exhaust tip fix idea w/pics. and updates

[mazspd6]

I've been wanting to fix the exhaust tip issue for a while on my Speed 6 and finally got started yesterday on a more appealing solution while trying to keep the cost on the low side.
I do realize that you can get a real nice cat back set up, but frankly I hate the idea of replacing what isn't broke and I like the quiet of the stock set up, just not the look.

Final product on page 3
Tools needed:
Good quality Tin Shears
A very sharp and manueverable cutting blade.
Rip, medium, and fine tooth files in "flat" and "half round" style
Course, medium, fine wet sandpaper
Beer

First, I opened the Guinness to calm the nerves and get ready.

I did an initial trace line very carefully with a very sharp cutter to get the cut line.
I then used some tin shears to trim the plastic off right below the cut line on the large flat areas, you will have to use the cutter to do the rest as the shears will break the plastic on curved areas at the top of the lip and they do not make sharp turns without chewing up the plastic.
This takes a steady hand, patience, beer, and it is not for the weak of heart..afterall you only got one shot at this.

I then used a file, I have one that has both "rip" and "medium" teeth and a flat side and half round side for both teeth, all on one file.

I used the "rip" side to quickly dispose of extra plastic to get close to my desired line, using the flat side for the flat areas and the half round for curved areas. Then using the "medium" side I evened out the roughness and then stepped down to a "fine" tooth to further smooth the edges.
I also chose to make the edges look "thinner" by filing the edge of the plastic down to a third of it's original thickness to give it a cleaner appearance.

Next, you use varying grades of wet sandpaper to further smooth the edges down for the final product.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_0404.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_0405.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_0406.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_0403.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_0397.jpg


This is part one.

In part two I will be having some Magnaflow tips installed that are double wall and very hard to find in the right size as we only have a very short amount of "straight" pipe from the last bend of the exhaust to the flush area of the back bumper as I don't want these to extend past the bumper like the stock ones did.

I chose Magnaflow tip #35127 as it is only 4 1/2 inches long, 4 inches around, and has an angle that should flow well with the shape of the bumper.
These were $55 each at my local speed shop back in December, but when I checked recently, they no longer could get them and could not tell me if they are made anymore.
I saw a Borla tip that was kinda similar in size but they were $77 each!! and they "clamp on"...that's friggin' nuts.
Luckily I found the Magnaflow's I wanted on-line and they were only $35 plus change with free shipping!

Here is the link to it.
http://www.performancepeddler.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=MAG35127

I will be posting pics of the finished product when they come in and are mounted up.

One concern I do admit having is that the size of the opening may be to large even with a 4" tip, I was going to go with an Oval shaped tip to fill the area more but could not find even one that was big enough in diameter and short enough in length, most are 8 to 10 inches long....I guess we'll know soon enough, but I feel it's worth the chance.

Stay tuned.(drinks)

[Killer]

Looks great!

[mazspd6]

thanks, I'm supposed to get the tips on monday, but I realistically won't have them installed until tuesday or wednesday, but I'll definitely take pics. and post different angles from up close and far away and you guys can judge wether it was worth it or not for yourselves.

[Killer]

thanks, I'm supposed to get the tips on monday, but I realistically won't have them installed until tuesday or wednesday, but I'll definitely take pics. and post different angles from up close and far away and you guys can judge wether it was worth it or not for yourselves.

Well, I think it is a viable alternative no matter what.(cool)

[njaremka]

First, I opened the Guinness to calm the nerves and get ready.


i think thats the most important step ANY time you work on the car. :D

looks like your on your way to getting a better looking rear end. looking forwawrd to seeing the results.

[Gandalf]

Great stuff - I must say I thought of this also the first time I saw the pipes, but wasn't sure if it would be possible. Looks like you did this 100% the correct way, but seeing as how low the tips are it would probably be possible to screw this up a little and still make it look just fine to the casual observer. Unfortunately I'm such a perfectionist that it would always bug me if I screwed it up at all:)

[hotknife]

Great work,

I`m and also lots of guys from Germany looking forward to the final pics.

Good luck for the final step!

hotknife

[trees]

Nice job mazspd6! Someone needs to make these. This is not the first time I had seen this done......

[jcgemt2003]

is that your ride trees?
Nice job mazspd6! Someone needs to make these. This is not the first time I had seen this done......

