JBA mids /catback install tips?

**Hemi Mag** · 08-17-2007, 11:19 AM

Tomorrow I will be installing JBA mid pipes and cat back, I'm sure there are a bunch of you that have DIY'd any tips or pointers for this? I will be doing it in my parents garage.

Also for those of you that have commented that the Drone/mds noise wasn't too bad in your case, which way did you install the mufflers? So the perforated core 'grabbed' the exhaust coming in, or so that it flowed over them?

AC

**zbeest** · 08-17-2007, 12:50 PM

I have a couple of tips which I learned when doing my cat-back.
1) undo the band clamps at the mid-pipe to cat-back connection first. I believe you have access to a lift, right? If so, it should be much easier. In my case I had to sweat (and swear) a lot to get the damn nuts loose. A 15mm deep socket impact socket would have made things easier for my electric gun...
2) remove the hangers infront of the rear axle first so that the rear ones carry the weight. I found it easier to spray them with wd40 then use a couple of flat blade screwdrivers to pry them over the hanger bracket. Do this from the rear by poking the screwdriver through the rubber hanger.....
3) Undo the two nuts at the suitcase on the drivers side so that you can remove that resonator and tailpipe.
4) You can then remove the two drivers side rear hangers simply by removing the enitire hanger -they only use one bolt per hanger. It's much easier to battle with the hangers when the cat back is out from under the car.
5) The drivers side resonator should have crashed to the floor at this point.

6) Repeat for the passenger side rear hangers (remove the two bolts). Use a floor jack or assistant to carry the weight of the suitcase

This pic shows what I meant by prying from the rear.

7)Remove the cross brace at the front so that you can pull the catback of the catalytic extension. The band clamps are welded to the pipe and I found they caught on the brace...

Here is a pic using two floor jacks to support the weight as I pull it off the extensions...

**feros** · 08-17-2007, 07:42 PM

Make sure you disconnect the battery

Or don't if you like fireworks by your head

**Hemi Mag** · 08-17-2007, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by feros

Make sure you disconnect the battery

Or don't if you like fireworks by your head

OK you're going to have to explain that one to me. This is my 3rd exhaust install (98 Neon, and 93 Corvette were my first 2) and I have yet to disconnect the battery.

AC

**Hemi Mag** · 08-17-2007, 08:57 PM

Unfortunately I'm doing this on ramps/jackstands, would it be easier for me to leave the midsection attached to the cats and pull it out in one piece?

AC

**mcshocks** · 08-17-2007, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by Hemi Mag

OK you're going to have to explain that one to me. This is my 3rd exhaust install (98 Neon, and 93 Corvette were my first 2) and I have yet to disconnect the battery.

AC

The passenger side mid-pipe/heatshield is very close to the starter, dissconecting the battery is a very good idea.