ATR Exhaust System

Comments:

Installation notes:

• The flange on the front of the downpipe had to be ground about 1/8 inch near the bolt holes in order to fit to the front pre-cat housing.
• Torque downpipe bolts to 36 ft-lb.
• Pre-fit all swaged (slip-fit) ends before attempting to install.
• When installing, do not tighten the clamp nuts until you are absolutely sure everything fits and is positioned correctly. After you have tightened down a clamp, a pipe expander may be necessary to widen the swaged end for re-installation, after you manage to beat the two pieces apart. It would be very nice to have a flanged fitting at the end of the downpipe [ATR in fact offers an adapter (see catalog page), but it was not part of my package, plus other variations] and a flanged end on the pipe that connects to the rear of the cat. My package had all swaged ends. WARNING: With the swaged fittings, almost the entire assembly will have to be dropped to repair or modify any individual pipe or piece (unless you can expand the swaged joint on the car). THE FIX: Update (12/16/2007) - Because I had a very difficult time disconnecting the main cat from the downpipe after the U-bolt clamps were tightened, in July 2005 I had a local muffler shop (Exhaust Pros, 303-451-5351, Northglenn, CO) install a flange near the end of the dounpipe so that the DP can be seperated easily from the main cat. I also had them remove the U-bolts attaching the main cat to the exaust pipes and weld the main cat to the pipes.
• With the main cat in place of the test pipe, the cat-back pipes were too long for my car. I had to cut about 1 1/8 inch off of the pipe that attaches to the rear of the cat. If you cut off too much or have other problems, pieces from the test pipe can be used as adapters.
• Some of the swaged fittings did not seal completely, so that water can drip out. This may actually be an advantage. I didn't notice any significant exhaust leaks though.
• Rotating the exhaust tips changes their final location but the mounting clamps/brackets themselves keep the tips from being mounted any higher. I also thought the tips stuck out too far so I cut 1 inch off of the pipe welded onto the left tip and off the crossover pipe near the right tip to tuck them in a little more.
• The muffler on my car vibrated against the left tow bracket, till I removed the bracket.
• I removed the active exhaust motor from the rear compartment and filled the cable hole through the body with silicone.
• Drive around for a while then recheck the torque on all bolts.