Installing Exhaust

Alright all,

I'm finally about ready to order my exhaust. It's been along wait, but I think I know what I want. Anywho, my question is, should I install it myself? I've decided to get a header, and I know those bolts on the block are going to be a bitch to take off. The whole exhaust is rusted badly, and none of the bolts will probably want to come off. I also dont have access to a lift. It would be jacked up on stands. I know it'll be little space to work

My next question, do i NEED a new catilytic converter? If Im getting a header, DP, and cat-back, it seems like I would need a new cat conv itself. Right?

Also, will all the flanges line up right? I noticed some converters have 3-bolts on them. WTF is up with that?

Or, should I just pay to get it installed?

Thanks guys. I cant wait to get this going. One last ?. How much HP would a decent header, perf cat conv., and a cat-back (all 2 1/2") get?

You don't NEED a cat for your car to run, in fact it will run better without it. However, in many places it is illegal to take it off, but most people do it anyway. Up here where I live at least exhaust places charge way to much to instal it, so I would so give it a go yourself. but that depends on how much it will cost you.

your existing cat will bolt to your DP and cat-back. Eliminating the cat without getting MIL eliminators for your O2 sensors will cause your car to throw a check engine light. to pick the right aftermarket cat, you need to look at what flange pattern you have and get the right piping diameter for the DP and cat-back pipe that you have.

I estimate that you might gain around 5-6 hp since you already have an intake.

to get the bolts out let them soak in penetrating oil for a few hours and go slow.

In Illinois, we have emmisions testing, and they make sure you have a cat installed. Got some more questions now...

Chrome headers? Would you get them? I found some rather cheap header that are chrome... or maybe chrome-plated. I wasnt going to get a header... im not looking for great power. I just want some generic ass stuff. Just want to replace everything in the exhaust.

Also, the 2nd O2 sensor is in the cat-back, right? So, do all Eclipse cat-backs have the O2 spot? I DONT want to lose the 2nd O2, and I still want to pass emmissions.

dont forget that most downpipes do eliminate the cat. if your keeping your cat make sure you get a DP that does not eliminate your cat. i think the 2nd O2 sensor is located on the piping of the exhaust(not sure).

So how about something like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7958697401&category=33631

Need cat? It doesnt say.

get a test pipe on ebay

What exactly is a test pipe? Heard of it, but no so much around it.

a test pipe is a straight piece of pipe that replaces the cat. some people like to get a test pipe to use most of the time and just bolt in the cat before inspection. but if your state does roadside checks (like CA) then you can get fucked by doing this

I dont want to be swapping my exhaust all the time. Too much work.

I was talking with a friend that works at a shop, and he said that they would let me use the shop for a flat fee to install the exhaust. Sounds good. They have lifts.

So how do I know if the cat-backs have space for the O2 sensor. None of them seem to say