ask some of the guys in the Houston forums about renting a lift etc.

 

When I installed my catback, i just used some jack stands jacked as high as possible, was a little tight and uncomfortable but it was worth it to save couple hundred of an install.

 

Awesome, I think that's the encouragement I needed.

*edit* I'm also an idiot for not thinking about jack stands... lol

 

how do you jack the car completely off the ground from both sides?

 

installing the exhaust on jack stands wont be too bad as long as you have an extra person there. Just get it as far in the air as you possible can. (safely of course) I see problems when installing the HFCs. Reaching the Cat to Header bolts are a serious challenge the first time around. Not to metion it is a SERIOUS ***** to break bolts loose for the first time laying down on the ground with 3 extensions trying to reach a bolt. have fun

 

lol, i did all my cars exhaust with jack/jack stands, now I have a lift and air tools so it takes me like 2 min to change them, but yea, it's do-able with ramp. I can't see a shop charge 200-300$ to change a bolt on exhaust... headers i could see, but not simple stuff.

 

I used ramps. It was very easy to accomplish. ...just use plenty of PBBlaster the night before. My next task is to install HFC's. I know they'll be tougher than the exhaust.

 

 

I've installed 5 systems so far, used ramps every time.
Back the car up on the ramps to get the back in the air and its easy. You really don't need to get under the car for the front parts because they are close to the edge of the car, just reach in from the side.

The easy way I found to get the back box off is to take off the two nuts, lay under the car with your head near the diff. Take the forward hanger off first. Then use a 2' pry bar and the exhaust pipes that come out of the box as a fulcrum and those things will practically fall off. Do the drivers side and rest it on your chest, then the passenger side.

The rest is easy as long as rust is not to big an issue.

 

Yeah, just lifted the car yesterday in contemplation of installing my HFC's, but the bolts look a little worn... I think I'm going to need some penetrating oil or something to get them loose.

The exhaust seems very simple though, everything is easy to access and replace... the cats look like they're gonna be a b**** though. The top bolts are very hard to reach. Any advice?

 

Jack stands work fine. Raise the car high enough to slide under with a creeper board....

 

If the bolts look rusted, soak the bolts with some Pb blaster and tap it with a hammer. If you can't break it loose than heat the bolt with a torch. Just try not to strip it. Changing the exhaust is very easy and quick if the bolts are in good shape. Unfortunately, when I did my car, 2 of the bolts were rusted to a blob. Ended up stripping them, so I had to cut off a section of the exhaust. sort of a pita

 

They aren't in terrible shape, but they definitely aren't mint condition. It looks to be minor rust with 3 or so years of dirt / dust wear. I'll still try soaking them though, that should make it a lot easier to remove.