Q&A for How to Install an Exhaust System

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Question

Will oil or any fluid spill out when removing the system?

Community Answer

The only fluid that you might encounter is water. This might occur if the outside temperatures are pretty low or humidity is very high. The water might actually be brownish due to the dirt inside the exhaust system. Should you encounter larger amounts of oil or unburnt fuel, please stop the process and ask AAA/ADAC or your local workshop for help, as this might indicate more serious damage.

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Question

Do I have to remove the rear tire to install the exhaust in my car?

Community Answer

You're not required to, it's done for convenience.

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Question

How do I put my car on a ramp?

Community Answer

Position each ramp right in front of a tire, get in the car, and gradually but steadily apply the gas. Have a friend watch and guide you to make sure the tires are positioned perfectly on each ramp. That lowers the risk of scraping your bumper, or worse, driving off the ramp. Put the parking brake on, put a block behind the other tires, and you're good to go.

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Question

Can I drill holes into my exhaust to help lessen the bogging down on my engine when I hit the accelerator?

Community Answer

You could, but it won't help. Drilling holes will only serve to disrupt the air flow, actually robbing your car of hp, and make your car ridiculously loud. If you want to improve your power via exhaust modifications, the best ways are 1) freer flowing muffler, 2) larger diameter exhaust pipes, and 3) replace flex pipes with straight pipes. Some people remove their catalytic converters, but that will render your car illegal for street use.

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Question

Do I need to add an exhaust sealant on the metal to metal seals on a DE-cat pipe?

Community Answer

No, this is what the gasket is for. It eliminates the need for sealant at the flanges.

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Question

A muffler was replaced on a minivan and gas mileage dropped from 22mpg to 12 mpg - can a muffler be put on backwards?

Community Answer

No! Never do that! That can damage the oil tank and cause an explosion or cause a tire to explode, etc., leading to a possible accident, injury or death.

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Question

What direction does the muffler go?

Community Answer

The muffler's flange should meet with the other flange on the exhaust; the other end of the muffler is just an exit port, and should not have a flange.

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Question

If I'm seeing liquid drops on the front of my exhaust system, does that mean I did something wrong?

Community Answer

That's probably just water colored darker because of the dirt inside the exhaust system.

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Question

How far in the air do I have to go before I can get the pipe over the top of the rear suspension?

Community Answer

Some factory-spec exhaust systems involve just one long piece of piping that will need to be cut at the axle's position in order for it to be removed. Aftermarket systems involve several pieces that are clamped together and will be able to fit over the axle with ease.

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Question

Do I need a tune-up after installing an aftermarket exhaust? If so, why?

Community Answer

If it is an OEM compatible exhaust and you have fuel injection, then no, there should be no need. If it is a drastically different type of exhaust from OEM or you have an older car with carburetors, then you will probably need to adjust/tune.

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Question

Can I replace only one exhaust manifold and not the other?

Community Answer

Yes, you can replace just one muffler at a time.

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