Installing an M&K Premuffler - Any Help/Suggestions?

[Swoboda]

Hello:

I’m installing an M&K premuffler and I’d like any help or suggestions for the process, please.

I’m a weekend car guy, so I don’t know what exactly to expect, although the process seems very straightforward.

I’m removing the original cat, and things are rusty.

I’ve been PB Blasting for a few days.

Any thoughts would be helpful in order to make this as smooth as possible.

Thanks in advance!

[Cevan]

New gaskets.

[Swoboda]

Originally Posted by Cevan

New gaskets.

Thank you. The kit from M&K has all new gaskets and bolts.

[917_Langheck]

Raise the car and remove driver-side rear wheel. It will appear that the rear shock mount will be in the way when you're putting things back together; it won't be.

Have both 13 mm and 1/2" sockets on hand and two 13 mm box end wrenches. You'll need to loosen the muffler straps just after unfastening the other hardware. Those are 8 mm hex if original.

The speed nuts on the heat shield are not very strong, so have a vice grip handy to hold while turning the bolts for those, otherwise they will break at the u-mount and spin.

When putting it all back together leave everything slightly loose and work from the head pipe on back to the muffler as you tighten. That way you should reduce leaks and binding potentials.

Last thing, antiseize, even on stainless hardware. Makes life later much easier.

[charlie.tango]

I did the same thing as you with PB Blaster hoping that would help with the rust. In the end I just cut out the whole thing since I did not plan on selling it anyway. It definely sped up the install process and not fussing with trying to turn rusted out nuts and bolts.

[Mark Salvetti]

If the old nuts and bolts look like the typical fused mass, forget wrenching. Just cut the nuts off with a Dremel and then use a punch to drive out the bolts.

Mark

[Swoboda]

Thank you very much for all the advice.

This is very helpful!

[vdubpower]

did u have a chance to complete install. ....how is it

[bob_74]

Good tips here - I’m likely to be in a similar boat soon. Planning to install the active version of that pre-muffler, assuming it’s still a good option. I don’t see very much information on it from searching, which surprised me a little.

[Swoboda]

Originally Posted by vdubpower

did u have a chance to complete install. ....how is it

Not yet. I’ll be able to install it in the next few weeks. I’ll share some feedback.

Thanks.

[FA-18C]

Did this on WED this week. I did not have to loosen the muffler straps at all, removal was pretty straight forward. Since you are going to replace the hardware, just use an impact driver for removal - it will either come off, or break, but at least it will be quicker. You need an extra set of hands to help with aligning the premuffler with the new hardware and gaskets. Use gloves on the stainless. Antisieze for all of the fasteners before torquing to spec. If you count the number of rotations of the O2 sensor while you are removing it, and pre twist it, make install on the new pre-muffler easier - a dab on antisieze of the threads there as well.

After torquing everything, make sure you take a microfiber cloth and remove all of your fingerprints so they are not burned in when it first heats up.

I installed a Dansk, no louder, a lower growl undertone, at idle, but no noticeable increase in dB level. It does feel to have added a bit of HP as advertised. Wong chip install next weekend.