I picked up a set of slightly used Helix test pipes on e-bay. The guy who sold them to me said that they used the factory hardware. When I put the car up on jackstands last night @ 11pm to my suprise I found that I would NOT be able to use the factory hardware because the cats use studs and nuts. I'm going to go to the auto parts store today and pick up some nuts and bolts to get these things installed. Any tips or tricks to pulling off the stock cats that I should be aware of??

 

For the top flanges on the cats, get to it through the engine bay-3 on each side while a buddy holds the bottom nuts....I used like 4 3/8" extensions on the ratchet to reach them. Good luck should take less than an hour...enjoy the mid-range and top-end

 

You may have to push the OEM Y-pipe back some to get the cats to clear the studs...at least I did with my Borla exhaust. Like Alberto said, have plenty of extensions on hand. Also, IIRC I had to use a univeral joint as well. (tip: If you wrap the univeral joint in electrical tape it won't flop around.) Good luck!!!

 

Installed....those things were really easy. Thanks for the tips guys.

 

AIR TOOLS!!!! I used an air wratchet and knocked it out in an hour on a lift. Also grab a grinder it will be usefull for triming the heat shielding so that you can get the o2 sensors better.