How hard would it be to install an exhaust system for a noob to exhaust?
06-19-2009, 01:27 AM
#1
How hard would it be to install an exhaust system for a noob to exhaust?
So I'm fairly handy, but know absolutely nothing about exhaust systems. So I'm wondering, how difficult is it to install an exhaust system? Do you think someone who knows their way around most stuff, just not this in specific could do it? Would I need an extra person?
I find using a long pry bar works well...and a shot of WD40 in the hole the hangers go through helps too
06-19-2009, 04:59 AM
#8
I always use regular dish soap to lubricate the hanger and grommet.
I can usually get them off without any extra tools this way.
If you're doing this alone (or even if not), use a jack under the muffler to support the cat-back while you remove the grommets and the nuts on the flange.
You can slide the cat-back out (towards the front) without removing the shrouds, but it requires you to have the car raised high enough to angle the cat-back down enough to clear everything.
I can usually get them off without any extra tools this way.
If you're doing this alone (or even if not), use a jack under the muffler to support the cat-back while you remove the grommets and the nuts on the flange.
You can slide the cat-back out (towards the front) without removing the shrouds, but it requires you to have the car raised high enough to angle the cat-back down enough to clear everything.
06-19-2009, 06:39 AM
#9
The rubber doughnuts look like.. well... rubber doughnuts. Think of them as the cat-back exhaust's own little suspension system. As others have said it's an easy, but dirty, job and you need as much ground clearance as you can get (good jack stands or Rhino ramps). Of course a shop lift or dugout is best but on this relatively small vehicle it can certainly be done on stands/ramps. A little WD-40 on the flange nuts serves as a penetrating fluid to help get them off. Good suggestion to use a jack under the exhaust to take the weight. It's not very heavy but awkward given the space confines.
06-19-2009, 09:14 AM
#10
RotorHeads Unite!
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Once you look at the new exhaust and look under the car at the old one, you will se what you need to take off to get to the exhaust (support beams, theres 2 of em) after that, its just unbolt the old, bolt on the new. Some tips: Get the car as high as you can, using a lift is the best. Make sure you tighten everything down tighly, use all the seals and gaskets they give you, there should be 3 for most rx8 exhaust systems (full exhaust). Installing the RB Catless Mid pipe and RB catback exhaust only took me and a buddy a few hours, and we were doing more drinking then working.
06-19-2009, 11:26 AM
#11
My Next Question
Thanks for the advice so far!
Now, I want to actually find out what exhaust I want. I don't want it to sound ricey.... at all. I almost don't want ti noticible at low revs. But once it gets up I want it loud enough for people around me to go, damn thats a nice car. I want it to be smooth, and have a low sound... think like a luxury car. You don't hear them when they first take off, but when they floor it, everyone turns.
Now, I want to actually find out what exhaust I want. I don't want it to sound ricey.... at all. I almost don't want ti noticible at low revs. But once it gets up I want it loud enough for people around me to go, damn thats a nice car. I want it to be smooth, and have a low sound... think like a luxury car. You don't hear them when they first take off, but when they floor it, everyone turns.
07-07-2009, 08:50 AM
#16
The Black Pearl
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I currently am running the Borla setup. It has a deep rumble at low RPMs, but gets louder quickly when getting on it. Couple that with a CAI and you have a car that sounds like it eats ricers. But like Rx8 rotory Noobie says, the Racing Beat sounds very nice as well.
11-03-2009, 12:54 PM
#18
Rotary Addict
When I did my Racing Beat exhaust install, I started towards the front of the car and worked back removing the hangers from the rubber holders. I got some silicone gun oil in an aerosol can and blasted the hangers with that and they slid right off with very little prying needed. I recommend silicone oil or WD-40. Makes the job go that much quicker.
11-03-2009, 03:30 PM
#21
Not for an extended period of time, but when I was installing my midpipe and AP catback, I ran the car on straight headers for a few minutes. I couldn't resist. Talk about beautifully loud!! Shot some sweet flames too.
To the OP: When choosing an exhaust, everyone has their own preference. Your best bet is to go to a local meet and check out other peoples setups. Then you can decide for yourself what sounds best to you. IMO, AP has the most drastic change from low RPM to high RPM. When I am cruising I don't even notice it, but when I get on her, she screams "Look at how much torque I have"!!!!
11-03-2009, 03:41 PM
#22
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To the OP: When choosing an exhaust, everyone has their own preference. Your best bet is to go to a local meet and check out other peoples setups. Then you can decide for yourself what sounds best to you. IMO, AP has the most drastic change from low RPM to high RPM. When I am cruising I don't even notice it, but when I get on her, she screams "Look at how much torque I wish I had"!!!!
11-03-2009, 05:36 PM
#25
First I backed the car up on ramps. Next, unbolted the OEM catback from the midpipe. Second, I removed the shrouds so as not to damage them. Then, I used two large screw drivers, one medium sized screw driver, and a lot of WD-40 to get the muffler out of the four rubber hangers. When I did it by myself, I used a jack to support the muffler. When I did Leshil's, I had him hold up the one side of the muffler after I released it from the hangers as I was taking out the other side. Then lastly, I pulled the last hanger bar (or whatever you call it) out the rubber hanger that supports the pipe between the muffler and cat. Then reverse for install.