Thinking about dropping the k mamber and trying a JBA install

[DCx 98GT]

I was having trouble removing the stock H pipe from my cobra so I figured I would start searching for an easier way. I wanted to add some headers in the future and figured I would do it along with the rest of the exhaust. My dad is a retired auto mechanic and a damn good one at that, removing the front suspension and brakes will be a no brainer. I wanted to drop the K member to I could see if I did damage the pass side manafold bolt. Will I see a big gain with some 1 5/8 JBAs, catted magnaflow x, and a magnaflow cat back vs. the whole stock system? As far as my mods go I just want a full exhaust and some better breathing for this car. How long do you think the install will take? I will be on vacation for 4 days next week and may only have the help from my dad for a day or so. Can is be done in say 4-6 hours? My cat back is already in and just needs minor adjustments. Ill have to charge the headers on my credit card... money is tight but performance is a must! any thoughts or input? I got the idea from these web sites.

http://fnsweet.com/garage/lt_install/index.shtml
http://www.svtoa.org/articles.htm
http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=261465

Justin

 

[Bob Cosby]

Hehehe...that third link looks familier. I wrote an install article for the Corral some time ago. Unfortunately, it was lost in a server crash. Most of the text is still there, but the good photos are gone. You can see it here: http://www.corral.net/projects/blkcld/jba.html

I did the install myself, without dropping the K-member, but I had access to a lift. Personally, I would not try it on my back in the garage. I'm sure it can be done - especially with extra hands - but it won't be easy. My install time was 8 hours.

Based on my experiences and testing, you should see a 12-15 RWHP gain going from the bone stock exhaust to what you described above.

Hope this helps, and good luck to you.

 

[03 BodyinWhite]

I was having trouble removing the stock H pipe from my cobra so I figured I would start searching for an easier way. I wanted to add some headers in the future and figured I would do it along with the rest of the exhaust. My dad is a retired auto mechanic and a damn good one at that, removing the front suspension and brakes will be a no brainer. I wanted to drop the K member to I could see if I did damage the pass side manafold bolt. Will I see a big gain with some 1 5/8 JBAs, catted magnaflow x, and a magnaflow cat back vs. the whole stock system? As far as my mods go I just want a full exhaust and some better breathing for this car. How long do you think the install will take? I will be on vacation for 4 days next week and may only have the help from my dad for a day or so. Can is be done in say 4-6 hours? My cat back is already in and just needs minor adjustments. Ill have to charge the headers on my credit card... money is tight but performance is a must! any thoughts or input? I got the idea from these web sites.

http://fnsweet.com/garage/lt_install/index.shtml
http://www.svtoa.org/articles.htm
http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=261465

Justin

Justin, do you have a lift available? If you don't have one, I would not suggest it. If you have it available, it will probably take about 8 hours. If your going that far I would suggest that you go with a set of long tubes and a matching x or h pipe. If your dropping the front end, you might as well get the best bang for your buck. Go luck working on it.