hi everyone, i was just wondering if there was a write up on a how to or if anyone could give me some directions / hints on how to install testpipes. anything special i might need , etc.

i also was wondering if i should even attempt to do this myself. i have put on exhaust systems before on other cars but ive heard the testpipes on the z are hard to get too.

by the way i have the alphawerks testpipes and if you are wondering the inlet is 2.30 inches and the outlet is 2.60 inches kinda wierd but who knows.

thanks for any knowledgeable information.

 

Installation is straight forward, just 5 nuts and bolts and a couple of hangers. I advise new gaskets. Spray the nuts and bolts with penetrating fluid, and give it half an hour to work.

 

does nissan keep new gaskets on hand?? what if i dont use new gaskets??

when my friend did his testpipes he said that the hardest thing was to get the 02 sensors out. he said on one of them he had to leave it on his cat and get a new one, so is this true or if its not how should i go about getting the 02 sensor out of the stock cat.

once again thanks so much for any help.

 

first off do a search and you should find a couple DIY on installing test pipe and/or HFC's. a couple hints I can give you are to make sure you get the correct length bolts. I got 20mm length and it was too short so I ended up have to go back to the store. I'd say 30mm should be fine. also you may be able to reuse your stock gaskets depending on what condition they are when you get them out. my car had about 22k miles and all I had to do was clean them up a bit. I'd also recommend getting some reallly good lube for those bolts b/c they are a super PIA. especially the top ones. you'll def need a bunch of extensions and elbows as well as a friend to help you guide them down to the top bolts. you'll also need to get at least the front of the car up on some ramps or stands to give you some clearance. last hint would be to buy an O2 wrench to help with the sensors. he's some other info. if you need some pics I can email them to you. good luck

Items needed
-ramps
-wheel chocks
-anti-seize compound (to put on bolts for easy removal later)
- 7/8 or 22mm O2 wrench/socket (for O2 sensors) or crescent wrench
-20” socket extension
-socket elbow/joint
-
-14 mm wrench (for cat bolt nut)
-6 shims/washers for v-brace and rear cross-brace (to alleviate movement of cats when moving/bottoming out and rubbing)
-10 ss 10x30mm nuts
-10 ss 10 mm bolts
-10 ss 10 mm lock washers
-WD40 (to help loosen the bolts)

 

Nissan charges a kings ransom for the gaskets: about $40/4. I have seen them at aftermarket sites for $3.50 each.

First remove the catalytic converter, then when it is on the ground, remove the oxygen sensor. If necessary, there is a special tool for removing the oxygen sensor: it looks like a regular socket but has a slot in the side for the oxygen sensor wire.

 

I would rather that you not skimp on new gaskets. This is the exhaust manifold - test pipe connection. After installation, if you have a leak, this gasket is a bit difficult and time consuming to replace.

 

thanks for all the great information. i will be installing them saturday. i just need to go buy the 02 sensor remover yall were talking about. im going to go to nissan today and see if they have any gaskets and at a good price. if not i will just reuse the ones i have. my car has less than 10000 miles on it so i think they will be okay i hope.

once again thank you guys so much.

 

Don't forget to disconnect the -ve battery cable before removing the O2 sensor, or your CEL will get triggered.

 

the stock gaskets are metal...theres no chance they should be toast at 10k miles. Do this in the daytime. If its ur first time, itll take u a good 2 hours.

 

not necessarily, I didn't disconnect my batt and I didn't trigger a cell. however if you're installing test pipes I believe if you have an 03 you shouldn't trigger a cell, however most models from 04-06 will need an MIL simulator of some sort.

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....il+eliminators