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View Full Version : NC How-to: Aftermarket Muffler Install on an NC



psulja
04-04-2012, 01:56 PM
Step 1: Get the rear of the car up on jack stands or car ramps. Make sure the exhaust has cooled down.
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/DIYs/Step1.jpg

Step 2: Remove the two nuts off the OEM muffler flange (14mm)
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/DIYs/Step2.jpg

Step 3: Pull the 4 rubber hangers off the OEM exhaust (Two on each side). You may want to use a flathead screwdriver to get them started over the little lip and you can use dish soap to lube the exhaust hangers to help you pull them off.
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/DIYs/Step3.jpg

http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/DIYs/Step3b.jpg

Step 4: You have now successfully removed the stock exhaust. You will want to pull the old gasket off and clean up the flange where the gasket was.

Step 5: Now it’s time to install the aftermarket muffler. Lift up the muffler and slide the rubber hangers on at all 4 corners (should be much easier on the aftermarket exhaust than the stock exhaust because most aftermarket exhausts don’t have the lip like OEM. I found it easier to do the thick rubber hangers on either side to hold up the muffler and then do the skinnier hangers second since they are easier to stretch over than the thick ones.
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/DIYs/Step6.jpg

Step 6: Slide in your new gasket and make sure it is properly seated on the little lip that comes out of the stock midpipe.
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/DIYs/Stepsuper.jpg

Step 7: Line up the flange of the muffler and midpipe to make sure they are sitting flush and properly seated to ensure it seals properly so you do not have any leaks.

Step 8: Tighten the 2 nuts and bolts that should have come with your muffler, alternating sides to make sure it remains seated evenly all the way around.
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/DIYs/Step8.jpg

Step 9: Once everything is tight start the car and check for any leaks, if you feel it leaking, loosen the nuts & bolts, reposition the muffler to make sure it is properly seated and retighten it, if it’s not leaking go for a fun rip and enjoy the sound!

Note:
I found that using the flat gasket provided with both the Flyin’Miata Duals and the GoodwinRacing Q mufflers did not work with the stock midpipe flange, we used the OEM ring gasket that you can get for a few bucks at your local dealership (LF45-40-305) and have not had any leaky exhaust issues. You can see the two here:
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/DIYs/Stepextra.jpg