STAGE 2 Install How-To w/pics

[def]

Hehe, got it installed and took it around for a 30 min drive. This thing is LOUD!!!! I can see why people thought it was too loud and a little "ricey" at first. How much does it smooth out after 1-2k miles?

Love it though... 2nd cam screams! Also deep from 3-5k which I expected. Lots of smell and a little white smoke coming out at first, I let it idle for 15 minutes while the parts got warmed for the first time and ECU adjusted (if it does at all). Could have also been some WD40 burning off. Took 1.5 hours, I'm shocked it went so fast, but a friend helped me, who also has a powertool compressor.

The old exhast wouldnt be 'hit' off, but I started twisting and pulling and it slowly came off as my buddy held onto the cat. I didn't lift the car onto ramps, but didn't think it slwoed anything down. Some of the compartments are tight in there, and getting some of the bolts off/on (ie top ones on access panel) can be a lengthy process... just takes patience.

[Toad]

def,

What did you use the cut the diffuser. Did you use a dremel? What attachment?

Jeff

[def]

I just did my 15k and got new tires this week, I had the local shop do it who was also performing 15k (owner of shop owns an elise). I gave him the template and he did it...
I don't have the tools to do it, and if I did, I'd probably mess something up since it would be my first attempt.
He used the 115% template but also went wide he said. I think the hole is bigger than Wayne's by a decent amount, but it still looks fine. I'll try to get some picts later.

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by waydui

Actually WD-40 IS flammable, but it has a high flash point and needs a spark or flame to ignite it. WD-40 is essentially kerosene.

WD-40 on a hot manifold or exhaust will just smoke until it all burns off.

DO NOT put an open flame to WD-40 or you will have a fire.

FWIW, I use PB Blaster and like it better than WD-40.

Regards,
Wayne

thanks.

[def]

Here are the picts I promised. Using the 115% enlarged template and then cutting a little "wide" on top of that does make it look a little bigger than Wayne's. You really have to get under the car to even notice the hole is bigger than stock, though. Looks great!

It really is a sweet tune in the 2nd cams, especially in underpasses. But, I can see why some say it sounds a little "ricey" at very low RPMs, and drones a little when slightly accelerating, but this does not bother me, I just love it!
It makes it a different car, to anyone who is considering getting rid of their stock exhaust for something louder... DO IT!

And now, it's time to be like those Arqray threads (they don't get to have ALL the fun)

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[Toad]

Hey guys did you have to adjust the exhaust afterwards? Mine occassionally makes a very loud rumble; looks like its vibrating against the diffuser even though the tips aren't touching anything. Jeff

[def]

I haven't had that happen or heard of it... Did you tighten the hangers down enough? I used the stock clamp, but I don't think I had much overlapping pipe from the cat. I centered the exhaust, and I don't think I could have gone any more to the right, or there would be a hole/leak. (does that make sense?) I was worried, but all is well here. I may go back in a few weeks and make sure everything is still tight.

The exhaust probably does rattle/move some during use, so if it's very close to the diffuser, I guess it could vibrate against it? You should post a pict of how close it is... or maybe take the diffuser off and see if something else is causing the rattle?

[ItaliaTib2k3]

quick question...how exactly do you loosen the hanger bolts on the driver's side? These are the ones that can't be seen without sticking your head up where the muffler is, right?

[def]

Should just slide out of the driver side, I didn't have to loosen any of mine after loosening the passenger ones.

Make sure it doesn't land on you

[ItaliaTib2k3]

Yea, I just pulled back on the black plastic part (that attaches to the diffuser) and managed to loosen the bolts enough. Got the exhaust out!

[shay2nak]

I had to loosen mine. The easiest way to do it would probably be through the rear driver's side tire. I was messing around with the air filter and I noticed I had easy access to the hanger bolts there.

[GregL]

Can someone tell me what size t-clamp I need.
I need to pick one up on the way home from sork and I don't have car with me so I can't measure pipe.


Thanks

[waydui]

Originally Posted by GregL

Can someone tell me what size t-clamp I need.
I need to pick one up on the way home from sork and I don't have car with me so I can't measure pipe.


Thanks

Hi Greg,

I used a 2-1/2 inch clamp for the exhaust to cat fitting.

Here is the link to the specific clamp I got: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

Good luck with the install.

BTW, I love the Stage 2. Sounds great!!

Wayne

[Ravenbk]

Wayne, got to thank you for your very clear and detailed instructions. Just got a Larini sports exhaust and used your instructions.... worked perfectly, thank you Sir.

Loved the whole experience of doing something myself on the car (im not that mechanically inclined.. so its a big thing for me)

Sounds great and looks great too!

Question, on your car, i see that the tips are pointing downwards, is this because of the type of exhaust you have or just personal choice?

cheers
Raven

[waydui]

Originally Posted by Ravenbk

Wayne, got to thank you for your very clear and detailed instructions. Just got a Larini sports exhaust and used your instructions.... worked perfectly, thank you Sir.

Glad it worked out for you. It's really not that hard, just takes some patience.

Originally Posted by Ravenbk

Question, on your car, i see that the tips are pointing downwards, is this because of the type of exhaust you have or just personal choice?

Raven,
I put in a Stage II exhaust and the tips are shorter and face more downwards than the OEM exhaust. Most Stage IIs I have seen have the same downward position. When I installed the exhaust that seemd to be the "natural" position for the exhaust.

Enjoy your new exhaust!

Regards,
Wayne

[Vampyre]

Wayne,
Great write up and pictures, thanks!!!

[Z-dculus]

bump.
can someone email me the template at 1:1 on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper?
i dont' have it.....and i'm putting my exhaust on this afternoon. do you HAVE to cut out the diffuser? it looks like it will fit without modifying it at all...

[exarkun1178]

try calling S&S they have a template, maybe they can fax it to you?

[Z-dculus]

Originally Posted by exarkun1178

try calling S&S they have a template, maybe they can fax it to you?

thansk rob i think there's a link in this thread for it. i just missed it.

regarding S&S: I called them to talk about that situation i mentioned to you via P.M. I'll PM you with the details later, as i'm in the middle of the stage II install lol.

[Z-dculus]

nm i need a 1:1
anyone have one! pm me as soon as you can!