I just ordered my cat back 30th anniversary exhaust for my 03 evo. I want to do this install myself, however I am not totally sure of the "step by step and tools needed. Irealize a lift would make it easier but I will be jacking it up...not with the one the car comes with. I am confident that if it is a straight forward install, I can do it. Is there any thing I should be aware of before beginning the install? Oxy sensor? Maybe some tricks to make the install go smooth? Any help would be appreciated.

 

You're gonna want an impact wrench, because the bolts on the exhaust are going to be VERY hard to break loose. It comes from the constant heating and cooling of the exhaust system.

 

I am not going to have access to one, maybe just good old leverage will be all I need. I hope. Thx.

 

It was very straight forward.
My dad and I did it in the driveway with the car on regular size jackstands.

There was a great how-to on here, with pictures.
Search for it - it was a while ago.

The toughest nuts were on the cat.
Unless your car is high mileage, the rest broke loos fairly easy.

 

I saw that thread a while ago...I can't seem to find it now.

 

Found it.

Look at the pics for help.

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=41891

 

Thanks. Do you need to drill into the frame to mount those new brackets? That is really my only comcern. Any other info is greatly appreciated.

Thx.

 

If you use a good penetrating oil, which you always should use before attempting to undo bolts, you do not need the power of an impact wrench. Just spray the bolts, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Spray em again, then undo. I had no problems undoing the exhaust bolts on my car....and my car had 20k miles on it before I changed the exhaust.

techause, I did a turbo back exhaust install with just a floor jack and 2 stands. You should have no problems doing the same.

SC~

 

When I installed my turbo back, the hardest bolts to remove came from the the cat to the straight pipe. Changing out the exhaust is really easy to do. Power tools are a blessing if you have them. I tried breaking the bolt to the cat by hand but could not do it. I used an impact wrench, so be ready to have the fight of your life to remove those stubborn bolts. Also, when removing the exhaust, I would start with the muffler first and then take off the straight pipe. Good luck and let us know how everything works out...

 

Thanks for all of the info. I will take pics as I do the work and then post my progress.

What about the O2 sensor? Any special considerations?

Thanks.

 

No drilling or tapping necessary. The brackets that come with the catback all bolt into existing holes.
You will have to swap two of the rubbers, but that's it.

With the O2 sensor, just remember to spin it CCW about 6 turns before screwing it into the mid pipe,
so the sensor cable ends up straight and not twisted.
The stock fitting is angled and the HKS is not. It is a tight fit but it fits.

 

That is all I needed to hear. I will do the install sometime next week. After I will post the pics with any commentary.

Thanks guys.