350z cat back on my QX4 plus new video

[drnkirishm]

So my stock exhaust rusted so I ripped it out and did a custom set up. I picked up an ebay muffler from craigslist on the cheap and had low cost exhaust in Langhorne Pa install it with a custom y pipe. $162 for labor, $150 for the cat back. I tried to get the resonators cut out but it turns out they are actually cats so no go on that. I may rip them out myself soon but I'm just too busy right now. In the video I'm blowing some blue smoke, just cleaned the throttle body.

Had to ditch the spare tire but I have a tire plug kit and a pump. If it's that bad I have AAA roadside service with unlimited towing.

I also did the electric fan conversion. Ebay again, $24.99 each shipped. 1550 cfm's each, so plenty of pull. Picked up a thermostate from Jegs for like $20, pretty easy once I pulled the stock fan and shroud. Changed the belts while I had everything apart, plus changed the spark plugs for denso iridiums. She feels more responsive now! Looking into making my own cold air intake with an AEM dry flow filter in the fender well. Enjoy the pics and videos...I'll get a take off vid this week.







http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/d ... D00072.mp4

http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/d ... D00073.mp4

Okay here's the takeoff and fly by video...it was a little windy and crouded today
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/d ... D00075.mp4

[01silvapathy]

Curious to hear the fly by's...but props for trying something new dude

[drnkirishm]

Thanks! I'll try to get more video this week if the weather cooperates...

Off topic I noticed the boot on my drivers side axle split and grease is all over. Anyone ever use the zip replacement boots? I really don't want to pull it all apart.

[2 Coupes]

That is soooo crazy. Im also kind of pissed at myself I waned to be the first. I have had a g35 exhaust sitting in my garage for a year and have not gotten it installed. I was hoping to have it sound more like a g35 or 350z considering it is the same engine, but from your video you hear more engine noise then anything. Good coverage though.

[drnkirishm]

I was surprised it didn't sound like the 350z. It's gotta be the 2nd set of cats "resonators" holding back. I need to get some test pipes fabbed up and see. All the 3.5 altima's on you tube sound like 350/g35's!

[01silvapathy]

A few have removed the secondary cats per say but have had no issues with it

[drnkirishm]

I'm not worried about any "issues" with removing the 2nd cats because they're not monitored by sensors. The shop just wouldn't do it due to the EPA. Are the cats still worth money? I know certain "precious metals" were in them and worth some coin...

[Pwnin O'Brien]

They aren't catalytic converters; they don't contain any precious metals and they are only for resonance suppression. They can be removed without any issues and removal will not trip any DTC codes. At first glance they appear to be cats, however upon internal inspection you will find that they are only baffled boxes.

[GRNMACHINE]

Dig it. Like the duals. Would like to hear it as well.

[ottofalcon]

envy!!
I want to install the fx35 exhaust on my qx4!!

[drnkirishm]

They aren't catalytic converters; they don't contain any precious metals and they are only for resonance suppression. They can be removed without any issues and removal will not trip any DTC codes. At first glance they appear to be cats, however upon internal inspection you will find that they are only baffled boxes.

That's what told the exhaust guy so he cut the pipe and showed me the inside and it was the honeycomb looking material, I was shocked to see it! I've seen cats before and it looked just like a cat to me. So he welded the pipe back up and sent me on my way.

[drnkirishm]

envy!!
I want to install the fx35 exhaust on my qx4!!

It was actually pretty easy, I mounted the muffler myself out back of my house. Had to remove all the spare tire hardware and the drivers side towing bracket to make clearance for the inlet pipe. I was able to re-use one of the original hangers but had to buy two universal hangers and mount them but had the exhaust shop tack weld them for strength. I drove up to the shop with it already mounted where I wanted it but they made some minor adjustments so it wouldn't hit the frame. I'll post pics of the test fit.

[ottofalcon]

the thing is that i have a 98 so im not sure if it going to be worth it, dont know if the 3.3 will sound as nice.

Great job!

[drnkirishm]

the thing is that i have a 98 so im not sure if it going to be worth it, dont know if the 3.3 will sound as nice.

Great job!

Thanks!

Yeah not sure how the VG33 would sound...you can maybe look on you tube to hear the older xterra's with the VG333 engine exhaust note.

[K03sport]

It looks nice, but it also looks out of place. Any plans on painting it black?

I noticed you straight-piped it back to the muffler. Let us know if you experience any droning isses and if so, at what load % and what rpm.

Is the new sound noticable from inside, in the driver's seat? Kudos to your effort.

Someone mentioned it not sounding like a 350Z. Does the PF VQ have the same firing order as the one in the Z? I doubt our different intake plenum has anything to do with the exhaust sound, but firing order might.

[drnkirishm]

It looks nice, but it also looks out of place. Any plans on painting it black?

I noticed you straight-piped it back to the muffler. Let us know if you experience any droning isses and if so, at what load % and what rpm.

Is the new sound noticable from inside, in the driver's seat? Kudos to your effort.

Someone mentioned it not sounding like a 350Z. Does the PF VQ have the same firing order as the one in the Z? I doubt our different intake plenum has anything to do with the exhaust sound, but firing order might.

It's different I know, you don't see that everyday. I didn't even think about painting it, I was trying to find a stock fx35 or 350z muffler but ran across this one.

No drone inside, barely notice it on the highway. Radio drowns it out. You can hear it from the drivers seat, I'll try to take a video and see if it even registers the sound.

As for sounding like a 350 I was told the exhaust manifolds have a lot to do with their sound. They look longer in the pictures I've seen. I think the firing order is the same on all vq35de engines. Intake is more open on the 350z as well.

[drnkirishm]

Here's a quick interior sound video...95 was a parking lot so no highway cruising until after work.

http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/d ... D00076.mp4

[Finkle]

Just curious to see if you are still happy with this setup?

[drnkirishm]

Yeah I'm still happy. Sounds a little better now...almost like it broke in but it was a used muffler. My buddies say I'm crazy for ditching the spare tire but it doesn't bother me.

[Finkle]

I guess you can carry fix a flat, lol. I like it. If I can find a used one I'll do it too. I'll carry my spare in a roof basket.

[fastpathy35]

They won't sound just like a 350z the intake plenum is different, the heads are different along with the cams and tuning. It's the same base engine but made for a different purpose. I'm not complaining I think they still sound very good for a v6.

[drnkirishm]

I have her up for sale over in the classified section if anyone is interested. Had another kid so I need to get somehting bigger...back seat is tight with three car seats.

[djstraightgoodz]

Hello,

I currently bought a full 350Z catback exhaust for my 2002 Nissan Pathfinder LE. I'm just wondering if the o2 sensors will work? Also, have you noticed any performance difference? Is there anything other than the hangers that I will need?

Thank you,
Dillon

[drnkirishm]

I believe the o2 is before the cat...not sure its been a while since I had the qx4. You will have to make custom hangers and also lose the spare tire. Performance seemed to be a bit better but it was more for sound when I did it. Still see my old qx driving around...looks and sounds great!

[skiski329]

That's awesome!
I've wanted to switch out my muffler because it looks like it's rusted through. i was looking to go with a borla one, but it's stainless steel so i don't think it can be welded to the current pipes. i'm going to have to try to find a shop around here and see how much it would cost for new pipes and then i'll leave the resonator off too.

[drnkirishm]

You can have a shop weld flanges on and bolt it together. ..just a thought. Good luck!

[skiski329]

^^^ LIKE !!
Thanks for the idea!