Just bought a Hooker catback and would like to install it myself. What all do I need to do the installation. Will I need to cut the stock exhaust off? Are the U-bolts that come with the catback any good, or would you recommend something else? What is a good tool for that? What other things will I need for the install?

<small>[ February 27, 2003, 09:53 PM: Message edited by: tededfred ]</small>

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by tededfred:
<strong> Just bought a Hooker catback and would like to install it myself. What all do I need to do the installation. Will I need to cut the stock exhaust off? Are the U-bolts that come with the catback any good, or would you recommend something else? What is a good tool for that? What other things will I need for the install? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">To start great choice on the Hooker you will love it. All you realy have to have is a set of wrenches but it would be good to have a reciprocating saw, Dremel, or at worst case a hack saw. I had to use the first two. The hardest part of installing the system is getting the stock one off. You will have to cut the clamp that holds the Y pipe to the I pipe. I cut the stock exhaust rite befor it went over the axle. I am not sure if you have to do this maby someone can say somthing if they have gotten it off without cutting. Then once you have the old one out all you have to do is bolt up the new one using the stock hangers. I can not see anything rong with using the U bolts I sure did and everything you need for the install is in the kit.
Hope I helped
Adam

 

I used a exhaust cutting tool and it works alot better than a hacksaw. You can pick one up at your local Auto Zone for around $20. I also agree with Luken on this, use the u bolts but i would reccomend getting it welded also. Just for the fact of not having any leaks. Other than that it isnt hard at all, just take your time.

 

Good info above. I recommend the stainless strap clamps. They are excellent for eliminating leaks and make for a much neater job.

 

Thanks for the info guys. You were right, the stock exhaust was a major PITA to get off! I love the sound and look of the Hooker on a Formula and the price is just icing on the cake.

Did any of you have a problem with the passenger side pipe hitting sheet metal underneath? I bent the sheetmetal out, but it is still robbing once the exhaust heats up. Any suggestions on a fix for this? Also, the pipe is vibrating on the axle when I accelerate. Anyone else have a fix for this?

Thanks for the help all!

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by tededfred:
<strong> Thanks for the info guys. You were right, the stock exhaust was a major PITA to get off! I love the sound and look of the Hooker on a Formula and the price is just icing on the cake.

Did any of you have a problem with the passenger side pipe hitting sheet metal underneath? I bent the sheetmetal out, but it is still robbing once the exhaust heats up. Any suggestions on a fix for this? Also, the pipe is vibrating on the axle when I accelerate. Anyone else have a fix for this?

Thanks for the help all! </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">How much clearance did you give yourself when you installed it? And you're from Huntsville? I'm originally from there... In Atlanta now for school... You'll have to show me some good racing spots if I'm back for the summer... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by pimpmaro:
<strong>How much clearance did you give yourself when you installed it? And you're from Huntsville? I'm originally from there... In Atlanta now for school... You'll have to show me some good racing spots if I'm back for the summer... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">With regards to the pipe hitting the axle, when I installed the exhaust I was wrestling with the pipe that goes over the axle to get it to line up with the muffler and suddenly it found it's sweet spot and lined up. I didn't check the clearance over the axle since there was a bunch of play. I put the tail pipes on and tightened everything up. The ride home was noise free but when I got home I noticed the tail pipes were way low. The next day I raised the tail pipes (this is when I bent the sheet metal is order to get some more clearance for the passenger side tail pipe). Now I have a rattle when I slow down to a stop and accelerate from a stop. The rattle sounds like it is coming from the passenger side wheel well which must be the pipe coming over the axle. I guess I just need to play around with the pipe some more.

I am still having problems with the passenger tail pipe rubbing on the tab of sheet metal that I bent back. Is it safe to take a sawzall to this? I hate the look of how low the tail pipes have to hang in order to stay out of the way of that metal tab/ridge.

I just moved to Huntsville at the end of Decemeber from St. Louis, MO.. I graduated from school last May and took some grad classes in the fall and got a job at a place called Dynetics in December. I'd be happy to show you some racing spots, but I am still waiting for someone to show me where they are! You know of any speed shops around here? I am looking for a reputable place to do a cam and SFC install