As some of you may know by a couple of my posts on here, I've been looking for an exhaust shop to install my NOWEEDS exhaust diverter system to no avail. Either they were booked (even though they originally told me they don't do appointments ) or they would only do the underneath part, no wiring. So today, I decided to tackle it myself. Although there were a few minor struggles during the install, it was SO worth it. You think the Hellcat sounds good stock? You ain't heard NOTHING yet!
Spent $15 on a set of plastic trim removal tools. They are worth 10 times that, easily. If you don't have a set, get one.
Picked up power off the back of the cigarette lighter.
Used a 3/4" bit to drill out for the rocker switch. Still had to ream it slightly and then cut a tiny notch for the nub on the switch so it would lock into place. I chose this switch type instead of the under-the-seat option for ease of use. It's tough reaching under the seat while driving.
Switch wired and the shifter is ready to go back in.
The instructions reference the "bend mark" on the pipes as to where to cut it. I had a pronounced one on the drivers side but absolutely none on the passenger side. I simply measured and lined it up with the drivers side.
Factory pipes out and heat shield installed. The heat shield was a little tough to line up on the rear side. Had to force it to the right pretty hard to get the rivet in. I'll have to check it occasionally to make sure it's holding in place.
In and ready to wire. A couple notes here: I had one hell of a time getting the rear connection in on the passenger side. Even after using a screwdriver to spread the factory pipe at the slots, it wouldn't go in. Finally did a little research and WD-40 was recommended. Sprayed just a touch on it, got it started, and then used a block of wood and a hammer and got it in. One thing bothered me, if I had driven the rear connection all the way in, it would have had a pretty good gap at the front connection, on both sides. I ended up with about a 1/2" or so gap on the front and about 1-1/2" of insertion on the rear prior to installing the clamps. It's not leaking, but I thought it would have been a closer fit. I'll have to monitor it and maybe think about welding it at some point.
Done and done. You lose about an inch and a half of clearance so I'll have to be careful going over speed bumps.
It sounds SO good! All in all, I would say the install isn't bad. The only things I didn't like were the gap in the pipes but mainly, you're left to your own devices to try to find a good routing for the wires from the passenger side. The wire that's connected to the passenger side actuator reaches about halfway across the car after running it under the heat shield. I ended up taking the drivers side wires as well as the power wires into the middle of the car to meet the passenger side and plugging everything in there. Then you have to find a place to tie-wrap the connections in place. I tied mine to the back side of the transmission cross member. Again, something else I'll have to monitor to make sure they're holding up ok.
I'm glad I finally got mine installed! It was worth the struggle. Did this by myself with the rear wheels on ramps and the front end on jack stands. It was raining but there was no way I couldn't take it for a spin. When you hit the gas, it'll vibrate your head with the windows shut! I've never ridden in a NASCAR car, but I've been to a few races and I'm betting that's what it sounds like! I'll gladly answer any questions if anyone has any. Thanks for reading!
Spent $15 on a set of plastic trim removal tools. They are worth 10 times that, easily. If you don't have a set, get one.
Picked up power off the back of the cigarette lighter.
Used a 3/4" bit to drill out for the rocker switch. Still had to ream it slightly and then cut a tiny notch for the nub on the switch so it would lock into place. I chose this switch type instead of the under-the-seat option for ease of use. It's tough reaching under the seat while driving.
Switch wired and the shifter is ready to go back in.
The instructions reference the "bend mark" on the pipes as to where to cut it. I had a pronounced one on the drivers side but absolutely none on the passenger side. I simply measured and lined it up with the drivers side.
Factory pipes out and heat shield installed. The heat shield was a little tough to line up on the rear side. Had to force it to the right pretty hard to get the rivet in. I'll have to check it occasionally to make sure it's holding in place.
In and ready to wire. A couple notes here: I had one hell of a time getting the rear connection in on the passenger side. Even after using a screwdriver to spread the factory pipe at the slots, it wouldn't go in. Finally did a little research and WD-40 was recommended. Sprayed just a touch on it, got it started, and then used a block of wood and a hammer and got it in. One thing bothered me, if I had driven the rear connection all the way in, it would have had a pretty good gap at the front connection, on both sides. I ended up with about a 1/2" or so gap on the front and about 1-1/2" of insertion on the rear prior to installing the clamps. It's not leaking, but I thought it would have been a closer fit. I'll have to monitor it and maybe think about welding it at some point.
Done and done. You lose about an inch and a half of clearance so I'll have to be careful going over speed bumps.
It sounds SO good! All in all, I would say the install isn't bad. The only things I didn't like were the gap in the pipes but mainly, you're left to your own devices to try to find a good routing for the wires from the passenger side. The wire that's connected to the passenger side actuator reaches about halfway across the car after running it under the heat shield. I ended up taking the drivers side wires as well as the power wires into the middle of the car to meet the passenger side and plugging everything in there. Then you have to find a place to tie-wrap the connections in place. I tied mine to the back side of the transmission cross member. Again, something else I'll have to monitor to make sure they're holding up ok.
I'm glad I finally got mine installed! It was worth the struggle. Did this by myself with the rear wheels on ramps and the front end on jack stands. It was raining but there was no way I couldn't take it for a spin. When you hit the gas, it'll vibrate your head with the windows shut! I've never ridden in a NASCAR car, but I've been to a few races and I'm betting that's what it sounds like! I'll gladly answer any questions if anyone has any. Thanks for reading!