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So i have two new cats to be installed. They are the replacements that i received from BBI since the first two went bad prematurely. Been throwing codes 0430 for bank 1 and 2.
Reputable shop quoted me $300-400 for the install. Precision Motorsport in NJ.
They bill at $109/hr so that's pushing 3.5+ hours which seems excessive to me for cat swap. I'm quite handy but haven't worked on exhausts before. Haven't worked on O2 sensors either and not sure if I have to touch those. I have a lift to do the work, just don't want to run into complications.
Wanted the consensus on the rate quoted and complexity to install. I'm usually willing to work on things up to 5/10s difficulty. Nothing too crazy. Seems like a simple unbolt, then slide out the sleeve. However I assume I would need to put grease/sealant at the connection points ?
Attached some photos to provide some background visual.
I would save the cash and do it yourself. Just spray the hardware a few times first. It takes time to do but its not that difficult. Just some nuts and bolts. You may even get away without removing the bumper.
Cheers
The cost/quote seems about right. But as suggested, if you like to tinker with it and have the time, you could do it yourself. Soak the fasteners very well for a day or two at least with PB Blaster or similar.
Then take your time pulling them off and you should be fine...
Reputable shop quoted me $300-400 for the install. Precision Motorsport in NJ.
They bill at $109/hr so that's pushing 3.5+ hours which seems excessive to me for cat swap.
Wanted the consensus on the rate quoted and complexity to install. I'm usually willing to work on things up to 5/10s difficulty. Nothing too crazy. Seems like a simple unbolt, then slide out the sleeve. However I assume I would need to put grease/sealant at the connection points ?
Shops have book times that they go by and even if it doesn't take that long, that is the time they will always quote. Since technicians are paid by the hours they flag, they will learn to get jobs done faster than it says it "should" take in order to flag more hours in a day to make more money. It's inevitable, but thankfully DIY is where the money will be saved. Typically, about $350 for a labor rate of that is what I see often for exhaust installs.
If you think you're DIY capable and are wanting to work on the car yourself, this install should be a good start!
PB blaster!!!! I let mine set for a few days had no problem. Once in a while a product comes along and the results are amazing! PB blaster is such a product.
I agree, with a lift its not bad at all. Pre-soak the nuts like others suggested.. (Of course, all of those who are recommending him to DIY have put our own exhausts on before..)
Pre soak which nuts? The ones that are coming off?
Originally Posted by Spyerx
Don't break that rusty stud off on the turbo. Kroil or pbblaster lots of it and as said let it soak
Originally Posted by atcbi5
PB blaster!!!! I let mine set for a few days had no problem. Once in a while a product comes along and the results are amazing! PB blaster is such a product.
What is this PB Blaster for? Loosening up the nuts?
Do i need to put grease or some type of anti seize between where the cat bolts on once I get the old one off? Just figured I may need to so something else other than just loosening some nuts and bolts and swapping parts.
And make sure to replace all the studs/nuts with a new set when you do the work. They're cheap, and there's no need to reuse the old ones. Also, you'll find the part numbers for the studs on the page related to the turbos, not the exhaust (pages 58 & 62 in the Euro 997 TT catalogue).
And make sure to replace all the studs/nuts with a new set when you do the work. They're cheap, and there's no need to reuse the old ones. Also, you'll find the part numbers for the studs on the page related to the turbos, not the exhaust (pages 58 & 62 in the Euro 997 TT catalogue).
Thanks I didn't think of that... good point. Will do
I only need 8x #18 and #19 correct? ECS tuning wants $89.36 for 8 nuts and washers LOL, think it's best to just soak the old ones.
sonnen porsche in cali has the same parts for about $50, but realistically, there should be no need to replace the washers, which are more expensive than the nuts.
05-05-2015, 03:00 PM
Cat / Exhaust install QA
