backbone questions

[palum]

Dave,
Please answer my emails....only trying to give you some business!
I'm the guy who asked.......
Does the exhaust system have to be lowered to install backbone?
Is it advisable to mount factory unit over your backbone?
Is there a torque guideline?
Is it advisable to use locktite?

Thanks,
Charlie

[Heliosky77]

Originally Posted by palum Dave, Please answer my emails....only trying to give you some business! I'm the guy who asked....... Does the exhaust system have to be lowered to install backbone? Is it advisable to mount factory unit over your backbone? Is there a torque guideline? Is it advisable to use locktite? Thanks, Charlie

I'm not Dave, but i can answer some of your questions.

1. Stock exhaust system does not need to be lowered to install the backbone, but it does make it easier IMO.
2. The backbone is a replacement of the stock plate. I would not mount it over the backbone although some others have.
3. There is a post on the forum that says 12 ft-lbs is the correct torque.
4. Yes. Use blue loctite.

Use the search and you'll find a few threads answering the questions you've asked.

[Randy@ddmworks]

Originally Posted by palum Dave, Please answer my emails....only trying to give you some business! I'm the guy who asked....... Does the exhaust system have to be lowered to install backbone? Is it advisable to mount factory unit over your backbone? Is there a torque guideline? Is it advisable to use locktite? Thanks, Charlie

Charlie,

Dave has not been around a computer very much the last several days. he's been working in the shop 18+ hours every day, trying to meet deadlines on three car due before leaving to go to Denver

Helio answered the questions fairly well...although i don't use lock tite....it wouldn't hurt

[Sol-Mates]

I absolutely had to unhook the muffler on the drivers side (both hangers). The stock plate wasn't even close to having enough clearance to slide out. I have a 2008 GXP with the stock exhaust.
My torque wrench only goes down to 20 lbs so I just tightened the bolts... Should be fine.

[Randy@ddmworks]

Originally Posted by Sol-Mates I absolutely had to unhook the muffler on the drivers side (both hangers). The stock plate wasn't even close to having enough clearance to slide out. I have a 2008 GXP with the stock exhaust. My torque wrench only goes down to 20 lbs so I just tightened the bolts... Should be fine.

We've had every sort of torque used on the backbone. They all work, from the spec'd 12lb/ft to 55 lb/ft to zing'd with the impact gun.

[Heliosky77]

I torqued mine down a 1/4 turn past finger tight.

[palum]

Randy,
Thank you and helio for the information requested regarding backbone installation. Did not realize Dave works all those hours. I am glad for you guys that business is good in a bad economy......just take a little time to smell the roses. Will be ordering my backbone.

Thanks,
Charlie P.

[SkyPilot]

Originally Posted by palum Dave, Please answer my emails....only trying to give you some business! I'm the guy who asked....... Does the exhaust system have to be lowered to install backbone? Is it advisable to mount factory unit over your backbone? Is there a torque guideline? Is it advisable to use locktite? Thanks, Charlie

I've put two in so far, one on my Sky RL and a second on my buddy's GXP. So here's my responses to your 4 questions:

1) In both cases I had to lower the exhaust, you'll also need to be able to move it from side to side to get the the front left most bolt. (Maybe the single 2.4 exhaust is different)
2) Correct, toss the piece of jellyfish out in the trach.
3) 12ft#'s is not nearly enough. I'd go to at least 25. 12 is barely past finger tight, but you choose.
4) Blue loctite!

[King-Oka]

Mine went in no problem without touching the exhaust - N/A Exhaust must be easier. 11newton metres is the actual GM spec ( I read it on one of these forums) which is around 15 inch pounds I think. Not much. Didn't use any loctite. Must remember to check the bolts soon.

[jwvess00]

Hi there!

On my 2.4, dropping the exhaust meant removing the two nuts that hold the pipe to the manifold, and letting it drop down. Very easy -- just be careful of the O2 harness. It's not a difficult job. I installed mine with my car on jackstands in my garage.