k_h_d

Just beginning investigating how to install the sport cats. Looks straight forward other than having a little bit of cramped hands.

how do you remove the vacuum line? Are those one time use clamps?

asellus

Those are called "ear clamps" and they are intended as single-use, yes.

fnckr

If you really must.....use a pointy and tapered object (like a pick from a hook and pick set) to push into the pinched space. It will loosen. Then, use side or end cutting pliers to pinch them back. They should hold. I wouldn’t do it often on the same clamp...or even a third time.

wilmaya

Actually the hose will slide off without removing the clamp. Use a small screwdriver to pry underneath of the pinched clamp. You can push it back on with the old clamp in place.

911BOSS

I am also in the middle of installing a set of Soul Cats on my 2018 GTS. I ended up removing the ball / socket arms from each valve and then removing the 3-8mm nuts that hold the actuators onto the muffler. Easy to do, however there is a small retaining clip in the ball joint that has to be removed first. Not sure this is a better approach. I was just uncertain about having to replace the ear clamp on the hoses or damaging them pulling them off.

There seem to be no lubricant whatsoever on the ball / socket joint (5000 miles). I assume there is so much heat at that location that the factory just leaves them dry?

polobai

I did the same with success on mine.

tmarino

On my recent exhaust upgrade I just cut the old clamps off and replaced them with a standard hose clamp. Nothing special about these as it's only a vacuum line. If you notice most vacuum lines installed on todays car do not have any retention method.
Good Luck,