[trees]

nope, This is someone in japan.

[mazspd6]

Well, I got the tips today and they truly are top notch quality...but that's where the good news stops.

Unfortunately these tips were not as the picture on the website or the picture in my local "KEY Auto parts" catalog showed them as, all I can think is that somewhere along the line maybe Magnaflow changed how they were going to make them and the photo may have been the prototype.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_0414.jpg

The pic. shows the tip having at least a decent amount of straight pipe before it drops off to the 2 1/4" inlet area, not so, it goes for a short distance (as you can see in the pics. below) and then tapers like a cone to the inlet...far from what I wanted.

As the tips are right now they would look great on a Mazdaspeed that did not have the lower bulge cut off as I have done.

I am going to check into another style from a local vendor to see if it will give me the look I am going for, if it does I'll order them and keep you up to date.
I checked with the local vendor..they wanted $79.00 each...performance peddler only wants $50.46 each with free shipping. 1/13/07

[mazspd6]

Great stuff - I must say I thought of this also the first time I saw the pipes, but wasn't sure if it would be possible. Looks like you did this 100% the correct way, but seeing as how low the tips are it would probably be possible to screw this up a little and still make it look just fine to the casual observer. Unfortunately I'm such a perfectionist that it would always bug me if I screwed it up at all:)

I see you used to have a Spec V...didn't you used to be on the B15 website?

Ok, Latest update, I talked to Dan at the Performance Peddler website and he's a good guy and was more than willing to help out, he will wave the 30% restock fee and I will cover the shipping back to him.
Too help reduce any future issue he is having a set of the tips I think will work sent to him directly and he will measure the area I am most concerned with before he ships them out to me to make sure they will work...now that's good service.

I'll keep you up to date as I get more.

[Gandalf]

I see you used to have a Spec V...didn't you used to be on the B15 website?

Yup thats me.

[mazspd6]

Welcome, I used to be b12sentra over their...it's good to see someone else came over to a much better car(burnout)

[jachung]

I used to be on that forum as well. Im a close friend of evangelosk

[mazspd6]

I wouldn't doubt their are more than you would think that have switched over, good to have some old friends.

I don't want to stray off topic too much here though since I would like to keep this close to a how-to thread as possible.

[Gandalf]

I used to be on that forum as well. Im a close friend of evangelosk

Well then you gotta be a good guy, I bought some speakers from Evan - he's a good guy. Had some good conversations about stereos with him, but I always give him grief for his home stereo system.

[mazspd6]

Just a little update, I returned the other tips and have a new set coming, I was unfortunately running into a constant issue with Magnaflow tapering back toward the inlet rather than dropping straight off, which limited my amount of visible straight pipe, so I opted for a much longer tip and I am just going to have my exhaust pipe rerouted and have it done in 2 1/4" so it will fit the tips inlet.
I'll post pics. as I get it done, but that won't be until at least Wednesday when they come in.

[mazspd6]

Here is a little something extra for you guys if you are interested. My girlfriend has an Acura TSX and upon checking out her exhaust I noticed the tips were about the size I was looking for originally, I wish I had noticed it before, but for anyone who just wants to remove their "cosmetic ring" and have a nice tip instead, this would be the way to go.

All you have to do is remove your ring (just unscrew it) and then attach a 2" I.D. to 2.25" O.D. exhaust adapter, which you can get at any Pep Boys, or most other auto stores and slide it into your exhaust pipe and then get it welded.

The tips on the TSX just have one bolt to loosen and off it comes, check Ebay or your local Acura dealer's parts department for proper pricing.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04191.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04171.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04181.jpg
(tip facing wrong way on this one)

No plastic to trim or anything, it will hide the bolt and won't look as small as here since I trimmed out mine to get rid of the bulge look.

[yelomp5]

Here is a little something extra for you guys if you are interested. My girlfriend has an Acura TSX and upon checking out her exhaust I noticed the tips were about the size I was looking for originally, I wish I had noticed it before, but for anyone who just wants to remove their "cosmetic ring" and have a nice tip instead, this would be the way to go.

All you have to do is remove your ring (just unscrew it) and then attach a 2" I.D. to 2.25" O.D. exhaust adapter, which you can get at any Pep Boys, or most other auto stores and slide it into your exhaust pipe and then get it welded.

