New Exhaust DIY
 

Well, I know this is simple, but as with any mod, you run into a little modifying here and there, or you are left to come up with some sort of gameplan. Let me preface this DIY with one simple notion. Make sure your car is not going to move while it is off the gound. I used ramps and jack stands for this project.

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_009.jpg

the old exhaust (different views)

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_007.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_002.jpg
(See Haile, I have the dual cats.... I am surprised your car didn't, or Komodo's)

Here is where the game plan comes into effect. The new Stromung came with no installation instructions, which often guide you as to what you should do and when. Well, I started by removing the rear brackets first. Do NOT do that. Makes the other 4 bolts VERY difficult to get back on! I ended up re-tightening the rear brackets until I got the other four bolts off.

Here are the bolts you need to remove...

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_006.jpg

rear bracket (remove last!)

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_001.jpg

four bolts attaching the exhaust to the catalytic converters...

After fully removing all bolts, (only need to loosen the rear brackets, not completely remove - which helps installing the new exhaust quickly) you should be able to wiggle the exhaust free and end up with a nice empty space like this....

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_014.jpg

Next, install the new exhaust. I chose to cut the box out around the exhaust so that I could slide it under the car without scratching it. If you leave the rear brackets installed, you won't need any tools yet. The reinstall went so fast, I didn't have time for new pics...

Slide the 2 pipes into the receiving end of the catalytic converters first. One pipe has an extension that allows you to slip the new exhaust pipe over it to hold it in place (before re-securing with new bolts.

Now slip the 2 muffler ties in with the existing rear brackets. Then tighten them. Now, finish by securing the 4 bolts at the other end...

You're done! Here is some comparison pics before the install, and some after install pics... I need new hardware for my setup, but it will have to wait till tomorrow because it is midnight now!

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_011.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_012.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_018.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_015.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_016.jpg

now that you see how easy it is, save yourself the money and BUY ONE!!! I recommend understeer.com. Chris is a great guy! :cheers

anyone know what this is?

http://home.comcast.net/~billycuth/car_003.jpg

and what I am supposed to do with the little cord thingy that is coming out of it?

Great pics. Moving to the DIY section, thanks. :rock

komodo, did you get your vids or sound clips yet?

Not yet, hehe. <3

Nice man, very good DIY. And i think that last pic has something to do with the fuel system,i dunno exactly what. but it looks like it connects to the gas tank from what i can see. Someone correct me if wrong

I forget where the hose goes... I remember Karl (zeit00 on here) once telling me. With most exhausts you just have to plug it and tuck it away somewhere or it'll cause a vacuum leak. A golf tee works very well for this.

if you guys could find out for sure, I'd really appreciate it... Haile would probably know, since he installed the same exhaust....

Thanks for the positive comments!

Excellent DIY!
Yea, it looks simple, but you probably saved the next guy a whole lot of time and sweat after you realized which end should be unbolted first. It's all the little things that make the difference:)
http://files.unitedbimmer.com/ub.c/D...haust_flap.jpg

Whoa, I never knew that about the M52 exhaust. That's awesome. I'm surprised they haven't made an aftermarket exhaust like that.... up to 5500 rpms it's going the long way, and after that it opens up to a huge uuc muffler or something to roar...

It attatches under your bumper right near your gas tank. It's not important. I would just tie it up and zip tie it out of the way haha...

Great DIY! I can't decide between the stromung and an AA gen 3