I finally got my RB exhaust installed today. I ended up not going to work and trying to tackle the job myself, but I think I'm at the point in my life where if things aren't very easy, I'd rather pay someone to do it...so I did. I tried using Hard 8's instructions along with RB, and it was just too cumbersome for me. Plus, I didn't want to break any of the clips on the exhaust thinga-majig (the plastic thing around the tips), so I said screw it. Shop did it in 20 minutes.

In case you do want to tackle the job yourself, here's just some additional notes to point out:

DON'T try to remove the 17mm bolts that hold the catalyst to the midpipe like it says in the instructions. After failing miserably to do so, I looked at it more closely at the shop where I took it and the shop guy pointed out how it was welded on.

The clips are pretty easy to break to remove the plastic whatchamacallit around the tips. After trying to remove it, and pushing from the inside as Hard 8 suggested, I gave up because I didn't pay all this money for my car just to break **** on it.

And those rubber grommets that hold the hangers for the exhaust. Those things are almost like steel...WD40 or not. I can't imagine the car not falling off according to the 4 jack stand instructions.

Aside from my failed installation attempt, I LOVE the exhaust. Subtle but there when you need it. Not at all ricey (and I know rice being of the Pacific Islands myself).:D

 

word to the wise, on those rubber hangers, use a pair of needlenose pliers to pry them off, works like a champ every time, with wd40 of course

 

I'm still waiting for my system and plan to install it myself, so thanks for the tips ...... keep them coming please .

I'd seen mention of using a screwdriver to get the hangers off - have you ever tried that?

rx8cited

 

I used a screwdriver and some PB Blaster to pry the hangers off and it worked like a charm. Literally took 5 minutes to get the exhaust off all 5 hangers (4 muffler/1 on connecting pipe).

good luck

 

The directions that come with the exhaust tells you to use a screwdriver so I guess that should work too. The guy at the shop used a crow bar of some sort. It was definitely a lot easier for him to work on it with it elevated vs. it just being on ramps or jack stands.

 

My RB showed up last night by UPS. I just realized that we sold my jack stands several years ago before we moved. I have no way to get the rear of the car up in the air to do the install. Do you think I could do it without lifting the car up??

If not, I'll be making the trip down to the dealer or the muffler shop around the corner to get it on the car tonight.

 

In case anyone was reading through looking for the sound clip, Here ya go. http://www.rx8web.com/videos/mztxracingbeat.wmv

 

i think u gotta lift the car up dude.... i suggest go buying some new jack stands... cost ya around 75? theyll charge u about that much a little less to install it... Might as well do it yourself and get to know your car better

 

Not unless you're as skinny as a sheet of paper :D. I installed mine using my ramps - it was a little tight doing the cat-end.

rx8cited

 

Are you saying that even with the better rear exhaust, the forced air induction, and the Racing Beat exhaust headers, that there won't be any noticeable increase in horsepower, speed, or acceleration for a 2004 RX8?

Mod Edit: This is a 9 year thread bump

 

Blue, how about taking a look at this thread: https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...rx-8-a-233937/