–or doesn't it matter–as long as they are arm-strength tight.

 

I say impact gun tight, but you want them tight. The most important part is to first get it all together on the hangers and hand tighten the bolts. This will let you first see what adjustments you need to make on the hangers. Then torque them down. What you want to avoid is putting to much stress on the flex-pipe upon installation, so make the connection to the cat last.

BTW, moved since it wasn't really a performance part, just torque specs.

 

^Thanks! I did work back-to-front; first hand-tighted, and then tight as I could, alternating the bolts, gradually at each connection. I don't smell, or see any leaks– and the Tanabe sounds great.

 

Also, using the hydraulic floor jack to support the oem exhaust; worked just fine. Good idea. kudos.