Installing Solo Cats/Cat Back?

[ArmyEOD17]

Hey guys,

Quick question but in the near future I plan on ordering Solo high flow cats and their cat back exhaust and am very excited! I was wondering if anyone on here has had experience installing it themselves? It's getting shipped to Germany and isn't exactly easy or cheap to get car stuff over here so does the kit come with everything needed to do a direct bolt on install? I wont need any extra clamps, hangers, etc? I just want to be sure I have everything needed start to finish before I go dropping the old exhaust!

Thanks so much guys,
-Aaron

[bionick]

I know the cats come with everything you need asides from tools.
They are direct bolt on so all you need is the correct socket and a extension helps.
Also an o2 socket. I would recommend spraying the o2 sensors with PB blaster and letting them soak over night so that the sensors come out easily.
Me personally, I wouldn't waste your time disconnecting the o2 sensors from the connectors. Up to you. A local shop (who knows what they are doing) didn't remove mine and I have not had a single problem. Not sure why everyone says to do that (it could be important but I myself didn't have any issues).
Only reason I didn't do it myself was because I didn't have the necessary stuff to do it. Jack, stands, etc.
As far as the cat back, I am assuming it comes with everything you need.
Should be a direct bolt on to the cats and should be very easy. Easier than the cats

[ArmyEOD17]

Awesome thanks! I'm just trying to get all the info I can before starting! What's this about the O2 sensor? People take them off completely or...?

[etmx183]

The Solo HFCs and Cat back system are COMPLETE, you just need the tools. I did unplug my sensors to be safe and not take a chance of braking any wires in their harness as you spin them out and in. Everything goes together very nice. I had the HFCS on for about 1.5 years before doing the Cat back system. In closing thanks for the service you provide by keeping others serving out of harms way.

[sycraft]

I bought new Manifold gaskets, cheap. around 10 bucks total.. I don't like to reuse old gaskets. The OE are metal, but do crush to seal. You can do it on jack stands, I have. The right side is tough, a little crowded, the Drivers side is easy. Don't worry if the nut comes off with the manifold stud, just remove the nut after you have it free and install back into the head. get some antisieze that is safe for O2 sensors and lightly coat the threads and do not overtighten.. Have fun and enjoy the exhaust..

[Airmaster]

My short list includes a ratchet, breaker bar, metric sockets (swivel sockets are a plus), metric wrenches (ratchet wrenches are another plus), an O2 socket, a low profile jack (or a way to get the car lifted high enough to slip a normal jack underneath), four jack stands (to be safe), some liquid penetrant, and some safety glasses (so the penetrant doesn't drip into your eyes, haha)!

Oh... and a buddy to help you out and also hand you your beer while working.

With those tools you can most certainly do it yourself! As mentioned the passenger side is a bit more snug when you remove the exhaust manifold nuts/studs (whichever comes off).

[IneedAZ]

i am surprised that the exhaust is still 2.25". I would have thought they would have offered 2.5" like most of the competition.

[skibik]

As everyone mentioned the passenger is a tight one. I am a big person and it was a little too tight for me and I ended up paying a mechanic that had a hoist to install them for me. I can only suggest you do the passenger side first since that is the toughest before dong the drivers side.

Dean.

[camaro1350]

Important, don,t forget to disconnect the battery before you start. :-D. Starter cable is right next to the cats. Ask me how I know.=-O

[cliffdog89]

Guide I made (sorry for the lack of photos but steps you through the process) http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344024