Things to know for installing new exhaust?

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crazy_canuck999

Founding Member

Nov 9, 2002

137

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17

Victoria, BC, Canada

Jun 23, 2004

#1

• Jun 23, 2004

• #1

Well, on thursday me and a buddy are going to be installing the new exhaust on my 1990 LX. We're putting in BBK unequal shorties, BBK O/R H-pipe, and Flowmaster A/T catback. I've already got a good set of copper header gaskets for the header install, and some spark plug loom to make sure that the wires will be out of the way of the new headers. Is there anything to check while this stuff is off, I'm thinking check o2 sensors for sure, anything else? After the install, what type of testing/break in should be done? I think I've read that having no cats will effect the computer right after the install, is this true? Any advice/tips from you guys is appreciated, or if you have a good site or 2, post em up here.

 

Ourobos

Member

Apr 12, 2004

260

1

17

Jun 23, 2004

#2

• Jun 23, 2004

• #2

Give the computer several hours to readjust (a few days driving). Maybe the O2 sensors are still good, I know they are expensive, don't worry if you dont have a MIL now. Enjoy em..

 

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crazy_canuck999

Founding Member

Nov 9, 2002

137

0

17

Victoria, BC, Canada

Jun 23, 2004

#3

• Jun 23, 2004

• #3

yea, I was just saying I'm going to check the o2's for sure, not actually replace them, unless needed.

 

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hbk_136

New Member

Feb 28, 2004

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Southeastern GA

Jun 23, 2004

#4

• Jun 23, 2004

• #4

hey ourubos, check your pm inbox, i asked you a question.

 

88stangmangt

Active Member

Nov 25, 2003

2,332

1

48

Stafford,VA

Jun 23, 2004

#5

• Jun 23, 2004

• #5

crazy_canuck999 said:

Well, on thursday me and a buddy are going to be installing the new exhaust on my 1990 LX. We're putting in BBK unequal shorties, BBK O/R H-pipe, and Flowmaster A/T catback. I've already got a good set of copper header gaskets for the header install, and some spark plug loom to make sure that the wires will be out of the way of the new headers. Is there anything to check while this stuff is off, I'm thinking check o2 sensors for sure, anything else? After the install, what type of testing/break in should be done? I think I've read that having no cats will effect the computer right after the install, is this true? Any advice/tips from you guys is appreciated, or if you have a good site or 2, post em up here.

Click to expand...

no cats wont effect the computer because you only have 2 cats and 2 o2 sensors before the cats and the comp wont know but other than that make sure you scrape the block with a razor to get the carbon and junk off of it first or you wont get a flat surface and have a exhaust leak.

 

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crazy_canuck999

Founding Member

Nov 9, 2002

137

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17

Victoria, BC, Canada

Jun 23, 2004

#6

• Jun 23, 2004

• #6

I believe there is 4 cats?

 

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crazy_canuck999

Founding Member

Nov 9, 2002

137

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17

Victoria, BC, Canada

Jun 23, 2004

#7

• Jun 23, 2004

• #7

anything else to know, or am I all set?

 

Whytry91

New Member

Nov 26, 2002

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Morrisville, NC

Jun 23, 2004

#8

• Jun 23, 2004

• #8

Make sure you have a couple of socket extensions, one of those swivel things for the socket to get at the header/h-pipe connection. If you can lube all the bolts and hangers with some good penetrating oil a day before the install it will save a lot of time. if you are not going to use your current cat-back any longer, cut off the pipes just over the axle for easier removal. You'll probably need a hacksaw for the metal tube the goes to the H-pipe from the smog system. Label your spark plug wires, when you remove them to make your life easier. you may need to remove the spark plug on the drivers side closest to the firewall. And you may have to remove your dipstick.

PM me if you have any other questions

 

88stangmangt

Active Member

Nov 25, 2003

2,332

1

48

Stafford,VA

Jun 23, 2004

#9

• Jun 23, 2004

• #9

crazy_canuck999 said:

I believe there is 4 cats?

Click to expand...

nope................ 2 are pre-heaters 2 are cats..................

 

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crazy_canuck999

Founding Member

Nov 9, 2002

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17

Victoria, BC, Canada

Jun 26, 2004

#10

• Jun 26, 2004

• #10

Do the stock headers use studs and nuts, or header bolts like the ones that come with the new headers? When installing the new header bolts, should I put on some type of thread-lock type product on them? If so, what works well?

 

ironmedic

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Mar 18, 2003

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Puyallup, WA

Jun 26, 2004

#11

• Jun 26, 2004

• #11

they all use studs and nuts. use a very long extension with 3/4 in socket and take them out. you will need a uni-wiggle for at least one of them but if you are slick, you can get away without needing one. i know i didnt need one.

 

ironmedic

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Mar 18, 2003

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Puyallup, WA

Jun 26, 2004

#12

• Jun 26, 2004

• #12

OOPS wait, the ends of them use studs and nuts (to mount to the H-pipe) but the headers themselves use header bolts. i HIGHLY recommend u use stage 8 locking bolts!

 

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SmockDoiley

New Member

Jun 14, 2003

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San Diego, CA

Jun 26, 2004

#13

• Jun 26, 2004

• #13

Be prepared to replace the rubber pucks. If they are the original ones they may be toast. Most parts stores wont have those rubber hangers but a muffler or mustang speed shop should. In any case, it may require some persuasion to get them onto the new stuff and I recommend some oil in the holes. If you are reusing the old stuff, you shouldnt have a problem but better get new so the exhaust sits tighter and closer to the undercarriage. Also, with any mod, give the computer some time to adjust. You may be disappointed with the results at first but once the comp figures it out, itll seem stronger.

 

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SmockDoiley

New Member

Jun 14, 2003

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San Diego, CA

Jun 26, 2004

#14

• Jun 26, 2004

• #14

Oh yeah, this may seem obvious, but dont tighten everything down until its all in and you have adjusted everything. This is critical to kill leaks and get the tips straight and even.

 

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gutlessTahoe

New Member

Apr 19, 2004

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Port Angeles, WA

Jun 26, 2004

#15

• Jun 26, 2004

• #15

watch the spacing between the driveshaft and the bracket for the fuel lines. We had to cut the bracket off and put them up higher in order to get my Magnaflow kit to miss the driveline.