I've got a complete exhuast system at home. Hooker shortys, y-pipe, catco cat, and a hooker catback. I'd like to order a cutout also. I was wondering what a shop would charge to install all of it. I plan to have the headers and y-pipe sandblasted and paint it myself.

Oh and is their anything I could do myself to save some labor costs?

 

Labor is usually two.

No, make that "too".

As in, "too much".

You want to save costs, install it yourself. If the cat is a direct-fit type, the whole thing will bolt together (except for the cut-out). If the cat isn't direct-fit, send it back and get the right one. After you've put it in, you can have someone install the cut-out (if they even will - some places won't do anything before the cat that isn't stock or CARB approved.

Last I've heard on the board for doing what you describe was $850 labor.

 

yeah,you should be able to install the cat back yourself and then have the headers installed if you do not feel confortable about doing it yourself.Expect to spend a few C-notes on install though

 

I hung my catback in half an hour before work one day in my driveway in the rain. definitely one of the easiest mods I've ever done in my life. the headers took me quite a long time, but I used common hand tools and the rust was unbelievable. the headers were by no means complicated, just time consuming.

I'm glad I did it all myself.

 

Well I'm a 16 year old with a basic toolbox of tools. I don't have anything that would be able to cut the exhaust if thats needed. I might feel I could do it if I acquired an engine lift and if I talked to lots of people who did it. The car has 77 thousand miles, so I bet a problem like stripping an exhaust manifold to head block would stop me in my driveway.

My cat is a universal 3 inch in- 3 inch out. So I will need to have that welded. I don't think I could use a replacement because the y-pipe would require welding to. I have yet to see what the front of the catback looks like.

 

I used a hacksaw. I wish I bought a $10 exhaust pipe cutter though, that would have been much faster. My car had 124k at the time of header installation and it was pretty damn easy with exception to one nut on the passenger side. If you have a 14mm wrench and socket, then that's basically all you need.

 

The entire exhaust system would need to be welded on. Because I don't have an engine lift or even a paved driveway, I don't think it would be possible to consider me installing the exhaust system.

So far the only guess I've gotten is 850 in labor.

Anybody else?

 

Don't put yourself down like that man...try to find some tech information on the swap if you need it and go for it yourself. All you need is a socket wrench, hacksaw, jackstands and some determination. Then take it to a shop to have it welded. I'm only 19 and $850 is real important to me.

 

I did my own. I bought an electric saw at the local Harbor Freight tools for about $40, and had the old exhaust system out in about 10 minutes.

You should have bought a bolt togther system. Taking your stuff to a shop to put in will now cost you extra. Most shops upcharge for labor if you do not buy your components from them. You bring them all the headaches and none of the profit. Just something to consider, if you are determined to buy all your stuff from someone who can't install it to save money, be prepared to install it yourself.

Troy
So Cal

 

I didn't even know there was cutting involved? I thought the parts where fastened with bolts and screws and such so it would just be a matter of dismantling the old system and installing the new one.

 

go for it if atleast do the headers yourself thats what i did on my car my mechanic charged me $350 to fab a y pipe and weld up the cat and catback. the headers arent hard to do soak the manifold bolts with liquid wrench

 

Don't you need an engine lift to install headers?

 

No. Some people jack the motor up a bit to help slip in the passenger side header. You can do it without doing this though. Your current system should not need any cutting. The y-pipe and cat will come out in one assembly and so will your manifolds and cat back. People only cut theres out because it is faster I guess or if the rust is to bad they cannot unbolt it. Spraying the bolts with PB blaster before you do the job should make every bolt come loose.

 

yes pb blaster does wonders, you don't need an engine stand if your emove the starter you can jack up the engine from that point on the block

 

Many years ago I was quoted by a local 4x4 and speed shop $550 to install my supplied headers, cat, and catback. I was so disgusted I did it myself. Best decision I ever made

 

Talk to some of the guys at brewcitymuscle.com. I'm sure they can hook you up with someplace local.

 

If you are having an exhaust made for you, heres a hint... go to the small shop in town, and pay in cash