Doug Thorley post-cat exhaust installed

[cmjars]

Originally Posted by bottlerocket

Ha! I was just informed that I got a package delivered and guess what?? It's here!! Thanks for the offer, I will definitely take you up on it.

Regarding installation, I remember hearing it involved undoing some hooks and stuff from the floor under the driver's side. This sounds more simple from you guys now than it did back then. If that is the case thank goodness, I was afraid my non-mechanic self would have to take it in to get done somewhere.

It talks about disconnecting the battery in the instructions. I did not disconnect the battery and found out that I didn't really need to after I called DT ;)

[curtis]

i guess I will have to get to the tool store as well since all my tools are scattered all over the place...

[cmjars]

Originally Posted by curtis

i guess I will have to get to the tool store as well since all my tools are scattered all over the place...

That was my problem too. Easier stop by Pep Boys and buy new.

[SmartCabrio]

Originally Posted by cmjars

That was my problem too. Easier stop by Pep Boys and buy new.

I know that you posted all the required tools, but is there a particular kit that you would recommend for beginner's like me that essentially have no tools to work on cars of any sort? I plan on doing maintenance and minor mods (like eventually purchasing a Thorley exhaust). Any guidance you could give would be appreciated.

[bottlerocket]

Originally Posted by SmartCabrio

I know that you posted all the required tools, but is there a particular kit that you would recommend for beginner's like me that essentially have no tools to work on cars of any sort? I plan on doing maintenance and minor mods (like eventually purchasing a Thorley exhaust). Any guidance you could give would be appreciated.

Sears has a special on a set of Craftsman Torx T-handles for $29.99, a must for removing panels!

[cmjars]

Originally Posted by SmartCabrio

I know that you posted all the required tools, but is there a particular kit that you would recommend for beginner's like me that essentially have no tools to work on cars of any sort? I plan on doing maintenance and minor mods (like eventually purchasing a Thorley exhaust). Any guidance you could give would be appreciated.

You know I am also a beginner and I just bought the stuff I listed and it worked with not alot of work.

I am going to take bottlerocket's recommendation and get set of Craftsman Torx T-handles for $29.99 from Sears... probably will need it for the future.

[SmartCabrio]

Originally Posted by bottlerocket

Sears has a special on a set of Craftsman Torx T-handles for $29.99, a must for removing panels!

Thanks for the advice... I'll check that out. My first job is going to be to change the oil. I've scoped out the posts already as far as what I'll need for that process. I think I'll start a thread over on the Maintenance side asking for people to post other sets they think are beneficial.

[SmartCabrio]

It looks like someone beat me to it... some tool suggestions over at:
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...red-smart.html

[GoMXracing]

tossed my DT exhaust on today......all i have is 20 miles or so,,on it so far.

sounds cool.......about what i expected.......the install went ok...the no flex pipe like it had worries me some.......seems like a quality unit all in all......fit was great.....another small concern on heat and paint. but if the stock unit did not cause problems i doubt this one will.

ill do some testing in next few days. and try to throw a opinion up on here (forum)

chris

[bottlerocket]

THANKS to cmjars and indirectly Nick from Doug Thorley for the help, without a couple of extra tips I'd still be working on removing the rear panel!

Removal of the stock unit is the hardest part in my book. Those darn heat shield screws are nearly impossible to remove without the right tool: a closed end wrench. Getting the new unit on isn't very hard.

One of the biggest differences is the weight reduction, the stock unit is very heavy and the DT is much, much lighter. I just came back from an initial run, the sound is a little louder than I'd prefer it to be inside the car. However after not owning a car with an aftermarket exhaust in over ten years it's probably just my age catching up to me. The car definitely feels peppier from take-off, and I also noticed response from 60-80 mph is quicker on the highway too. One thing I really liked was as you approach a stop you can now "hear" the car downshifting...

Overall I'm very happy with it, we'll see how it goes after a week and month of ownership.