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  • Neon SRT-4 Exhaust Upgrade: Completion and Performance Test
  • From "Tricked Out"
    episode DTRK-107


    PHOTO
    In this final segment, Andrew and Gary complete the installation of the new high-performance exhaust system. Now that the system is installed, they line everything up and tighten it down. Finally a performance test is conducted to check acceleration and torque following the upgraded for comparison to baseline results.


    Tools and materials used in this episode:

    New exhaust system
    Catalytic converter
    Basic automotive tools (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)
    Torque wrench
    20"-long 3/8-drive extension
    20" extension for bolts buried at the turbo
    Penetrating oil
    Level
    Straight-edge ruler
    Rubbing alcohol and clean, lint-free, 100%-cotton cloth
    Protective gloves and safety goggles

    advertisement


    Finishing Touches

    • Use an Allan wrench to remove the oxygen-sensor plug.

    • With the plug removed, insert the original factory oxygen sensor (figure A).

    • Tighten it down with an open-end wrench (figure B).

    • Plug the sensor back into the crossmember and make sure that the safety plug locks into place.
      Photo

      Figure A

      Photo

      Figure B


    • Have a friend hold the rear of the extension pipe in place as you tighten the first band clamp (figure C).

    • Tighten the three bolts at the connection flange between the two extension pipes.

    • Tigten the three remaining bolts at the connection flange between the second extension pipe and the muffler assembly (figure D).
      Photo

      Figure C

      Photo

      Figure D


    • Center the exhaust tips, using your fingers to check the distance between the exhaust tips and the bumper cutouts on each side (figure E).

    • Use a straightedge to measure how far the driver's-side exhaust tip sticks out from the bumper (figure F) and adjust the passenger-side tip to match.
      Photo

      Figure E

      Photo

      Figure F


    • Finally, tighten the band clamp at the second tip (figures G and H), and the new exhaust is installed.
      Photo

      Figure G

      Photo

      Figure H


      PHOTO

      The Dyno results, before . . .
      PHOTO

      and after.

  • Important: Before firing up the engine and checking out the new exhaust, be sure to remove any fingerprints from the exhaust system. Fingerprints left on the surface could "burn in" and leave permanent marks when the exhaust system gets hot. Stainless steel is durable, but it can be scratched, so for cleaning, use rubbing alcohol and a clean, lint-free, all-cotton cloth.

    The Bottom Line

    $600 - Exhaust system
    $200 - Catalytic converter
    $30 - Torque wrench
    $12 - 20" extension

    TOTAL = $842

    Gary's Followup Tip: With a full stainless-steel system on the car, there's little worry about rust. However, after running the car for a few hundred miles, re-check all the bolts to make certain they're tight.


    RESOURCES :

    Howell Automotive
    Website: www.howellautomotive.com

    Racing Innovations, Inc.
    Website: www.racinginnovations.com

    Thermal Research and Development
    Website: www.thermalrd.com

    Bend-Pak
    Website: www.bendpak.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: