I just got the Frankencar SS catback and I am attempting to do the install myself. I am in the NE and it looks as if the salt has taken its toll on my OEM exhaust (All the nuts are real rusted up). It seems as like this is a simple process, but can someone tell me if our OEM cat uses bolt and nuts to attach to the b pipe, or are the threads attached to the cat and the b pipe bolts up to it? My fear is if I start up with the dremel and take of something that I should not have, I may be sorry (Don't want to buy another cat). Does anyone have a write-up on a catback install or can anyone help answer my question.

Thanks much!

 

I have an 02 and those the stock cat has the threads attached to it NO bolts. You can only remove the nuts and then it will separate. Have you tried heating it up with a small torch first?

 

Not yet. I just used some wd-40 to try to help loosen them up. I will try to get my hands on a torch.

Thanks!

 

yeah it took me forever to get those nuts off...well lube them and see what you cant do...if that dosent work...just bring it to a shop and have them break them free..then ride home and diy...just remember you haveto lift the back of the car up real high to get the muffler/pipe part through a small gap.

 

I had the same problen when installing a Greddy cat-back a month or so ago. I live in the Gettysburg, PA area and those nuts were total rust. I ended up cutting them off flush with a reciprocating saw and then drilling them out.

I did spray them down with WD about 5 consecutive days before the install. It didn't help at all!
I also had a real hard time getting the muffler section on. It required the car to be on a lift and I was in my garage. Ended up jacking the back up about 3 feet before it slid into place. A major pain!

 

I totally recommend finding a gas station or someplace cheap to lift your car. Getting that rear section in is a total pain in the nads. It is near impossible and way dangerouse once you have the car high enough. I tried myself with a race jack and my car still wasnt high enough and was teetering back and forth. What a show it was.

Find a gas station mechanic, get him to lift it and before he runs the bill, slip him a $20 handshake. He will prolly nix the bill or cut you a deal. Either way, it will be cheaper than the damage to your skull or car.

 

Thanks for the info guys! I have a mechanic right down the street that just opened up a shop (Not too busy yet). He did good work on my Explorer and for cheap so he said he would give me a hand on Thursday. He seems cool and hope to be able to work on it with him. Christmas comes a little early for me!