How To Modify an Exhaust
Upgrading your car's stock exhaust system will increase the engine's horsepower while giving your car a customized sound. Modified exhaust systems incorporate a larger diameter pipe as well as freer-flowing exhaust system components. Increased exhaust flow lets the engine breathe more efficiently, improving both horsepower output and fuel mileage. Modified exhausts can be purchased as partial or complete aftermarket systems. Alternatively, you can often save money by having a custom exhaust fabricated by an exhaust shop.
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Things You'll Need
- Upgraded exhaust system
- Exhaust gaskets
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
- Open-end wrench
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
Instructions
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1
Raise the side of your vehicle with a floor jack. For convenience, raise the side of the vehicle that the stock exhaust is routed down, which is typically the same side as the muffler exit. Support the chassis on jack stands.
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2
Unbolt the stock muffler and axle-back exhaust piping from the exhaust system. Each exhaust segment is secured by two exhaust flange bolts. There are also various metal rods throughout the exhaust system that are secured to the vehicle's underside with rubber hangers. Unhook the muffler's rubber hangers, and lift it free of the exhaust system.
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3
Remove the rest of the after-cat exhaust system. This can be done by unbolting all exhaust flanges and removing all rubber hangers. If you are replacing the stock catalytic converter with a high-flow unit, use an open-end wrench to remove the O2 sensor connections from the catalytic converter. Unbolt and remove the catalytic converter from its exhaust flange.
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4
Transfer the stock rubber hangers onto your modified exhaust system it it did not come stock with its own hangers. Install the modified exhaust in place of the stock system by the opposite procedure of removal. Be sure to install new exhaust gaskets to avoid exhaust leaks at the flange connections. Keep all exhaust flange bolts loose until the full exhaust system is hung. This allows for slight adjustment of the exhaust piping positions. Once your modified exhaust is positioned correctly and all rubber hangers are secured, tighten down all of the exhaust flange bolts.
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