Guys,

I just bought a HKS exhaust system with high flow cats from a friend in Texas. He's going to pack it up and ship it this weekend so I should get it mid next week. I've never installed anything like this before, in fact the most I've ever done is a brake job (also ordered a Wilwood 6 piston front kit that I will install myself).

I sure would love to buy someone a case of beer (or bottle of Tequila/other libation) vs. paying to have it installed. Mainly I'm really enjoying learning how to work on my car which is why I want to do it.

I also have no idea if what I'm asking is super hard or just something that no one would want to even help with, if that's the case let me know and feel free to laugh at me! I live near Flatirons mall and am happy to drive anywhere in town to have it done. My time is also very flexible so I can do it whenever someone would have the time.

Thanks, I can't wait to hear the new sound...

-Ross

 

Ross: Changing out the exhaust is not a hard project. I would say a couple hours if there are no issues. Good for you for installing it yourself, it's nothing that requires special tools or training and it's much more satisfying. I've been under the Z a few times to change out my exhaust. It's not an HR, but I can't imagine it being too different.

A few tips are to make sure that you spray the bolts with some type of penetrating oil. Every time I’ve messed with an exhaust the bolts have a little rust. WD-40 or PB blaster should be good enough. Your car maybe new enough where this isn’t an issue.

The Rubber hangers seem to be a pain too, but nothing a pry bar or even a vise with a short rod to push out the stem helps.

Sometimes I found it’s easier to remove the ‘M’ (or ‘W’) shaped brace underneath rather than working around it. Not too sure how the HKS is oriented, but with the Stillen it was easier that way.

If it’s a used exhaust, I would go to Midas (or somewhere) to get new gaskets. They actually gave them to me for free. Unless the current gaskets look okay, but it just saves time to not have to deal with trying to save the old ones.

I’m not sure how the HKS fits together, but make sure that starting from the front that everything is seated as it should be. I made the mistake the first time not to check this and had issues later.

Also since it is a used exhaust and if it has slip connections, you may want to check them out to see if they still fit or if the U clamps or bands deformed the outer tube a little.

The exhaust is a good project and the gains, even if it’s only deeper note, seem to be a good reward. Good luck,
David

 

I installed my HKS Hi power Ti and it took longer than expected because I didn't spray it down with WD-40. So trust me on this, if you can spray all the nuts, bolts, and hangers down the day before (hour, 10 mins, the sooner the better) and let it soak it'll make your life a lot easier. Besides that it's pretty easy, you just bolt it on. Oh, and I was having issues with some of the gaskets so I bought some gasket maker and just used that which sealed it up pretty nice. Not sure how much experience you have, but this will be a lot easier to do on a lift. I'm going to assume you don't have access to one, but if you want to drive down to the springs I can put you up on one. The only thing is I'm pretty busy right now so you might have to wait a bit, just let me know.

 

Thanks a lot to both of you guys for the advice, I really appreciate it. I'm just starting to do some research on the install now so this is very helpful.

Kaz, you're right I don't have access to a lift. I would be more than willing to drive down to the Springs if our schedules matched up, I'll send ya a PM.

If anyone in Denver (I'm up in south Boulder) had a lift I could snag that would be great. My schedule is generally very flexible. Given some time constraints I may also just pay to have it installed, can you guys recommend a good shop (will search for that next)? I've been extremely unhappy with Boulder Nissan so I'm looking for a new place.

Thanks,

-Ross

 

I'd be willing to help if I wasn't already swamped with a ton of my own projects for the next weeks.

Sorry to hear you've had a bad experience with Boulder Nissan. Lots of folks here have had good luck with them, but I know what it's like to have a bad experience at a shop and never want to go back, regardless of what others' experiences have been.

A few local recommendations I can make, if you do decide to hire this out:

TC Performance I've never had the occasion to take my car there, but I've recommended them to friends in the past, and they've always done good work for anyone I've sent there.

Peak Eurosport - their website only lists German cars, but they've done good work on my race car and have told me they'll work on anything, German or not. Call and talk to Chris or Ernie and tell them Gary Miller sent you.

Or, you can PM cyclemut and see if he can do it. His name is Allen ***, and he's a local member who used to be a Nissan Master Tech at Tynan's Nissan in Aurora, and now works at 4 Wheel Parts. He might be able to do this for you on a weekend for a good price (he's worked on my car, and on dkmura's various street and racecars, and always does excellent work.)

So, there's a few options to select from. Others will also be able to make some good recommendations, too, so hopefully you'll be able to find a good shop close by if you decide to hire it out.

Good luck!

 

Gary,

Thanks for the recommendations. I've tried to bit my lip about Boulder Nissan but every time I deal with them something goes wrong. Every time. They generally try to make it right but it's very frustrating. I really don't want to give them my business when I don't have to (which sucks because they are close and do good work for some, just not me).

I'm hoping to do this myself anyway, I really want to learn from it. Plus it's more fun to know that I did the work myself!

 

Hey Ross, I going to be doing some car stuff this Saturday. Nothing too major, just changing my wheels. I don't think it's going to snow for a while Anyway during this time I'd be happy to help you with your exhaust. Just let me know.
David

 

David,

Thanks for the offer but I think I'm all set. I found a shop in town that was recommended to me, Speed Image Performance (Moe is the guy) and he's going to do the exhaust and suspension for me for a very reasonable price. I don't think I'll have all the parts this week anyway and I'm driving Autocross on Saturday.

Thanks again though, I really do appreciate it!

-Ross