Kdutts
Probationary Member
- 15
- 0
- Sep 29, 2004
-
Gloucester,
Massachusetts
As the title so creatively states, I just joined the ranks of the very, very....very few, and the proud Espelir owners. I'm hoping to get some pics up maybe tonight and I'll probably get some sound clips over the weekend, but I wanted to give everyone a run down of the sytem and installation information.
*Note, all of this is without and aftermarket downpipe/testpipe*
I came home from school and was about to walk in my door when I saw a great big box inscribed JGT-500 on it. I was completely overjoyed, regardless of the fact that it was the scheduled delivery date and that I had practically held my mother at knifepoint to make sure that there were signs on the doors stating to leave the package on the deck in the event that nobody was home. First thing's first: I'm not sure that the UPS person really had the physique to manhandle the box, as there was a hanger poking out from it most likely hitting the ground after a minor drop. Either that or it got a little jumbled around in the truck, not a big deal, the boys in brown are still my favorites. I cut the two blue straps on the packaging and decided to take a look at everything. I was enthralled upon opening the package as there was not a scratch, dent, or even a minor ding on any of the mirror-polished stainless steel (the object which was enthralling me
). Packaging was basic yet effective, using those form fitting plastic bags with the material that holds its shape under compression (probably an awful explanation, but I think everyone knows what I'm talking about.) I began inspecting everything and it was confirmed that I had everything needed. I will at this point note that there are no instructions that I found that came with the system. I don't know if this is a true detriment to anyone, as there are a total of two pieces and 4 bolts with lock nuts for the system. My solution to the problem was to simply note the location of the stock 02 sensor bung and the orientation of the can.
My sister's boyfriend helped me out with the install, and we used his uncle's garage (which has yummy air tools and the like.) I will at this point note out that the uncle was a jerk because he has a chipped 330ci and an H2 and kept referring to my car as a "lawnmower." While still in my supporting mod getting stage, I just kinda smiled and tuned him out. We jacked the car up and began to disassemble the stock exhaust.
Even the most meek will become agressive, swearing farmboys when trying to move a corroded stock exhaust. After a half a can of WD40 and a whole bunch of pressure, the rear section bolts just broke, whatever, I want to throw it as far as I can for sport. We took the hangers off, (note that it is much easier to take the main muffler hanger bracket off of the car and put it on the aftermarket, then bolt it up, but make sure it is oriented correctly) Now, the catalytic converter studs are awful. We used nearly every trick in the book. My sister's bf wasn't really paying attention and ended up hacking part of one of the studs off, and I watched it happen all the while some little fat dwarf with a DSMTuners shirt on kept telling me that there was something wrong with that idea. So.....it got cut, and Kyle needs to get another stud from the dealership until he gets is DP/TP. prolly 5 bucks right there. Note that the Espelir system comes with 2 80mm gaskets, but does not give you a gasket for the catalytic converter. The gasket for the cat was so demolished and fused that we had to chip it off and sand down the surface for a new gasket. I have a leaky exhaust until later tonight when we put a gasket in, so that's why no sound clips. An open ended wrench will take care of the o2 sensor, dunno how it came out so easy. Now, after everything old is off, the new stuff goes on. We hung everything, and it looked good, I was ready to cringe as I sighted over to the catalytic converter, but was very relieved to see that it lined up 100%. Sweet. Bolted everything together, low and behold, fitment was excellent. The gasket and new stud go on tonight. Note that if you break a stud, you need a torch most likely. Heat what's left until its RED. Get some vise grips and turn it before it cools. Overall, a great system, good fitment.
Edited because my Michael Jackson hands can't type
*Note, all of this is without and aftermarket downpipe/testpipe*
I came home from school and was about to walk in my door when I saw a great big box inscribed JGT-500 on it. I was completely overjoyed, regardless of the fact that it was the scheduled delivery date and that I had practically held my mother at knifepoint to make sure that there were signs on the doors stating to leave the package on the deck in the event that nobody was home. First thing's first: I'm not sure that the UPS person really had the physique to manhandle the box, as there was a hanger poking out from it most likely hitting the ground after a minor drop. Either that or it got a little jumbled around in the truck, not a big deal, the boys in brown are still my favorites. I cut the two blue straps on the packaging and decided to take a look at everything. I was enthralled upon opening the package as there was not a scratch, dent, or even a minor ding on any of the mirror-polished stainless steel (the object which was enthralling me
). Packaging was basic yet effective, using those form fitting plastic bags with the material that holds its shape under compression (probably an awful explanation, but I think everyone knows what I'm talking about.) I began inspecting everything and it was confirmed that I had everything needed. I will at this point note that there are no instructions that I found that came with the system. I don't know if this is a true detriment to anyone, as there are a total of two pieces and 4 bolts with lock nuts for the system. My solution to the problem was to simply note the location of the stock 02 sensor bung and the orientation of the can.My sister's boyfriend helped me out with the install, and we used his uncle's garage (which has yummy air tools and the like.) I will at this point note out that the uncle was a jerk because he has a chipped 330ci and an H2 and kept referring to my car as a "lawnmower." While still in my supporting mod getting stage, I just kinda smiled and tuned him out. We jacked the car up and began to disassemble the stock exhaust.
Even the most meek will become agressive, swearing farmboys when trying to move a corroded stock exhaust. After a half a can of WD40 and a whole bunch of pressure, the rear section bolts just broke, whatever, I want to throw it as far as I can for sport. We took the hangers off, (note that it is much easier to take the main muffler hanger bracket off of the car and put it on the aftermarket, then bolt it up, but make sure it is oriented correctly) Now, the catalytic converter studs are awful. We used nearly every trick in the book. My sister's bf wasn't really paying attention and ended up hacking part of one of the studs off, and I watched it happen all the while some little fat dwarf with a DSMTuners shirt on kept telling me that there was something wrong with that idea. So.....it got cut, and Kyle needs to get another stud from the dealership until he gets is DP/TP. prolly 5 bucks right there. Note that the Espelir system comes with 2 80mm gaskets, but does not give you a gasket for the catalytic converter. The gasket for the cat was so demolished and fused that we had to chip it off and sand down the surface for a new gasket. I have a leaky exhaust until later tonight when we put a gasket in, so that's why no sound clips. An open ended wrench will take care of the o2 sensor, dunno how it came out so easy. Now, after everything old is off, the new stuff goes on. We hung everything, and it looked good, I was ready to cringe as I sighted over to the catalytic converter, but was very relieved to see that it lined up 100%. Sweet. Bolted everything together, low and behold, fitment was excellent. The gasket and new stud go on tonight. Note that if you break a stud, you need a torch most likely. Heat what's left until its RED. Get some vise grips and turn it before it cools. Overall, a great system, good fitment.
Edited because my Michael Jackson hands can't type
