absolut_speed

iTrader: (1)

Just got an over the phone estimate for $100 for a cat-back install. Is that high? low? right on?

FineWine

iTrader: (1)

Just wondering: Why not do it yourself? With that $100 you could get a nice jack and jackstands and do it yourself, plus have the tools to do other work in the future.

slow

iTrader: (7)

6 pack of beer, and a $13 rental of a sawzall.

Ryan

absolut_speed

iTrader: (1)

Okay, I can be convinced to do this myself, but I've never used a sawzall, and can't weld (if even needed).

Already have the jack and stands. Hmmm.

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

Well, a sawzall isn't too hard to figure out...just go slow, and lube the blade as you go to keep the heat down.

FineWine

iTrader: (1)

You shouldn't need to weld, clamps will do fine. Or you can clamp it and take it somewhere to get welded.

I personally am sticking with clamps, because I'll need to switch my Y pipe in and out between a catted version and a non-catted version, depending on if it's that time of the decade (E-check).

ddelallata

iTrader: (2)

I payed 50 bucks to have my Borla cat-back installed about two years ago.

Blue02Ws6

iTrader: (3)

I paid 100 bucks to have my exhaust swapped to one car and his swapped to mine. A friend was selling his car and I didn't think the next owner needed that borla for free....

SlowTA

75 bucks around here

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

This is a pretty easy DIY mod. I'm picky about mounting of exhaust so I always do that myself. A full catback install on an LS1 should not require any welding. I've done many, many, many catback installs on LS1s and never needed to have anything welded.

PS. Sawzalls are fun.

Don't be scared.

They are your friend.

It's one of my favorite tools.

I like my old Milwaukee Sawzall, it's an early '80s model that takes a beating like a rented mule and just keeps asking for more.

PureWS6

I did my cat back install myself because I didn't want to pay the $100 fee....it wasn't too bad. It just took some time to line everything up correctly...and you might want a friend to help you line up your tips so they match.

FineWine

iTrader: (1)

The higher in the air your car is, the easier it's going to be, too. Mines almost two feet in the air right now

Steve Burger

iTrader: (33)

It takes about an hour to do yourself. I would not pay to get this done.

Raise

iTrader: (31)

id just clamp it on yourself. then if u decide thats the sound u want, go get an exhaust shop to weld the cracks up. or maybe u know someone who can weld it. it aint hard at all.

peteZ

If you've got a jack and jackstands, definitely do it yourself - if you can change your own oil you can install a catback! It's also a good excuse to buy a sawsall!

I would recommend picking up some band clamps instead of the crappy muffler clamps you get with most catbacks. This way, you won't crimp the pipes when you tighten everything up. Makes it much easier to adjust after tightening everything up and you won't damage the system in case you ever want to sell it, etc.

If you do use the muffler clamps, be sure to adjust/tighten in small increments and always tighten from the front to back - you'd be surprised how much things start moving around when you tighten those clamps!

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I usually avoid the band clamps, then tend to leak unless the pipes are a TIGHT fit. Of course, you'd better be sure that this is the system you want to keep before using crimping clamps or welding.

I actually use the oppsite tightening system for catback installs. I put everything on, leaving the clamps all semi-loose. Then, once I get it setup right I start with the back and work my way to the front (middle) of the car, tightening slowly as I go...... seems to work better for me in keeping the original adjustments in line.