[Vishus_1]

I just posted this in another thread and wanted to add to Waynes great write up for everyone's reference...

I literally just finished putting the stage 2 on my S. It didn't go like my previous N/A Exige.

First of all, I can confirm that the diffuser does not need to be cut on the S. It is close but if everything is lined up and centered, it fits.

I did run into an unexpected glitch that I wasn't aware of or ever heard anyone here mention before...there is some extra shielding on the drivers side. It goes around the curve of the pipe, just after the converter, where the oxygen sensor plugs in. The are 4 small threaded bolds - but even when you get those out - you still have to take out the o2 sensor.

I removed those bolts so it was loose and could get my hand to it from underneath. Because I didn't take out the o2 sensor - I worked around this the entire time. I couldn't use a swivel socket because there wasn't any clearance between the shielding and the drivers hanger. I was able to just reach in there with the shielding loose to use a very small ratchet I have. Once I got them loose - I just slid the exhaust brace into the hanger (after pounding repeatedly with a rubber mallet).

This S took me over 2 hours because it was tricky to get around that shielding and loosen the hanger on the drivers side. It was also a PITA to get those tiny screws back into that shielding once I was done. It's hard to decribe but it was not as simple to line it back up once I took those screws out. I have read where some say the drivers side hangers dont need to be loosened - but I haven't been successful with that approach. I admit I can get one off without loosening - but those rubber bushings are just too tight to try to force a new one back in without loosening the hanger. I don't know - maybe it's me.

As I mentioned before, I put one of these stage 2 on my N/A Exige and it was pretty simple. It probably took me about an hour to take off the original and put on the stage 2. It took me less time when I took it off and put the stock exhaust back on before I traded it.

Sorry - I would have taken pictures if I realized I was in for something different this time - I just wasn't expecting that.

So heads up to those with S's who are going to put the Stage 2 on themself - in some ways it is easier (no diffuser cutting) but in some ways it is a little more difficult (accessing the drivers side hanger). Regadless - I feel the effort was worth it - I just love the way these pop and bumble - sooooo much better than stock. And I do not detect any power difference - better or worse.

And BTW - Imolas54 - what is your secret to getting the new one to slide in if you don't loosen the drivers side hanger?