Thank you for the answers from my previous question. I haven't decided which kind of exhaust I'm going for my car. It's still the same car with the mileage & everything. I'm interested in getting a axle back exhaust for my car and my question is that do I need to have a mechanic reprogram the ECU just like the catback exhaust? or do I not have to. I'm looking for sound than performance. I don't know what to decide.
@InThrustWeTrust Thanks for tagging me on this one.
If you are installing a catback exhaust, you would have to disconnect the 02 sensors before you uninstall the old one. There is a chance you could break one or both getting them off of there considering the age and mileage. They tend to get stuck over time.
Once you get the new exhaust on, you will need a mechanic to reprogram your computer for the added flow. Otherwise your car will have an out of spec air to fuel ratio and you will get a check engine light with codes related to the O2 sensors. Guys who say you do not need a reprogram are incorrect.
Definitely think through this modification because on an engine your size you really are only gaining sound and not any real power from it. And I know that exhaust doesn't come cheap. Also, have you looked into whether or not it drones? Exhaust drone is a vibration in the car that creates an uncomfortable noise that can rattle your interior apart and even makes some people sick. Definitely check into it and if it does drone I would pass. You do not want to have to go back to stock and go through another reprogramming because the sound inside the cabin drove you crazy. I see that all the time.
Research it before you pull the trigger and if you still want to do it, make sure you have it installed by a mechanic and retuned. You do not want to do a catback in your driveway unless you are prepared to be extremely careful and go over every connection to make sure you do not have any loose band clamps anywhere that will cause an exhaust leak. Even though 99% of exhausts use band clamps, we weld the connections at my shop. Otherwise you need to get back under the car after 3k miles or so of driving to make sure the clamps haven't loosened.
Thank you for this advice. Sorry that I'm replying to this so late, but I actually have one more quick question. Does this apply to installing an axle back exhaust as well?
If you do an axle back, there is no need to tune. Those are just for noise/tone, nothing else. And you're welcome to ask anything here anytime. 🙂
I really hope you’ve done your research well on this. Once you mess with your stock setup, you’ll almost always have to get a pro tuner to reprogram your ECU to compensate for all the mods, something which @mod_man will explain better.
I have a 2008 Honda Civic 1.8l with around 161k miles. I'm planning to get a Megan Racing OE-RS catback exhaust that's based on factory style for my car. My question is do I disconnect the o2 sensors before installing it or after? Or go to a mechanic to reset the ECU? I've looked at different forums that some of them say reset it and some say don't. I'm not really sure about that part.
Decide NOT to do it. All you'll do is piss off your neighbor's and call the cop's attention to you. Time to grow up.
Get some whistle tips from ole Bubb Rubb. Your pimp Civic will be a p**** magnet!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUXow3d3-b0
