just wondering what tools are a necessity for an x-pipe install.....bout to get mine in about a couple of days and wondering what kind of tools i'll need..thanks in advance...o yea...if it matters...it is an o/r x-pipe....

 

Well, I just finished mine this weekend on my 02 GT and let me tell you it was a beyatch, but only because of seized-up bolts. If not for the bolts that were being so stubborn, it would have been a cake walk.

For tools, all you really need is the follow:

1. jack
2. jack stands
3. a good socket set to include:
a. ¾ inch driver
b. ½ driver
c. 10� ½ extender
d. ½� universal (swivel)
e. deep-well sockets (*if you only have ¾� deep well sockets, you don’t have to go out and drop $50+ on ½� deep well sockets – just drop a few bones on a ½ to ¾ converter FYI)
4. *crescent wrench
5. *vise grips
6. *heating torch

*Denotes ‘optional’, but might need if any of the bolts are seized on.

Now for the install - this may differ slightly if you are installing on a V6, but I'm not sure as I've never worked on a 6'er. Make sure that you jack the front end of the car up good an high – get it on the jack stands as high as you can. Also, don’t forget to chalk the rear tires to prevent roll (plus put it in gear and set the e-brake). (I also put bricks under the front tires as a secondary safety.) Crawl up underneath it and start loosening the bolts starting with the oxygen sensors (I disconnected em an removed em before anything else. Then start loosening the bolts, starting at the headers. (*This is where I ran into problems, as the bolts connecting the stock H to the headers were seized on and required heating from a torch and lots of profanity to break loose.) Once all bolts are off, lower the stock H out, and begin installing the new mid-pipe as per the manufacturer’s specifications. If you don’t run into any problems like I did, it shouldn’t take more than a few hours. Good luck!

 

thanks alot for the advice....i was thinkin about takin those sensors out first neways...but thanks for the tool list...as soon as i get it on..im gonna record some vids and put it on hear...hopefully it sounds good

 

Yea, do keep us informed and good luck with the install!