So the wifes 01 wont pass inspection due to a 2in hole in the rear muffler section. I have the rear section to go on and would like to just do it myself BUT...my concern is shearing the bolts off.

Who's done the rear section? any tips? i know its pretty straightforward-i have a ring gasket that came with the rear section also but no new bolts. I figure worst case i run up to the hardware store and pick up some bolts.

input?

 

You need new bolts and nuts because the factory ones are attached to the flange. To be honest save yourself trouble and take it to a shop, a lift makes all the difference.

 

ok..my buddy said his shop would do it for $55. cant turn that down.

 

For $55 I would do it, its PITA if the bolts are rusted.

 

it does suck if the bolts are rusted but a muffler isnt gunn make you pass. from my knowledge. a muffler just quiets the sound man.

 

If the only reason they're failing him is for a hole in the muffler, then I'd imagine that a new muffler would allow him to pass...

 

Since it seems like you live in PA, there is a high chance the exhaust is rusted and so is the hardware on it. So save yourself the trouble and the time and have a shop do it for you.
Stock rear section or HKS?

 

Buy the Meagan cat back. It is all stainless, will last forever, and purrs. There's a thread about it on here somewhere with pics etc.

 

Get an electric cutoff Tool at Home Depot to remove bolts. $29

You really have to jack the car up to get that rear section off, Like 4 feet off the ground. Take it to the shop. The other sections are pretty easy to replace. For the Middle Muffler Section and Intermediate pipe, be careful to make sure you know if you have a California Model or Federal. The Federal has a small 12" intermediate pipe right after the last Cat. I have an extra new central and Intermediate pipe if anyone is interested in getting one cheap for Fed.

 

thanks all-had my buddy do it at his shop-20 mins later we passed insp. yay

its a bosal axle back(oem) got it on ebay for $80 shipped (beats the $282.xx from nissan)