JKM

I've got a Racing Beat catback exhaust heading my way this week from Mazdatrix for my 91 NA, but I havern't really thought too much about how exactly I'm going to get it on my car. I've read several posts about it being easy to install, although for some people installing an engine is easy. I'm learning, but I'm far from an experienced mechanic at this point.

I've done simple tune-up and parts swaps myself (brake pads, spark plugs, 02 sensor, put in a cone filter etc) but there are some things that you leave to the pros, like when I had to have my clutch replaced. I'm constantly learning, I knew nothing about cars a year ago, and I'm trying to eventually reach the point where I can do my own rebuilds.

I wouldn't mind giving it a go myself, but I don't want to start something I can't finish without professional help. So what do you guys think about it? Also, are there any special tools needed? I poked around a bit and it doesn't look like I need anything special, although it could be a pain installing large pieces of stainless steel without someone else around to give me a hand.

Exhaust is completely stock right now-just going to hook this up to the factory cat and throw out the rusted y-pipe and mufflers. A high-flow cat will go in a little later.

totallimmortal

its only a few bolts, I've taken mine on and off a few times to work on things and with air tool can get it off in like 1 minute, and about 5 to put it back on. It might be helpfull to have some1 there as an extra set of hands

$150FC

Once you jack the car up, it should be pretty easy.

There are two things you may have difficulty with.

- Old rusty nuts may be hard to break loose. (WD-40 or some other penetrant will help that.)
- The rubber hangers under the bumper are usually a pretty tight fit. Might take some oomph.

Other than that you should be fine. The actual catback pieces are not that heavy.

94rx7TTNJ

Just watch out for the rust in the eye from the old system

torean

spray some PB blaster..let it sit then spray some more....if u cant get the bolts off urself...might be a good idea to head to the pros and have the zap those rusty bolts off....i had to heat the bolts so they unscrew....

Mr. Gadget

if its real rusty, drive over to your local muffler shop, give them 10.00 to cut it off and drive home (it will be loud) then once it cools, its like a 30 minute job. Be careful when you use a prybar to install the donuts. I know a one eyed guy who wasn't

MAX-IMAL

Do it yourself, and start learning.

cluosborne

There's a writeup that I posted a few years ago on the installation of this very exhaust system. Just search for the thread using the words Racing Beat Write-up.

You can do it yourself.

DEZERTE

Yes, do it yourself.. wear eye protection though, i seriously have go so much **** in my eyes from working under my car its not even cool. I always wear it now

Icemark

wear eye protection (I/E safety glasses), as things (that you may not want in your eyes) can drop into your eyes very easily when you are under the car.

SkaterAJR

Yeah its real easy, i helped my friend put his Apexi exhaust on his eclipse, just be carful and if u dont have airtools make sure to secure the car real well when its jacked up so that when your wrenchen those bults the car dosent fall on u.
But let me know how you like the Racing Beat exhaust because im going to buy exhaust son and I dont no weather to get Racing Beat or Apexi

JKM

Nice, I may actually try this now. I just have to go buy a set of jackstands, and a couple of new donut hangers.

When I looked at the bolts there was a little rust, but not as much as you'd expect on a car this old. I'd imagine that with a little lubrication it won't be as difficult to remove as the 02 sensor since I can actually get some leverage, and can easily squirt it. I'll just be careful not to actually rip them off.

DEZERTE

Yes! I support the car VERY well. Id rather be made fun of by my friends for putting four-2ton jacks on my car rather than be crushed.

JKM

Yes, I completely agree, I get very nervous working under a car using jackstands, I'll probably do the same thing and put on four jackstands, just to be safe.

cluosborne, your writeup is very helpful. I had actually read it before when I was first doing my exhaust research, but I had forgotten about it. I'll make sure to print it out when I go do the job.

nonameo

Put the car up on ramps. ramps = stable. You can even jack the car up and put all 4 tires over ramps if you want.

Mr. Gadget

your pro lift jack stand is in the WRONG SPOT

DEZERTE

I dont care, the orange ones are supporting the car, if the car falls for some stupid reason, ill be safe anyway.
if i shove the car, it wont move at all

ddub

Very good advice, I just wish I took it once in a while. I always forget to put safety glasses on, and sure enough **** always falls right into my eyes

ddub

Where jack stands "supposed" to go anyways?

DEZERTE

i shot myself in the eyes with clutch fluid the other day, i learned my lesson

Fritz_X

iTrader: (1)

Umm isn't clutch fluid basically the same as brake fluid? Doesn't brake fluid strip the paint off metal? That can't have been fun.

--Fritz

cds00bsmg

iTrader: (1)

as stated, wear eye protection. I would also reccomend getting a set of new exhaust gaskets, and a high temp. silicone to also help seal the exhaust. I'm a lazy guy, so I use air tools to un-bolt and re-bolt my exhaust system. The rubber hangers are kind of a pain in the **** too, so you may need to replace one or more of those. Its not too hard of a job, and while your under there, you can check for anything else that might need maintained or lube'd

JKM

I believe the gaskets come in the kit, I'll double check. I was planning on getting new rubber hangers anyway and just cutting the old ones off, they are pretty brittle and dried now.

The exhaust just came today by UPS...hee hee.

Forcus

Well, not on the pinch welds.

I either put the jacks under the suspension pivot points or under the subframe/unibody frame rail.

But for what the original poster was talking about, it would catch the car in a fall... more important than having straight pinch welds

91_fc

do it yourself! it took me and a few buddies about 4 hours to do because we ran into some probs but it was alot of fun to do. you'll have fun doing it and when you do stuff yourself you learn and save money. plus you get that added satisfaction and pride that you did it yourself. i really hate letting other people do stuff for me because they don't do as good a job. nobody cares more about your car than you. guys that work at shops dont give a ***.