ok just got done searching about the greddy sp2 exhaust but i have a few questions.. i dont really know anything.... but in the picture... the one circled what is that? isnt that the samething as a midpipe? or is a mid pipe the same thing just straight? also if i do put this on and a CEL comes on if i switch back to my stock it will go away right? lastly nothing needs to be welded correct? and it comes with everything needed?

thanks
-benjamin

 

That pipe is what connects the exhaust to the CAT AKA “midpipe”, that pipe in NOT called a midpipe. The SP2 comes with everything need and you do not need to weld anything. Look in the DIY for any exhaust install; they all are mostly the same. If you get a CEL after this then something else is wrong, there is no reason a CAT Back exhaust should cause a CEL.

 

so what is a mid pipe then lol... sorry im dumb.

 

Your not too dumb, you’re asking for the answer. Forgive the poor quality of my photo. In the pic you can see the THREE major parts of the RX-8 Exhaust. 1 is the exhaust manifold, 2 is the “mid pipe” which in stock form is the catalytic converter and a resonator for sound control. Number 3 is the “CAT BACK” (the exhaust system in back of the catalytic converter), which is made up of the muffler & pipe. So when you hear the term “ Mid Pipe “ it is a part designed to replace the second (or middle) part of a three-part exhaust system.

 

I had my sp2 installed a few weeks ago. The person who installed it had to cut the stock exhaust where the muffler and "cat back" pipe go together. There are 2 spring loaded bolts that go from the cat to the "cat back" exhaust. I couldn't imagin trying to lossen those or put them back on without an air wrench. Nothing needs to be welded. Would be really difficult to install this on your own if you don't have a lift, but could be done. Don't drop the muffler on yourself :D

 

I did it in under two hours in my garage without any air tools. I put the rear end up on jack stands. All the bolts came off with hand tools. I did spray some wd40 on the nuts first. The only special tools I used was a cheep hanger removal tool and I had an ATV jack that I used as a “dead man” for dropping / lifting the new exhaust. The hardest part is removing the trim around the tail pipes without breaking any plastic tabs. This is not a difficult DIY.

 

thanks alot expo..... question why would you need an air wrench lol is it just to save work so you dont have to unscrew it manually?

 

You shouldn't need air-tools on a car as new as the RX8... maybe if it the nuts & bolts had been sitting around for 5 years rusting on permanently. If you're having problems with a good quality wrench, soak the nuts with a rust penetrator or WD40 lubricant overnight, then try again. I've done several exhausts and cat replacements for friends with just hand tools, and many of those parts were rusted on good from years of South Florida humidity and salt air. For the rubber hangers, put some water and a few drops of shampoo or soap in a spray bottle and soak the hangers for lubricant... they'll slip on and off easily using a flat-bladed screwdriver for leverage.

Good luck... I'm thinking about the sp2 as well.