The tips on the TSX just have one bolt to loosen and off it comes, check Ebay or your local Acura dealer's parts department for proper pricing.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04191.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04171.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04181.jpg
(tip facing wrong way on this one)

No plastic to trim or anything, it will hide the bolt and won't look as small as here since I trimmed out mine to get rid of the bulge look.

Great pics, perhaps u can take a pic of the full rear~ that will be more helpful~

[mazspd6]

I might be able to try this weekend, but it depends if my girlfriend is working or not. She won't drive the TSX to work so I can have access to it to remove both tips and put them on my car to take the pic.
She only has a 1200 miles on it and would flip if she knew I was removing things from her car, I did it this time while she was sleeping in. (shady)
Also keep in mind, her exhaust is 2.25" and the bolt will not tighten down on our 2" exit, so for the pic. it will just be laying on their and not be very easy to get just the right shot.

[mazspd6]

My girlfriend is indeed working on Sunday, so pics. should be up on Monday evening.
Unfortunately I have not heard anything on the tips I ordered back on the 16th and have e-mailed the customer service dept. to check on the status of the order.

[Bluesultan]

Here is a little something extra for you guys if you are interested. My girlfriend has an Acura TSX and upon checking out her exhaust I noticed the tips were about the size I was looking for originally, I wish I had noticed it before, but for anyone who just wants to remove their "cosmetic ring" and have a nice tip instead, this would be the way to go.

All you have to do is remove your ring (just unscrew it) and then attach a 2" I.D. to 2.25" O.D. exhaust adapter, which you can get at any Pep Boys, or most other auto stores and slide it into your exhaust pipe and then get it welded.

The tips on the TSX just have one bolt to loosen and off it comes, check Ebay or your local Acura dealer's parts department for proper pricing.


does doing this NOT require you to cut away at the rear fascia? it sounds like all one would have to do is remove the cosmetic ring and attach the TSX exhaust tips. if so, it sounds like a much easier way to go about it.

nice color by the way :D

[mazspd6]

does doing this NOT require you to cut away at the rear fascia? it sounds like all one would have to do is remove the cosmetic ring and attach the TSX exhaust tips. if so, it sounds like a much easier way to go about it.

nice color by the way :D

Yes, you are right about it being easier. I discovered the TSX tips after looking at my girlfriends new car "after" I had already cut my rear fascia...but that's ok with me since my main complaint next to the faux tip was the bulge around it that made it look like a jetpack attached to the bumper.
You can easily mount the TSX tips by having your exhaust expanded to 2 1/4" in diameter or have a short 2" to 2 1/4" adapter that you can get at Pep Boys.

Here are some more recent pics. with both tips on.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04351.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04341.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04321-1.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04311.jpg

[wannabe]

i guess i'm the only one who likes the way it looks stock. either way, nice job with the install guy :)

[hotknife]

wannabe,

for sure, you are not alone. Some guys over the big pond here in Germany also like the way it looks stock.

hotknife

[mazspd6]

I guess that's what is so great about mods., you can change what you don't like and leave the stuff you do alone.
I have my order in for the JDM tails from the Corksport group buy and the TWM short shifter, just waiting for them to arrive!

[wannabe]

I guess that's what is so great about mods., you can change what you don't like and leave the stuff you do alone.
I have my order in for the JDM tails from the Corksport group buy and the TWM short shifter, just waiting for them to arrive!

(yes)

[mazspd6]

quick update, finally have confirmation that the tips I ordered have shipped and will be here on monday, March 5th (same day as my TWM short shifter!!) Will post pics when I get 'em.

[yelomp5]

i like the stock tip looks too...
i j/ dislike that tiny exhaust pipe inside
the tip....either make the tip bigger, or
cut the tip back (set back further)...

[jcgemt2003]

i guess i'm the only one who likes the way it looks stock. either way, nice job with the install guy :)
Ahh nope, I like um to...It looks just like a regluar 6 without the integrated bumper.

[hardlight]

I read up a lot on the Speed6 before I put down the cash. The rear valence is designed to help extract the air from under the car and was refered to as a diffuser. The stainless tubes with the exhaust pipe recessed in them aren't a hokey exhaust tip but are mini augmentor tubes that produce a real low pressure area helping pump the air from under the car. Several reciprocating powered aircraft I have flown use augmentor tubes to produce a real good low pressure on the cowling to extract the air used to cool the engine. On the T-34 they actually produced a little thrust. The recessed exhaust pipe has high velocity air that produces a low pressure in the augmentor pipe and acts like a vacuum pump pulling air out from under the car. I don't know how effective the one on our cars is but it probably reduces the drag counts on the car a measurable amount.

