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Joe Z exhaust Install

13466 Views 35 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  BigMikeISF
So I have noticed many of the forum regulars seem to be all over the joe z exhaust. I just wanted some input about how happy you are with the sound etc?

Also I am very interested in getting it but was curious exactly where people went to get it installed? This seems like a newbie question but is this something so simple I can take it to any old mitas place or have to find some custom kind of shop? I am in Sacramento so if anyone has anything specific would love it.

Also any work on cali smog?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!
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So I have noticed many of the forum regulars seem to be all over the joe z exhaust. I just wanted some input about how happy you are with the sound etc?

Also I am very interested in getting it but was curious exactly where people went to get it installed? This seems like a newbie question but is this something so simple I can take it to any old mitas place or have to find some custom kind of shop? I am in Sacramento so if anyone has anything specific would love it.

Also any work on cali smog?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!

Many people are having their parts installed either by an exhaust shop or local tuner shop. Any mechanic can do the install. Some do the install at home. Because they are large pieces, it's probably best to have a helping hand for this kind of install.
Many people are having their parts installed either by an exhaust shop or local tuner shop. Any mechanic can do the install. Some do the install at home. Because they are large pieces, it's probably best to have a helping hand for this kind of install.
any idea on the range how much shops are charging for the install?
its just an exhaust. you can do it yourself at home with a buddy. buy some ramps and allen wrench set and your good to go.
any idea on the range how much shops are charging for the install?
Some shops will charge about an hour to 1.5 hrs for labor at an average of $70/hr mechanical rate.
It's a really easy install. I would recommend having a buddy or another set of hands help you out though, it would make the transfer go a little faster. Like Flipside said, you could have a shop install it if you want, they're hourly rates vary but you can call around and find out.

I absolutely love the sound of it and couldn't be happier :cool: If your considering purchasing one, I would jump on it.
dont forget that you need the o2 sensor socket to remove the o2 sensor. And also that the exhuast is on backorder.
Well I have emailed VIP Auto Salon several times and got nothing so I guess I will order the intake and exhaust from the lexus parts store!!! Can't wait to get this baby installed.:)
Well I have emailed VIP Auto Salon several times and got nothing so I guess I will order the intake and exhaust from the lexus parts store!!! Can't wait to get this baby installed.:)
Hmm, that's weird. i just placed an order with Clark from VIP and he promptly answered all my e mails. Did you send your e mails to [email protected]?
I've also found Clark to be extremely prompt at answering questions. A Hellofa nice guy.

Lou
That is very weird. If you PM me your email address, I can email it to him right now and have him contact you. He is a great guy and is insanely quick at returning emails.
I did send the emails via [email protected] Just kind of nothing. Did everyone here order from VIP autosalon? If so way not the lexus parts store? Just curious, I find no response to emails a bad sign before I even order!
I would try [email protected]. That is very interesting you haven't gotten a response, perhaps they aren't going through. I know a few people on here, including myself, have ordered various parts from Vip Auto Salon. I have personally ordered most of my parts from Clark. The ones I didn't, I ordered before I found him.

A few reasons I personally buy from him include his one on one service, friendliness, knowledge, quality of work and his selection of products. He can get parts for the F that no one else can get from Japan (and at great prices at that). I have had a lot of custom paint work done and he is the one to do it all, the quality and speed is second to none. If you email him about any part you want for the F, he can get it for you. It's also nice to order from someone who is a car enthusiast and drives your same car. If he doesn't think a product is going to cut it quality wise, he won't sell it to you.

Let me know if you would like me to call him for you, I'd be happy to.
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wait they have this in stock? the joe z for the isf?
Ok sent an email to the clark address. Thanks for all the help!!! Now just to find a shop in Sacramento I can trust with my F!!
You are right once I got hold of Clark all is going well. He said they are still on backorder at this time but should be in stock in the next 3 weeks. I can't wait....
Ok so I have ordered the exhaust and intake without problem... I have decided to take it to a local mechanic here in Sacramento that has done alot of work on my corvette.

He of course mentions how many aftermarket parts are not as good etc etc.... I there anything I need to tell him before the install? It sounds like this stuff comes with pretty quality instructions etc.

Any tips or warnings from people who have done the install? Or anything I need to check to make sure it is done right?

I understand this is suppose to be a plug and play (bolt on) easy thing, but nothing is ever that easy!

Any experience would be appreciated. Also living in cali I know this beast will have to be smogged. Is the oem exhaust pretty easy to break down for storage? (in case I have to have it for the smog test down the road)
It really is that easy. Any seasoned mechanic will have no problem with this install. Obviously let the car cool down and then remove all cross members. the stock exhaust will come out in 2-3 pieces. The new system is not only lighter but has a much smaller overall footprint. Mike mentioned the O2 sensor wrench. This may be the only real issue as that will require a SST or special service tool. Lastly your car does not have to smogged for (5) years. Hopefully by then this system will have passed a sniff test.

Good luck and Happy motoring!!!!
Glad everything worked out Doug! :cool:

It is a super ready bolt off/bolt on install. Your mechanic should have no problems swapping the exhausts out. The stock exhaust is only two pieces so it is easy to store (I have it laying against the back wall in my garage). Like Rick said, make sure he has a proper O2 sensor removal tool on hand and you should be good. Also, remind him the stock tips are not physically connected to the exhaust so he does not have to remove them (they are a pain in the butt to remove imo).

Once it is installed, your going to have to "break in" the exhaust for about 200-250 miles. If you run it hard, your probably going to smell something funny, don't worry, it'll go away soon. I hope you enjoy the power gains and added sound the Joe Z has, let us know if you have any other questions :cool:
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