So after browsing the forum and reading up on this exhaust I've heard that I may need to trim it a little bit. Is that the case or does it work fine without it. Also if that's the case should I just buy a dremel? I get it tomorrow and since I'm impatient I'm just doing it after work as opposed to waiting until the weekend. I want to make sure I have all the tools required so I don'the run into any hiccups. I have metric sockets and all that. I figure I'll use wd40 for the hangers with channel locks to get them off. If I cut the exhaust I assume I would need to grind it as well. Also is there anything I should seal the prices together with when assembling the exhaust or is what they provide enough? Also how do you guys like it? I'm doing this now then a catless DP right before the tune.

 

I didn't need to do any trimming. The only modification I did was remove the plate that bridges the exhaust channel under the car. It kept rattling against that and I just didn't want to deal with cutting it. You probably won't need channel locks for the rubber hangers either, just use your hands and WD40. Only tools you definitely need are 17 mm socket (for the V band clamp), jack and jackstands (or ramps is you are using ramps).

 

On some, the flange where it connects to the downpipe needs to be trimmed. I had to trim mine a bit. But I used a cut-off wheel in a miter saw. That stainless steel is pretty thick and tough - you may not be able to get through it with a Dremel (or want to spend the time and effort burning up tiny cut-off wheels).

Eric

 

Hey guys thanks for the input! Hopefully I'll be able to get it not to rattle. I plan on using jack and stands instead of ramps. How long did it take you guys to install? Also was the longer part of the down pipe connection a know issue that's been fixed? I don't have those tools nor do I really plan on purchasing them. Hopefully they know it's been an issue and have resolved it. Was it pretty easy to keeps the tips from touching the bumper? Also what is the best place to jack it up in the rear?

 

This post shows the issue, and mine was the same way. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ll-on-r56.html I bought the system new about 3 months ago, so the issue has not been resolved. It took me about 30-40 minutes to install, but I think that 1 hour is a safe estimate. You will have to play with your center connection to space the tips just right - sliding more of the back section over the slip fit will space the tips away from the bumper more. Here is a post with my install - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ne-solved.html

Eric

 

Thanks for the help. Is that one post he says he accomplished it with a dremel. So my question is what is the most cost effective way to be prepared for trimming the exhaust if the need arises? Also what is the cost of the tool approximately?

 

Well, if he did it with a Dremel, he probably wasn't happy while he was doing it. Most cost effective? I dunno - I always go for things that make the work easy, quick and precise. If you don't have a chop saw or don't have a buddy with a chop saw I would mark the cut line and bring it to a muffler shop. They will probably cut it for you for $5 or less. It is literally a 2 second process to line it up and drop the handle. With a Dremel you will be there for 1/2 an hour or longer burning up tiny cut-off wheels, making jagged little cuts, getting sprayed with bits of stainless and cut-off wheel, and learning new swear words.

Eric

 

Hahaha well my swear word vocabulary is pretty large already. I'm going to take your advice in this regard and just take it to my job I guess. Only thing is I won't know if I need it cut until I take off the old one and compare it with the new one. Then I'll have to put the car back together to take it apart again. Oh the things I do for my baby and to save money by installing it myself lol.

 

You might be able to get away with a hacksaw as long as you let the saw do the work and don't press down on it too hard. It will take a while though. Or get a muffler shop to do it like Gipper said.

 

Alright so i have a question again. There seemed to be a gasket in the downpipe. Was i supposed to take that out or is it fine in there? Also i didn't have to trim it but clamping the exhaust to the downpipe was a pain. Also The tips aren't touching the bumper but they are damn close. Should i be worried about that melting?

 

Leave the gasket in or you risk the exhaust leaking at that joint.

My tips are touching the bumper valence and I shoot flames. No melting. It's pretty tough ABS.

 

Well the only problem is it got a little mangled while i was working on it. I had a hard time spreading the clamp over both of them. I don't think it its leaking but i don't know. Maybe ill have to take it to a shop and get another gasket. I do not want to deal with that damn clamp again haha. The gasket is in there though but some of the tabs got messed up in the process. Also how do you spit flames? I want to do that! Provided it's not bad for the car.

 

Alright so I have another question. This Q300 rattles bad on what I assume is that peice of metal that connects both sidesides of the exhaust cutout. Oddly though it only does it when the car first starts driving then it goes away. I assume it's the force of the engine moving that pushes it away a little bit. I don't really have any more room for adjustability with this system. What can I do to help alleviate this problem. I'm think of just paying a shop to take a look.

 

Remove the plate that runs across the tunnel. 6 bolts. You will never miss it. I removed mine and I didn't notice any differences.

Eric

 

What is that thing even for? I would like to keep it if possible. I'd imagine it has a purpose. Although on the other hand that's a weight reduction lol. I'll have to tinker with it. I have had it rattle this bad but the past two day it's really bad for the first 5 minutes of driving then I can't hear it at all. Even going over bumps it won't rattle after that first 5 minutes. What is the peice called?

 

Remove it and drive around - you won't notice a difference except for no rattling.

Eric

 

As far as I know it's there to keep the exhaust from dropping if it comes off the mounts or breaks. It's definitely not structural. Just ditch it.