I'm ordering the Techtonics Tuning 2.5" stainless catback kit for my 97 B5 1.8TQ 5spdMan. Got a decent deal on the system thru my local VW tech but I'm considering putting it on myself to save some $. I recently had a new cat installed, so there shouldn't be rusted bolt issues there. Stock connecting pipe is rusted out and in 2 pieces already- should be easy to remove. Only prob is my old stock pipes are hanging really low, so I'm going to have to install new hangers too. The other thing is I don't have access to a lift- just ramps. All I have for tools are a basic wrench set and a cordless screwdriver w/ socket set. Think I can DIMyself? how long? any particular advice or issues I should worry about?

thanks in advance...

 

my buddy's dad had a lift i went there and did mine (exact same set up) i will tell you i have talked to ppl who have done full exhaust on just stands/ramps and they say it is a major PITA. make sure you have a long extension to get the bolts from the cat to the DP. other than that is it not a major issue, i would say 3-4 hrs.

 

Sweet! Yeah i did mine on jackstands. MAJOR PITA.

The only difference is mine is a Tip and requires more work to replace the downpipe.

Parts you might need
Cat to Downpipe gasket

Tools you need
Metric/Standard socket set w/ extensions
Breaker bar (recommended)
Jacks/Jackstands/ramps (Please DO NOT support your car with jacks) or even better a shop with a lift
Elbow Grease
Long and Short wrenches

Tools you MIGHT need if things get rough
Sawzall or Metal cutter (To cut exhaust pipe)
Screwdriver set w/extension (To take off airbox)

What I did
1. Start from the back and remove exhaust hangers (unbolt) and supported with a jack.
2. Unbolt the clamp for Downpipe to exhaust. You may have to hack it off because the bolts are rusted on (Seems like you have a headstart since its in two piece already?)
--->>>If you are not replacing downpipe, please skip to step 5

3. Remove downpipe from catalytic converter
This step may be easy if you can unbolt the downpipe via the Engine bay. There are 3 bolts. MAJOR PITA for me since i couldn't get to 2 of them.
If possible, unbolt the cat from the downpipe under the car. Saves a lot of work. For me, I had to pull out the airbox, unscrew the Cat O2 sensor, and pull it up and out of the engine bay. There is BARELY any room to get it out but i managed with some swearing and angry words. Basically i reattached everything to the Cat, slid it as far down as possible and put on new downpipe from underneath
4. Bolt on new downpipe from under the car or in the engine bay

5. Start working backwards and attach the long pipe first to the downpipe then to the first resonator. Support with Jackstand.
6. Bolt up the first resonator hanger (so its horizontal is the wide part) and connect the u-bolts/clamps that come with the Techtonics.
7. Connect the next pipe with the second resonator and bolt up the hangers. Tighten all colts and ubolts/clamps.

Took me about 8hrs because of the downpipe.

 

are you sure its a cat back man, most ot the TT kits are DP back at least mine was, had to get the DP seperatly.... anyway.. I did mine in my driveway just by jacking up the rear of the car really high.... i didnt have any probs with it but im pretty good with stuff that most people concider a PITA...... the kit in really nice and bolts up exactly where its supposed to.... honetly it took me less that 45 mins to do it so it shouldnt be much of a prob for you

 

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! i don't usually do much more than oil changes myself, buti'm pretty good at figuring stuff out (electronics, etc.) so i'm going for it. i just put a $500 deposit on the full system, which is about $900+ shipping. the DP back is 650 w/ dual tips (vs 600 single) and you're right badluckaudi, i'm buying the 2.5" DP separately from TT too ($225). With the brandnew cat and a 5spd manual i can get at the shiny new bolts to the DP thru the engine, so it shouldn't be too bad. my stock exhaust is rusted into a couple of pieces already, so i shouldn't need a hacksaw or anything. i also ordered 4 all new rubber hangers cuz mine are stretched like crazy and i want the new exhaust high and tight. i have a set of ramps and some tools, so it may be a PITA, but i'll give it a try.

having put $2000 into the car (besides the new exhaust) in the last few mo's, it'll be nice to save the $200 they wanted to install it. audi prices will make a DIY'er out of me yet...