Difficulty:
* Rust: This is the biggest hurdle. 1983 Caprices are old enough that significant rust is highly likely, especially in the undercarriage where the exhaust system resides. Rust can make removing old parts extremely difficult and time-consuming, sometimes requiring cutting and welding. If the body itself is rusted through near the exhaust mounts, it adds a whole new level of complexity (and expense).
* Accessibility: Some parts of the exhaust system are relatively easy to access, but others can be tight and require contorting yourself under the car. Having proper jack stands and ramps is crucial for safety and ease of work.
* Experience: If you're mechanically inclined and have some experience working on cars, you might be able to handle the job. However, if you're a novice, it's a challenging project. Dealing with rusted bolts and potentially needing welding adds significant difficulty.
Expense:
* Parts: The cost of replacement parts varies greatly depending on the quality. You can find cheap aftermarket parts, but they might not last as long. OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts will be more expensive. The entire system (pipes, muffler, catalytic converter, etc.) could cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
* Labor: If you're paying a mechanic, labor costs will be significant, potentially exceeding the cost of the parts themselves, especially if they encounter significant rust.
* Tools: You'll need basic tools (wrenches, sockets, jack stands, etc.) and potentially specialized tools for cutting and welding rusted sections. If you don't own these, renting or buying them adds to the cost.
In short: It's *potentially* a difficult and expensive job. If the car is heavily rusted, it's likely to be both. If the car is in relatively good condition underneath and you have some mechanical skills, you could save money by doing the work yourself. However, if you lack experience or encounter significant rust, it's advisable to have a professional mechanic handle the job. Get a quote from a mechanic before undertaking the project yourself to get a better understanding of the potential costs.
