I'm planning to replace my exhaust system from the cat back. I'm planning to buy an OEM system, I just need a new one I don't want anything loud or anything fancy. Is this something I can replace myself? Is it jsut a matter of taking the old one off the mounts and putting te new one on? any suggestions ideas.

 

Yes it is something you CAN do. WILL you be able to do it will depend on the amount of rust you are working with on the current system.

 

oem? everybody here modifies there maxima with aftermarket parts not stock ones.

 

Oem muffler section with aftermarket b pipe might be the way to go.

 

incase you do go all OEM, don't even bother at the dealer. check the 4th gen F/S thread, or i think i have seen an OEM replacement on ebay for relatively cheap (Not sure on quality, though). also, you could consider a private garage (not a chain) where someone could make you a decent exhaust for cheap. just some options to consider.

 

thank you for the replys. I want oem because i'm no trying to mod anything, i just want my stock muffler replaced because it needs replacement.
I will follow your suggestions.

 

Not trying to jack the thread or anything but is there an advanage in putting in a 5th or 6th Gen exhaust? Im in a similar situation as the original poster, the exhaust is rusted and needs to be replaced soon.

 

they would not fit. you may be able to get away with the rear section/muffler from a different gen, but not a whole catback.

 

Garcia, I'm in the same boat as you. I've been watching the classifieds here and picking up low-mileage OEM parts for a fraction of the OEM cost. There aren't many good parts available.

It's tedious and slow since many people just throw them away because they don't want to ship them. I think this is especially true down south or west where they don't rust out, so people rarely want to buy them. Junkyards typically torch the exhausts off and discard them. (I think I need to start a business trucking used exhaust parts into the northeast).

I have (all used) y-pipe I got for $50, b-pipe which will be around $100, main cat for $60, and new OEM hardware and gaskets fro about $75. I might need to buy some heat shields and stuff too, not sure yet. Muffler canister I might have to buy new.

Anyway, new OEM is probably the nicest option - check out the prices at www.worldpartsexpress.com or www.jerryromenissan.com. The next nicest option is stockish parts from Autozone or Advance or Napa.

The cheapest is to let an exhaust shop and bend/weld something for you. They will use whatever components you want and whatever material you want (in case you want it to stay shiny). But I think then it won't be bolt-in interchangeable unless you specify that.

Dave

 

I think you'd be alright without the heatshields.

 

Im not sure exactly how large our exhuasts are, but Im assuming 2.5 inches in diameter. Would it serve any advantageous purpose when replacing it, to switch to something larger like 3"? Keep in mind everything on the car will remain stock. Thanks

Also, do you lose power if there are holes in the muffler or anywhere in the exhaust after the cat?

 

Anyone?


tootles

 

I would think stock is 2.25 inches. Because a lot of people upgrade to a 2.5inch piping. 3 inches are for blown cars mainly. It would be rather pointless for you to have 3 inch exhaust piping if your not blown.

2.25 inches is actually a decent size if you are remotely close to stock say maybe you just had a Y and a intake. A lot of people go bigger because that rather have something a little bigger or because 2.5 might be easier to find mufflers with a 2.5 inlet. But your car is stock i would stick with stock piping 2.25.

As for a hole in the catback, it could cause loss of power pending size of hole. Also would make a annoying noise also pending size.