Questions about catback install
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 56
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Questions about catback install Hey i've got a few questions...
I just got a hooker catback in the mail for my 98 SS. Is any welding needed for installation?
How much would a shop usually charge for the install?
I just got a hooker catback in the mail for my 98 SS. Is any welding needed for installation?
How much would a shop usually charge for the install?
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,428
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I put my Hooker on a couple days ago. I did it on Rhino Ramps, but jackstands would work too. It's very easy, just slide the downpipe onto the y-pipe and secure loosely using the band clamp that's already there. Next slide the section of pipe that goes over the axle into the downpipe and secure it to the hanger with the supplied bracket and one bolt and nut that Hooker supplies. For installing the Aerochamber muffler it helps to have a buddy hold it up while you install the 3 bolts and nuts, and gasket, from the over axle pipe into the muffler. Then install the driver's side tailpipe and clamp and slide the tailpipe hanger rod into the rubber hanger donut. Finally the passenger tailpipe goes into the muffler as well. Then just tighten everything up starting at the band clamp y-pipe connection and work your way forward to the downpipe over-axle clamp, the 3 nuts and bolts holding the over-axle pipe to the muffler, and then the two tail pipe clamps. Install your tips with an allen wrench and 7/16" open end wrench.
I didn't weld it, just used the clamps. I was going to weld it but it seems perfect as is.
Good luck!! Piece-of-cake!!
I didn't weld it, just used the clamps. I was going to weld it but it seems perfect as is.
Good luck!! Piece-of-cake!!
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Predator
I put my Hooker on a couple days ago. I did it on Rhino Ramps, but jackstands would work too. It's very easy, just slide the downpipe onto the y-pipe and secure loosely using the band clamp that's already there. Next slide the section of pipe that goes over the axle into the downpipe and secure it to the hanger with the supplied bracket and one bolt and nut that Hooker supplies. For installing the Aerochamber muffler it helps to have a buddy hold it up while you install the 3 bolts and nuts, and gasket, from the over axle pipe into the muffler. Then install the driver's side tailpipe and clamp and slide the tailpipe hanger rod into the rubber hanger donut. Finally the passenger tailpipe goes into the muffler as well. Then just tighten everything up starting at the band clamp y-pipe connection and work your way forward to the downpipe over-axle clamp, the 3 nuts and bolts holding the over-axle pipe to the muffler, and then the two tail pipe clamps. Install your tips with an allen wrench and 7/16" open end wrench.
I didn't weld it, just used the clamps. I was going to weld it but it seems perfect as is.
Good luck!! Piece-of-cake!!
I didn't weld it, just used the clamps. I was going to weld it but it seems perfect as is.
Good luck!! Piece-of-cake!!
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TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Originally Posted by JohnnySuperSport
awesome! thanks for the tips! How easy was removing the stock exhaust? how exactly did you do it?
If you want to salvage the stock exhaust, you're in for a little more aggravation. I've never done it, but I think you'll have to drop the panhard rod and try to disconnect the exhaust at the joints, or maybe even drop the axle, not sure. If you just cut it out it's an easy job.
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Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 56
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Originally Posted by Predator
You're welcome. I removed a Loudmouth and replaced it with the Hooker, but I removed the stock exhaust, to install the Loudmouth, pretty much the same way. Just spray the band clamp bolt, holding the y-pipe to the exhaust, with some Liquid Wrench, unhook the left and right tailpipes from the hangers, then cut the exhaust in front of the axle using a Sawzall (ideally), then yank out the tailpipes and muffler. Next, get under the car and pull the down pipe off the y-pipe. One thing that helped was, before cutting the exhaust, was twisting the entire exhaust to and fro to loosen it up from the y-pipe. It will come off the y-pipe a lot easier when you get under the car to yank it out.
If you want to salvage the stock exhaust, you're in for a little more aggravation. I've never done it, but I think you'll have to drop the panhard rod and try to disconnect the exhaust at the joints, or maybe even drop the axle, not sure. If you just cut it out it's an easy job.
If you want to salvage the stock exhaust, you're in for a little more aggravation. I've never done it, but I think you'll have to drop the panhard rod and try to disconnect the exhaust at the joints, or maybe even drop the axle, not sure. If you just cut it out it's an easy job.
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Las Vegas, NV
You could probably use a hack saw, but it's a little tight under there. Another option might be a an air powered cut-off tool. Also a Dremmel tool might work with the little cutoff wheels although it would probably be tedious, and you might go through a bunch of cutoff wheels.
With the money you'll save doing it yourself, why not head down to Sears and get a reciprocating saw (same as Sawzall). I think I paid $89.00 for mine and it's awesome, even comes with a case. Or maybe borrow one from a friend.
With the money you'll save doing it yourself, why not head down to Sears and get a reciprocating saw (same as Sawzall). I think I paid $89.00 for mine and it's awesome, even comes with a case. Or maybe borrow one from a friend.
Using a hack saw is a ROYAL PITA, I did the stock exhaust removal on a 3rd gen that way, my god were my arms tired (almost couldn't lift the new cat back up to install 
) get a sawz all/reciprocating saw, your arms will thank you for it
) get a sawz all/reciprocating saw, your arms will thank you for it 
If you dont want to buy a sawzall, go to homedepot and rent one, or find a friend that has one. Just cut somewhere by the bend before the axle and it will come right off. Getting the car high enough is some times the biggest PITA of getting new exhaust back on, depending on where they decide to cut it into two pieces.
Do yourself a favor and put the over axle pipe on the muffler and the driver side tailpipe. Its easier to get to all the bolts with it off the car. Go ahead and hang the muffler with the over axle pipe bolted to it by the driver side hanger on the driver side tailpipe. You can move the I pipe and muffler around to connect them together.
