SOLO High Flow Cat install - LFX

[fsusmithc2]

Greetings all. Last Sunday a friend and I dove in and got my LFX high flow cats from SOLO installed. It occurred to me that some folks may approach this better with pictures to go along with the instructions so here goes.

Disclaimer: This is merely an account of my experience and all tips, tricks, and instructions given are to be used at your own risk. It is always recommended to consult the supplied instructions and follow all manufacturer's recommended procedures.

First, some helpful tips:

1) Always bring a buddy. This really isn't a solo task, no pun intended. Having a helper around, even just to "supervise" is immensely helpful. Particularly when you're under the car and need things handed to you. Even better if you've got extra tools and can both be working above and below the car at the same time.

2) Plan for this to be a good day's work. Going slowly, taking pictures, etc., took us about 5 to 6 hours. An efficient tag-team could probably knock it out inside of 3-4 but ymmv.

3) Disconnect the battery by removing the negative cable before starting work. The starter is on the driver's side and the terminals are exposed. It's just not worth the risk.

4) The instructions I received seem like they were for the LLT. The description of the bolts and how the cats are mounted seemed a bit excessive compared to reality. Just know you're dealing with, at best, 4 studs and 4 nuts on each side, and that's it aside from the couplers below. No washers, lock nuts, etc. are involved.

5) Reuse all stock hardware including gaskets. Instructions allude to at least gaskets being included, they weren't and aren't needed anyway.

6) Unless your O2 sensors are particularly forgiving and/or your exhaust is still a little warm (never hot, for safety reasons), you're going to need an O2 sensor socket, available to buy/rent from your local auto parts store. Just do it and save yourself the trouble.

7) Could just be my application but I had to fight the coupler on the passenger side as the pipes didn't line up well to that side of my Ark cat-back. Just be prepared to contort your body into several odd shapes to get this done. It's possible that doing both couplers at the same time (line both up evenly and slide the couplers on) may work better instead of doing one before moving to the next. Again, your application may differ and both of your pipes may line up perfect. If so, kudos to you.

Now on to the pictures! Orientation may be hard to imagine on a couple of these but you'll know it when you see it. Apologies in advance.

First, the setup. We used a jack and stands. You may have ramps and that should work fine as well.





Here's what the driver's side bolts look like. This is the "easy" side. It should be noted at this point that when trying to remove the 15mm nuts, you may find that the stud comes out of the block instead, with the nut seized to it. I assume this is fine, just make sure all is tight and secure going back in. It should be noted also that the stud itself has a 7mm hex end to it. That will be important to note on the passenger side.



Now the passenger side. This is from under the car looking up after the cat was removed. I had a picture from up top but can't find it. Regardless, for all but possibly the top front bolt on this side, you're better off getting them from below. The worst one of all is the top rear as you can see here, partially obscured by the metal piping right next to it. This is where the aforementioned 7mm socket may be handy instead of going for the bolt. Be very careful not to round off the end of the stud. A box-end wrench is also helpful here, even better would be a ratcheting version.

Another tip: The metal piping obscuring the top-rear bolt is welded to a bracket which is mounted to the block right above the exhaust. In this picture you can see the bolt is removed. The pipes won't move much (and shouldn't be forced) but may be enough wiggle room to make getting the top-rear bolt out a little easier.



Now the O2 sensors. Each of them has a plastic pin that goes through the clip which must be pulled out. The top two pins are green and are attached via a keeper to the harness. The bottom two pins are gray and are not attached to the harness.

Drivers side top, top from underneath, lower from underneath:







Passenger side top, top from underneath (after it was disconnected), lower from underneath:








Bonus artsy pic:





So there you have it. Not a bad day's work I'd say. If you have any questions, please ask.

Enjoy going SOLO!


Update: Video clip 1

[sycraft]

Nice job, for those who want to replace the gaskets, they can be had for about 5$ each...

[etmx183]

This is a very easy install. On a lift with all the proper tools it took me about an 1.5 hours to do the install. Remember this is in a shop, on a lift and I've been a Tech for over 30 years. The night before I sprayed down all the exhaust nuts and the O2 sensors with " Freeze-off" lubricant. My car only has 6,000 miles on it too.

[rsv07]

Pictures aren't showing up.

[fsusmithc2]

Maybe I need a remedial lesson in posting inline images. I added them and the post still had them all repeated again in the attachments section at the end of the post. I removed the attachments and saved and the post still had the images but not also at the bottom so I thought it was good.

I'll fiddle with it again this evening and hopefully fix the problem somehow. Still need to work on the videos anyway. Sorry for the trouble folks.

[rsv07]

Maybe try using a host like photobucket. It always works for me.

[skibik]

1. click User CP

2. in the left column click "photos and albums"

3.Lower left click "add album" ( I add albums because it seems to be easier to keep track of them)

4. Add title description not necessary click "submit"

5. center of the page click "click here to upload pictures

6. Click "Browse" and find them on your computer and add them one per blank click "upload pictures" center bottom. Once downloaded I think it asks to approve but not sure.

7. Click on the picture you want to add into a thread and left click on the address in the box for BB code, right click, copy then page this address in the thread below the paragraph you wish.

Once you have the address attached to a thread do not move the picture to another album and do not delete the picture from this site or the album or it disappears from the thread. Photobucket probably works but I use this site to host the picture.

Sample:





Hope this helps,
Dean.

[mr02Z/28]

I always install parts in my driveway !!!!!!!!

[fsusmithc2]

Ok even after getting home and checking, the pictures are still there. Not sure how but regardless, I replaced them all from an album. Hope it looks ok now.

[fsusmithc2]

Video #1 has been posted! First post updated with link, but also here, why not.

Nothing too fancy. Cold start, idle, random blips, etc. I'm using my Canon T2i on a tripod with just the internal microphone. I did try using my GoPro3 but the battery was dead before round 2 (you can hear the beeps). So spoiler alert, but the second part starts out a bit loud and slightly distorted. I need to get a decent external mic one of these days.



Video #2 is planned to be a comparison of 1/4-mile runs as that's always fun to listen to and really shows off the exhaust. I'm planning to hit up SGMP late this month for T&T so video after that.

[Baldman]

Sounds "Great" Chris, can't wait to here it in person this weekend.

[GOINGSOLO2]

Awesome!!!! Thanks so much for the thread, as this will help a lot of people! Welcome to the SOLO family...your Camaro sounds fantastic!!!

Steve

[Lil' Nasty]

Sorry for walking in front of the camera lol but i wish that guy would've shut up geez haha

Anyways, great mod to get for sure!

[fsusmithc2]

Originally Posted by GOINGSOLO2

Awesome!!!! Thanks so much for the thread, as this will help a lot of people! Welcome to the SOLO family...your Camaro sounds fantastic!!!

Steve

Thanks Steve! Happy to help the community any way I can. I appreciate your and Jeff's support during my adventure. I had a few questions along the way and you got me the information I needed quickly, even on a Sunday! That's customer service right there.