theCATALYST

Hi everyone. I am happy to report the Greddy SP2 is in delivery for my 8. I wanted to ask those that already have and have done their own install how difficult the instal was? What tools can I expect to use? Do I need a ramp or can it be done by jacks or another way? Any help and info :D will be greatly appreciated.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Did mine in about an hour on jackstands.....the difficult part is getting the rubber hangerss off. Use some silicone spray (rubber safe) and then pry them off with a bar/screwdriver....the rest is relatively easy. I took off the surround around the tips to make it easier.

epitrochoid

use jack stands on all 4 corners and get it as high as you can. dont bother removing the clamp just before the muffler, it's going to come out in one piece. pop off the exhaust surrounds (two pop rivets on the bottom of each one, then just tug it off), remove all bolts (dont forget the ground wire on the drivers side of the muffler), lube the hell out of the hangers (dont let it drip in your eyes) and just muscle/pry the hell out of them. installation will take 10 minutes, just reverse the process and lube the hangers up real good. once it's in give a few solid shakes to "seat" it evenly on the hangers and youre good to go. definately an easy DYI, but it really helps if you have a buddy to help

theCATALYST

Ok, thank you both a LOT. I am eagerly waiting for the exhaust so I can get started.

expo1

Just did mine Wed, very easy. While not a DIY this thread has some info.

I just used rear jack stands, a 17mm & 10 mm socket and a special tool for the rubber hangers along with silicone. I had an ATV jack which looks something like a pallet loader which I used to keep lower the Oem exhaust and raise the new one. That was not important but helpfl in a one man install. Hardest part was removing the exhaust trim without breaking any tabs

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/dont-you-just-hate-45736/

theCATALYST

Very good thread, thank you. What are you thoughts of the Greddy now that you have it? I couldnt decide between it and the B&B, but in the end, ordered based on price and looks, so Greddy it is.

expo1

I like it, and I like the fat tips also. It's loud but not rice-like when you want it to be, civilized the rest of the time. Sometimes you even get a “popping” effect when down shifting.

Forgot to add the Greddy doesn't have a mounting point for the ground strap on the OEM exhaust, yo will need to take that off. I will rig one for mine next week with a small U-bolt to a mounting post.

epitrochoid

i just let the OEM exhaust crash to the ground, the HKS is two piece so we bench pressed the muffler section in and hung it on the hangers and then just bolted in the rear pipe and pulled the hanger onto it. i left all the bubble wrap on the my tips as not to scuff them up during the install

theCATALYST

I am getting excited, this sounds fun, and I cant wait to hear my 8 come alive. WOOHOO.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Let us know when you do it......Expo is right....watch the tabs on the tip surrounds. Don't do it outside if it is cold...they won't flex and they will break easier.

theCATALYST

I will post pics when I am finished, which may not be for a while. I used the wrong credit card and they did not process because of (wrong address on card) so I have to resolve that Monday. I may not get the exhaust to my door in time, because I will be leaving for work again soon. I work offshore in the Guld of Mexico, and spend anywhere from 4 weeks to 8 weeks at a time. So if I do leave before then, it may be mid december before I get pics posted, but again I CANT WAIT. Im pullin my hair out, errr, whats left of it.

1.3L-of-pure-crack

No more rubber hangers. Those things really pissed me off.

While trying to undo the rubber hangers I almost shook my 8 off the jack stands.
So, deciding that I didn't want to die, I broke out the car ramps. After that it was a breeze.

expo1

Get this tool LINK My hangers came off in minutes EASY

1.3L-of-pure-crack

Now you tell me, where were you two weeks ago. :D

theCATALYST

I have two ramps. If I back the 8 onto the ramps, do you think this would give me sufficient room for the catback install, or would I also need to jack the front? I shopped around for that Exhuast hanger tool, but they dont sell them locally, so I guess I will be ordering that one you have in the link. Most of the auto parts guys said to just lube them up with lithium grease or silicone, that I didnt need the tool. So we will see I guess.

P.S. By the way, have any of you found a product that will keep the tips new looking without the heat tint?

mysql101

i installed my borla with just ramps on the rear wheels. but make sure your ramps are secured, as rear wheel drive going backwards onto ramps can cause problems if the ramps can slide - i found out the hard way.

there should be enough room - no need to jack up the front, but you will be right under the car without a ton of space to move around in.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

I'm not a big fan of ramps. I use jackstands for most of my work, or take it to a buddies shop with a lift. I had a car roll of the back of a set of ramps once....not pretty

( I know....I was a dumb kid :D)

theCATALYST

Hmmm, I never backed a standard trans onto ramps before, maybe I should rethink my plan??

epitrochoid

use jacks if you can as they take up less real estate in your work area. getting a manual onto ramps isn't too difficult (be sure your engine is warm in case you stall!!)

if you back off the back of the ramps, you'll need a jack anyway to get the car off lol

llzjayarzll

yea i couldnt take the bolts out of the gasket area. so im gonna make a big *** candlelight fixture out of them as stated from someone in the forums.