Install exhaust now or wait for headers?

[Arshad]

I just got my Tubi yesterday but my headers won't be in for another 4 weeks or so. Given any possible fitment issues with the Tubi, I thought it would be better to wait for the headers to come in and do everything at once, especially if any pipes need to be slightly bent for alignment etc. But now I am DYING to put that Tubi on, especially since we don't have a lot of good driving weather left this season up here. Do you guys think it's ok to put on the exhaust now and the headers when they come in, or is it smarter to do it all at once?

 

[Viper Driver]

Are you doing all of this yourself? If so, and you've got the time, then do it now. It will help familiarize yourself with the underside of your car, making the header install a bit easier. Also, you'll know if the Tubi is not aligned right if you use the stock cats and exhaust first, rather than trying to figure out if it's the headers or the exhaust if you were to do it all at once.

 

[Arshad]

No, I'll be taking it into a shop to have it done. The other (minor) consideration is that it may be cheaper to have it all done at once rather than separately. The thing I'm primarily concerned about is alignment. I don't want them to make any adjustments and then find out it has to be redone when the headers come in. Thoughts?

 

[NetViper]

Putting on the exhaust is simple. It may take an hour depending on how hard your bolts are on.... I have done it 3 times now... trust me.. it is simple.

headers on the other hand i will be paying someone to put on.

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

No, I'll be taking it into a shop to have it done. The other (minor) consideration is that it may be cheaper to have it all done at once rather than separately. The thing I'm primarily concerned about is alignment. I don't want them to make any adjustments and then find out it has to be redone when the headers come in. Thoughts?

If you are planing on having it done at the shop ...then yes it would be cheaper to have it all done at once....if i was you id get an estimate on what it would cost to have the headers done only because they have to take your exhaust off to do it anyway...my dealer only charged me for installation of my headers and did the exhaust for free because there was no extra work involved with putting the new exhaust on.....by the way make sure you get the right crush washers and gaskets for the headers.There is a very detailed thread on tubi and header install somewhere on prime.....do a search b4 you install the tubi and you will save yourself alot of time and money.....Larry Bastanza can tell you everything you need to know if you cant find the thread.

 

[donwon]

WAIIIIT .....dont do it

I have tubi and taitec header and wish i did them at the same time. Some of the problems i experiences could have been made a little better by a one time installation. Nothing is worse than having your beautiful nsx need the automobile equivalent of braces for your exhaust. See thread:


http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21932

Doing it all at once wont guaranty perfect fit, but gives you alot more flexibility in resolving any fittament issues.

 

[Arshad]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'll just wait and get it all done at once. I did see Larry's thread where he talked about having to dremel the inside lip of the flange, is that the one you're talking about? My understanding is that this problem is not present on every unit. Several people have mentioned a perfect fit without any exhaust leak without having to make any adjustments to the pipe. I don't think I saw anything about gaskets and crush washers, so I'll do a search for that...

Larry, if you're reading, did you have any further advice on this? BTW, the headers I'm installing are DC Sports.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Hi Arshad,

For me the main thing is the flange clearance, as you read about. It has been noted that the Tubi not being exactly centered, and this is true. You can minimize this by making sure when you do the header install you shift the headers to the passenger side when you tighten them.

The best way would be to temporarily install the exhaust in place to see the position, then do a final assembly(tightening) of the headers. If you look at some of the pics on this site you will se what I mean about the position.

Also the left side tip is slightly crooked. This is basically the same on every one I have seen. A little annoying, but when I drive the car and I hear that sweet sound, I forget about it!!

I have had mine for two years now I think, and it is sweeter then ever. It really sounds better with age.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Arshad]

Thanks Larry! So if I'm going to a 3rd party installer (ie non-dealer), what things should I pick up first (6 nuts and exhaust gaskets, anything else?). Do I need to make the installer aware of any other NSX specific things or is it pretty much the same thing for any car?

 

[prova4re]

Wait for the headers and do it right the first time.
Make sure you wrap the tips of the old muffler with a small towel.
So it does not scratch the rear plastic when it comes lose.

Tubi is like a fine wine.......it only gets better with time.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Arshad,

Go to the FAQ and print the DIY procedures if the tech is not familiar. Many folks have contributed their experiences with this job.


Go here: http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/DIY/headers.htm

Good Luck.

HTH,
LarryB