We used a bungee cord to hold the header in place while we dropped the lift.

Included with the JBA headers and cats are all the parts needed to mate the long tubes to either a stock exhaust system or, as in our case, their aftermarket cat-back system. Also in the box are extension harnesses for the forward two O2 sensors along with bolts and gaskets.

Using the stainless band clamps, we attached the new JBA high-flow cats to the long tube headers.

We then installed the exhaust gaskets supplied by JBA and secured the headers using the new 8mm bolts. JBA uses sealing beads on all of their headers. They've found that, when installed correctly, the raised bead around each port increases the pressure exerted on the gasket directly adjacent to the port, stopping leaks. Working from the middle outward, we first snugged each bolt, then went back and tightened them further to 13 lb-ft.

The huge factory cat assembly was replaced by JBA's stainless high-flow single cat (PN 6813SDC, 3 inches to 3 inches). The weight savings just might get our SS under 4,000 pounds, but we doubt it.

The rears of the JBA cats were then secured to the rest of the exhaust system using the factory band clamps. We then re-installed the oxygen sensors and double-checked everything.

Since we had pulled the spark plug wires to make it easier to gain access to the header bolts, we decided it was the perfect time to install the new 8mm PowerCables (PN W0812) sent to us by JBA. In the interest of function, we transferred the metal factory heat shields from the stockers to the JBA wires.

It's not that the stock airbox is all that bad, it's just that there is room for improvement. Of course, the blower means that many of the aftermarket solutions out there won't quite fit.