So you can have style with this mod or leave it alone and appreciate the efficiency.

[mazspd6]

New tips have arrived and I took some quick pics. of one of the tips on my car, it is just slid over the tailpipe for now.
I think it looks pretty good, but it will be up to the exhaust shop to be able to make the final appearance correct.

Here's a couple pics. of the first test fit

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04421.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04391.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04401.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04371.jpg

I'll get some more pics. during and after the install.

[Samdiver74]

I too like the stock look of the rear bumper / diffuser, I wish more manufacturers of the exhaust systems for the Speed 6 would have the actual tip of the Rear muffler Eliptical to match the contours of the Rear bumper.
That is the only thing I don't like about the tips now is the fact that you can see the actual exhaust tip inside the trim pieces.
I also think it would be better if someone actually made a different rear diffuser piece, not a whole bumper just the textured plastic piece below the painted which could be changed out With minimal fuss so those who choose a different Exhaust system can change out the lower pieces to accommodate bigger exhaust pipes.

[yelomp5]

New tips have arrived and I took some quick pics. of one of the tips on my car, it is just slid over the tailpipe for now.
I think it looks pretty good, but it will be up to the exhaust shop to be able to make the final appearance correct.

Here's a couple pics. of the first test fit

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04421.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04391.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04401.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04371.jpg

I'll get some more pics. during and after the install.

the tip looks good in an angle, sidview, but still not feelin' the
dinky little pipe inside a big tip....

[mazspd6]

I know what you mean, I personally would prefer a 3" tip but the cut out is way to large and wouldn't look "filled out" enough with a smaller size.

"still not feelin' the dinky little pipe inside a big tip"

I take it you are referring to the fact that our exhaust exit is only 1 7/8" and my tip exit is 4", so it seems overblown...but in the same sense, the stock "fake" ring is 4.5" x 5" oval which is even bigger than mine.

Unless you are referring to the existing exhaust pipe being seen in the center of the tip...if so, that will of course be gone and all you'll see is the tip.

Both shops I checked into were booked up today, so I have a spot set for tomorrow with a shop that has a good rep.

[mazspd6]

So here it is...the Install, finally!!

You are welcome to express your opinions of course, I realize that some will like it and some will not.
I only hope that this is helpful for those looking for another choice at a fairly low cost overall...about $120 total.

The Install:

On lift with one pipe removed
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04451.jpg

One tip installed
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04461.jpg

One tip installed
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04471.jpg

Two tips installed, on lift
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04481.jpg


Installer recommended painting adapter pipe with high heat paint to help fight
rust, even though the pipe was aluminized the high heat from the welder will break down the aluminization.

Tip taped off and painted
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04491.jpg

Taped and painted
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04501.jpg

[mazspd6]

The final product:

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04511.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04521.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04531.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04561-1.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04571.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n169/b12sentra/IMG_04581.jpg

I personally like the look, and then sometimes I'm not sure.

I'll explain.
The tips are quite large and take some getting used too.

To get from the outlet on the muffler to where the cutout on the bumper is meant having to place the tip on an angle because their was not enough space to bend pipe and fit the tip, so the most direct route is best.

I chose the close placement to the bumper, and after it was done I wasn't quite sure if it was my best idea.

I had to stand right their with the welder and tell him what I wanted..the first guy gave up before really getting started..I guess he didn't like it when I stopped him the first time he tried to do it different then I wanted.
The second guy was nicer and worked with me quite a bit, I know he was getting frustrated by watching his actions, but I was insistent on how it was to look, for some reason they were convinced the tip had to stick out beyond the bumper by at least a 1/2 inch or more, which I felt looked terrible and I kept insisting that I did not want it that way...I must have heard five different reasons why they should stick out!
Finally they heard my last suggestion and this is what we got.

Either way, it's done and their isn't any changin' it now!

[Killer]

I like it. Nice work. Only thing I would change is the muffler color. I would high heat paint them black. It makes the stock muffs not so noticeable. Did it on the wifes 6i and it really finished off the look.

