Feedback on Exhaust Installation / Performance
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
Feedback on Exhaust Installation / Performance
I'm by far one of the least active members on this forum. I don't necessarily post a lot, because I don't necessarily know a lot. One of my continuing dilemmas over the past few months, however, was the decision on what exhaust to install on my ’97 Accord LX coupe…
After much debate, and an indefinite feeling in the pit of my stomach, I went with the Greddy SP2. Also taking the liberty of grabbing a new DC Sports header, I had a weekend of work ahead of me… or so I thought. My reasons for posting this today are that:
a) I want to give something back to HaN, and thank you all for your advice and help over time
b) Hopefully is someone else was in the indecisive position that I was, this post will offer some advice on the Greddy SP2.
While I regret not taking digital photos as I worked, I will try to capture a few key points where I ran into problems during the install.
1) Removing the original pre-cat O2 sensor… Seized up like you could never imagine
2) Getting the heat shield cover off the original headers without being able to remove the pre-cat O2 sensor… lol… All I ended up needing was a pair of tin snips, as I had no intentions of putting the heat shield back on after the install.
3) Similar problems with the seized-up bolts holding the catalytic converter to Exhaust Pipe A… Not being able to just unbolt left me in the position where I decided it best to remove the whole system, from the cat to the tailpipe, as one piece… From there I rocked a Dremel with about 6 heavy duty cut-off wheels, and grinded through the one bolt I was unable to loosen.
4) Finding a freaking auto store in the area that actually had the proper model O2 sensor in stock…
Aside from that, with the help of my friend, we removed my headers and exhaust, installed the new ones with a brand new gasket set and O2 sensor, in a little over 5 hours. This was all done with nothing but tire ramps, a ratchet, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets, and an adjustable wrench… And, oh yes, the Dremel… Also, don’t forget to pick up some anti-seize for that new O2 sensor…
I’ll see if I can’t borrow my friend’s digital camera to offer you all pictures of the end result, but my feedback on the system is as follows…
I was afraid of putting on an exhaust system that left me with the dirtbike sound and a coffee-can look… In reality, all of my fears have been abated… I love the sound the Greddy SP2 has to offer. Low rumbling, and subtle, but deep growling during a full acceleration. The look is stylish, although I’m not too happy with the way my current (stock) rear bumper shapes the exhaust, or vice versa. I expected something as such, and will eventually look into a new rear bumper that better accentuates the newest addition to my car.
After much debate, and an indefinite feeling in the pit of my stomach, I went with the Greddy SP2. Also taking the liberty of grabbing a new DC Sports header, I had a weekend of work ahead of me… or so I thought. My reasons for posting this today are that:
a) I want to give something back to HaN, and thank you all for your advice and help over time
b) Hopefully is someone else was in the indecisive position that I was, this post will offer some advice on the Greddy SP2.
While I regret not taking digital photos as I worked, I will try to capture a few key points where I ran into problems during the install.
1) Removing the original pre-cat O2 sensor… Seized up like you could never imagine
2) Getting the heat shield cover off the original headers without being able to remove the pre-cat O2 sensor… lol… All I ended up needing was a pair of tin snips, as I had no intentions of putting the heat shield back on after the install.
3) Similar problems with the seized-up bolts holding the catalytic converter to Exhaust Pipe A… Not being able to just unbolt left me in the position where I decided it best to remove the whole system, from the cat to the tailpipe, as one piece… From there I rocked a Dremel with about 6 heavy duty cut-off wheels, and grinded through the one bolt I was unable to loosen.
4) Finding a freaking auto store in the area that actually had the proper model O2 sensor in stock…
Aside from that, with the help of my friend, we removed my headers and exhaust, installed the new ones with a brand new gasket set and O2 sensor, in a little over 5 hours. This was all done with nothing but tire ramps, a ratchet, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets, and an adjustable wrench… And, oh yes, the Dremel… Also, don’t forget to pick up some anti-seize for that new O2 sensor…
I’ll see if I can’t borrow my friend’s digital camera to offer you all pictures of the end result, but my feedback on the system is as follows…
I was afraid of putting on an exhaust system that left me with the dirtbike sound and a coffee-can look… In reality, all of my fears have been abated… I love the sound the Greddy SP2 has to offer. Low rumbling, and subtle, but deep growling during a full acceleration. The look is stylish, although I’m not too happy with the way my current (stock) rear bumper shapes the exhaust, or vice versa. I expected something as such, and will eventually look into a new rear bumper that better accentuates the newest addition to my car.