installing exhaust for the first time - what do i need to know?

[MoogieBoogie]

I'll be installing an exhaust on my car for the very first time. I already have a hydraulic jack and jack stands. I purchased a new genuine Nissan exhaust pipe and muffler.

I know the previous owner had some Meineke junk installed back in 1999. I've read that soaking it in PB Blaster and possibly heating up the bolts will help in getting them loose. I have a vice-grip in case that doesn't work.

Is there a write-up on how to install a factory exhaust? How difficult is this to do? What other items do I need? Do I need any gaskets (didn't buy any from Nissan)? Do I just use that liquid gasket stuff between all the gaps (where one pipe connects to another)?

Thanks. I'm a total noob.

-Brian.

[slipnfall]

Did you get the full piping that's welded to the muffler? As in, goes all the way to the catalytic converter? If so there shouldn't be much you need to know, it's pretty easy.

You might want to pick up some new exhaust hangers while your messing around under there: you'd be suprised how much the stock ones have stretched over 15yrs... any auto-part store will have them.

Also you will need a gasket if it didn't include one. I would reccomend either getting an OEM gasket(they're aroud $6-7) or a paper-style exhaust gasket. It will feel like cardboard with possibly a metal ring in the center. Don't get the ones that are near solid metal, they don't seal well(unless it's an OEM, they are multi-layered). You want the paper-style because it will 'melt' between the two pipes and provide a better seal.

Nothing is more annoying than an exhaust leak!

Anyways, HTH. And oh yeah, good luck with those bolts on the catalytic converter, be prepared to have at least one snap on you. Soak all your bolts down with PB blaster(WD-40 works in a pinch) and let them sit before trying to wrench them off.

[sileighty85]

the bolts on the catalytic will be a pain to take off because i had to cut the two bolt on the cat in order to get my stock piping off.

[karmakaze]

tetanus shots and air tools are you friend.

[crackler]

Or a big breaker bar, and possible a cheater pipe. AND PB Blaster.

I used PB blaster and my 2.5 foot breaker bar with good results. I let the bolts soak overnight and I sprayed them multiple times over a few hour period. Come to think of it I wound up haveing to get an impact gun to get 1 or 2 off. Good luck.

[MoogieBoogie]

Thanks everyone.

Seeing as the exhaust was last replaced in 1999, six years ago, I think I'll just take it to the dealer and save myself the headache.

Thanks,-Brian.

[blabla]

get a little torche at like 10$ from sears -- works well

[navysnail]

i let mine soak for like 2 days, they came right off. replace the hangsers, and also get a gasket, they are pretty cheap.

[slipnfall]

Dude you're going to get raped at the dealer... if you want someone to do it cheaper take it to an exhaust shop... I mean it's not *that* Nissan specefic... plus that's all exhaust shops do all day long, so they can likely get it done much quicker.

Also those bolts might not be too bad if the exhaust was replaced only 6yrs ago.