[Speed6 Guy]

I love it. Nuff said

[TX Speed 6]

looks good!!

[Gandalf]

Damn, wish I still lived in Raleigh so I could check it out in person. Looks great man, good work - thanks for being a pioneer.

[vert]

Looks real good, but do yourself a favor and keep an eye on the lower area for any warping/melting since the tips do not extend out past it. This was a debate when the magna flow exhaust first came out and some where saying it would melt the plastic if it didn't extend past the bumper.

[mazspd6]

I like it. Nice work. Only thing I would change is the muffler color. I would high heat paint them black. It makes the stock muffs not so noticeable. Did it on the wifes 6i and it really finished off the look.

This is actually not a bad idea and I will look at it further, not hard to do so it may be the finishing touch since the stock muffler is not anything to look at.
Thanks

[mazspd6]

Looks real good, but do yourself a favor and keep an eye on the lower area for any warping/melting since the tips do not extend out past it. This was a debate when the magna flow exhaust first came out and some where saying it would melt the plastic if it didn't extend past the bumper.

I have had this concern as well, as noted with my comment on how close I placed the tip to the bumper. I will be driving to Charlotte this weekend and that will be about 2 1/2 hours at 70 to 85 mph and should be enough heat to get a good idea on how they will do. I may stop at the half way mark and check the heat around the tip at the bumper and post my finding on Monday when I get back, as that would be the real test to let people know how this mod works in real life.

[Donas64]

Quality install and looks a lot better than the faux bazookas. Congrats on the successful transplant! Does it alter the exhaust note at all? I'm guessing not since they are just tips.

[mazspd6]

Quality install and looks a lot better than the faux bazookas. Congrats on the successful transplant! Does it alter the exhaust note at all? I'm guessing not since they are just tips.

I was wondering if the exhaust note would change before they were installed myself...and surprisingly it did change to a slightly deeper bass sound, now I'm not talking Magnaflow growl here, but it did change in a subtle and good way.
I can only attribute the change to the fact that the tip is of larger diameter and of decent length to cause a slight amplification.

[vert]

I have had this concern as well, as noted with my comment on how close I placed the tip to the bumper. I will be driving to Charlotte this weekend and that will be about 2 1/2 hours at 70 to 85 mph and should be enough heat to get a good idea on how they will do. I may stop at the half way mark and check the heat around the tip at the bumper and post my finding on Monday when I get back, as that would be the real test to let people know how this mod works in real life.
I hope all goes well with the trip and car. Keep us posted because this is a must do mod for me.

[mazspd6]

I drove to Charlotte this weekend and averaged between 75 and 80 mph the whole trip and did not stop until I got their.
I checked the temperature around the exhaust tip and although it was to hot to touch where it welds on to the muffler, by the end of the tip at the bumper you could place your hand on it for a while without to much of an issue.
No melting, warping of bumper...it was not even warm.

I would like to say that as usual their is alot of soot from this exhaust for whatever reason and it covered the whole inside of the tip in just one trip out and same on the way back after I had washed it this weekend. I just wiped it out with a damp paper towel and it looked like new again.

I did notice when I washed the car that some water will go down the tip but will not enter the muffler because of the beveled back side of the tip, I will be drilling a drain hole in the bottom of each tip for the water to more easily escape.

Definite sound change with these tips, but it sounds good though, so it's a unexpected plus.

So, in the end, I have to say that I give this mod. (2thumbs)

[vert]

Great to hear everything went well and thats a good idea to drill a hole in the bottom. Now I can search for some tips.

[Killer]

This is actually not a bad idea and I will look at it further, not hard to do so it may be the finishing touch since the stock muffler is not anything to look at.
Thanks

You are very welcome!

[mazspd6]

Great to hear everything went well and thats a good idea to drill a hole in the bottom. Now I can search for some tips.

Check on line at PerformancePeddler.com his prices our half what the local shops will charge you and he has free shipping!
The Magnaflow tips our excellent quality polished Stainless and they come in many different styles. My tip was #35121 if you are interested, but their is something for every persons taste.

I would not go any longer than 7 or 7 1/2 inches in length, the one's I have are really pushing the length/fit equation to the limit, but they gave me the right amount of visible "straight" pipe for under the bumper where I cut off the bulge.

Good Luck!