Mindtrip

Ok I have never installed anything on either my 8 or my WRX besides the JDM clears. Some of you might remember that I had the Espelir exhaust put on about a month and a half ago and the day after I realized one of the tips was bent into a oval shape but I didnt realize it the night before when I had a shop put it on. ANYWAY Vivid is sending me a new one to replace the defective exhaust. So i dont really want to pay to have another exhaust put on so I was wandering if you guys think that I could manage installing the exhaust? I dont have any ait powered tools. I did a search on exhaust installs and just got turbo stuff. Could anyone find me a step by step install guide preferably for the Espelir?

And XERO if you read this, maybe you could write me up a quick install guide? Since I know you installed your Espelir yourself.

ranger4277

It is almost as simple as wiping your ***, except you have to use cold metal tools. Usually the steps include removing whatever bolts are necessary up-pipe, then removing (often with lubricant) the hangers from their suspension points. Then maneuvering the exhaust (if necessary) out from under the car. Repeat the steps in reverse to re-attach new exhaust. Just make sure you have the car securely lifted on jack stands for safety. It is really an easy process.. the removal process is usually more difficult than the installing in my experience.

army_rx8

there are only 2 bolts for the stock exhaust (not sure of the Espelir..but my racing beat had 4)..no big deal. to attach teh exhaust to the cat..it has to have a certain amount of torque put on the bolts (40lbs/ft i believe don't quote me though)...other than that it' s all pretty streight forward. only thing i had a problem with was the "moderat force required to remove exhaust from mazda rubber bushings"...moderate force had me pulling and swinging from teh exhaust like a monkey:p

but it only took me an hour (most of the time was spent tryign to fidn a torque wrench)..but i had access to a lift which made it easier. but i've seen peopel post that they've done it with a jack and a few jack-stands.

Mindtrip

Damn I dont have a torque wrench nor do i know what "cold metal tools" are? Probably shouldnt do it myself then huh?

93silverFD

You don't need a torque wrench to install a cat back. Any moron should be able to do this job. Consider yourself a super moron if you think its to much for you to handle. You don't need directions either. Just get under the car and figure it out. There's really nothing you can **** up attempting this job. Just get under the vehicle and figure it out like a real man.

93silverFD

Cold metal tools? Jesus....

A wrench is made of metal, metal tends to get cold when sitting in the garage during winter time. A wrench is also known as a tool. If you put all of that together you have a "cold metal tool".

Mindtrip

You calling me a tool? Just wandering.

Mindtrip

I heard some people remove the black lip nn the rear bumper, any idea on that?

BlueRenesis82

ummmmm, if it takes you more than 10 min to figure out how to do this, god help you

easymmkayrx8

Please take your car to the dealer and trade it in for a base miata =-/

BIU

so are you sending back the defective exhaust to Vivid?

so is it just the tips that are bent out of shape?

Im looking for an exhaust....maybe we can work sth out? or with Vivid?

theCATALYST

MindTrip,
When you get a chance, go crawl under your car the best you can and take a look. On your stock exhaust, you will see two nuts with springs behind them attaching your cat to your exhaust. These are the only two that hold the exhaust on. There will be on rubber hanger midway down your exhaust, and four on the mufflers, two on each side. You can even take the stock exhaust apart right before the muffler, but I couldnt get mine free so I left it and took the exhaust tip surrounds off the bumper instead.

Im not sure as to the design of the aftermarket exaust you have now, but really, the install is pretty easy, and has to be a little easier the 2nd time around since everything has been loosened up already.

You will need a set of ramps(This is what I used) or Jack Stands.
1 Wrench(Dont remember the size)
And eigther a Exhaust hanger tool(Expo1 can show you) or a wide flathead screwdriver to wrestle with the hangers.

If you still dont feel confident doing it, then by all means, spend the money and let a shop do it again, or post in your local RX8club threads for someone near you to give you a hand. I would hate for you to get talked into doing this yourself and mess something up, or hurt yourself in the process.

GOOD LUCK! Let us know when you get it done, and post pics.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

There's also a grounding wire from the muffler to the frame - simple bolt.

Mindtrip

BIU, you'll prob have to call Vivid and either talk to Dan or Jon about the exhaust. I think they were going to try and sell it for a cheaper price on ebay (not sure though) so maybe you could just tell them you want it instead.

army_rx8

wow what a bunch of nice people there are here. simple question asked..and they say the person is a moron if they can't figure it out. Umm....not sure the reasoning on this as everyone is different and are better at somethings more than others. Also if they have never done somethign liek this befor i can understand how they can be apprihensive about it.

so how bout we all just get off his nuts...adn help him out with the right kind of information he was hoping for.

ahh okay i think i am done ranting..hope i didn't step on anyones toes..if so to bad:p

09Factor

I recentlly removed my exhaust using Tide as a lube to get the hangers off the mounts. I used a small syringe to "shoot" the Tide between the rubber hanger and steel mount. I also took off the exhaust shrouds (the plastic pieces around the exhaust tips), and that makes removing the exhaust much easier.
Oh yea don't forget about the ground wire.
Have fun....

army_rx8

^^ what 09factor said..lube helps a lot

theCATALYST

I used white lithum grease in a spray can with the attached straw. Lubed well, still a small struggle to get the rubber hangers off, but not too bad, just have to be patient.

XeRo

Mindtrip..check your PM box...sent you one this am...

Guys...NEVER EVER use petroleum based lubs on rubber hangers...it will deteriorate them....the best solution is 3:1 warm water:dawn....always works....

czr

iTrader: (3)

Never did an exhaust install and took me an hour twenty b/c I did it on rear ramps. I was really struggling at first with those rubber hangers(there are 5) with the lack of space under the car. You get the hang of it and the rest are easy. Then I couldn't take the exhaust out because there was no room for it to go forward. Removed one of the exhaust bumper finishers and that did it. Anyway, you can do it and save your $50 if you got some tools. Gl