spdspappy

Insert finisher, insert screw, use 10mm wrench & socket to tighten.

spdspappy

And you're done! Repeat for the other side.

emailists

at first I thought the finishers were the coolest accessory- then I saw posts here frpm people saying you can barely see them from behind the car at some distance.

That's the verdict?

D MENAC 7

That was the most unimpressive thing I ever did with my RX-8...however, when you look at them from the side you can see them much better. I installed mine the traditional way with removing the side pieces and drilling the holes...it wasn't REALLY that hard to do at all. They come off real easy. Oh well.

Preacher

For almost $200 it's one factory 'mod I'll take a pass on.
I think I'll enlarge the exhaust tips about 1 1/2" or so,but other than the black pearl-plated emblems,rotary accent,stealth and LED bulbs,I think I'll leave well enough alone for now.

spdspappy

I did it for 2 reasons:
1) I believe that they will act as a heat shield for when my aftermarket exhaust gets put on (no, I haven't decided which one yet). I've seen pics of cars w/ melted bumpers...
2) I think it looks good & an angle. I agree that it's a little difficult to see from directly behind the car, but that's ok.

cstokes24

Just installed my exhaust finishers using the soldering iron method....Talk about easy! I, too, agree that they are a subtle touch...They look nice from the side. Also, I am getting my exhaust put in shortly and I will feel more at ease with these "heat shields" in place........although most people don't seem to have trouble with aftermarket exhaust and melting. I think the manufacturers take precautions nowadays.

dynamho

Just installed mine using Mazdatrix's method. I didn't find Mazdatrix's instructions detailed enough, which is probably why some folks broke tabs during the exhaust shroud removal.

So I'd like to pay forward with a detailed addendum to Mazdatrix's instructions.

To install the exhaust finishers, you'll deal with two types of fasteners (in order of removal):
1. round pull-out fasteners (2 of them)
2. wedge tabs (8 of them)

How to deal with round pull-out fasteners:
A novice can easily mangle the release pin flanges using a flat screwdriver or knife as Mazdatrix says. These have quite a bit of grit embedded in them that pulling out the release pin is not so easy. My advice is to go pick up an upholstery removal tool from AutoZone or Pep Boys. They look somewhat like a prybar with forked ends. Slip these on and carefully lever on side, go around a little, lever, go around a little, lever, until the pin is reasonably released. Once it's about 1/4" out, then you can pry it lose. If you wanna know how these fasteners (pins) look like, check out Mazdatrix's instructions: http://www.mazdatrix.com/faqrx8/exhfinish.htm

How to deal with the wedge tabs:
Make sure you have removed the two pull-out fasteners first.
The wedge tabs anchor (lock) toward the outside periphery. In other words, a wedge tab on top of the shroud will be clipped on top, not the bottom. Too see how a wedge tab looks like, see Mazdatrix's instructions (http://www.mazdatrix.com/faqrx8/exhfinish.htm). To release a wedge tab, gently pry the shroud with your hand starting at point 3 in the attached photo. You'll get a glimpse of the tab between the crack. Insert a flat screwdriver to push down on the wedge anchor while simultaneously pulling on the shroud. The tab will release almost effortlessly. Continue in the number order shown on the photo. The last tab is a bit tricky. Whatever you do, don't force it. Gently jiggle around and pull the shroud while pushing the wedge with a screwdriver until you get it to release.

Continue with exhaust finisher install as outlined in Mazdatrix's instructions.

Hope this helps the newbies.