rporzio

Ah yes, I forgot completely about power gains!

peterp

I'll tell you who won't be able to forget about the power gains: 996 Turbos with nitrous who will only barely be able to see my taillights.

TonyTwoBags

Easy 8rwhp on this mod without breaking a sweat.

rporzio

Pete, did you also buy new clamps/bolt assemblies? R.

NYoutftr

Update
copy of window sticker
They were were only $895, not $1100

rporzio

Wow, thank you NY...and I love the look...and the option code appears to be X54, now to search for the part number and start to compare to the aftermarket... Ralph

peterp

Of course I did. What do you think I am, an idiot???

Ok, so I ordered them 5 minutes after seeing your post. Thanks for asking. I did check my existing clamps/bolts before ordering the exhaust tips, and they didn't look too bad, but I didn't think about checking to see if new clamps/bolts were readily available. Just ordered a set through eBay.

Thanks for info. It's very cool to see that rear spoiler was also a factory option.

rporzio

Good move Pete, R.

peterp

I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to stay off eBay for a while. Every time you browse, it costs me money!

(actually can't wait for this stuff to arrive)

rporzio

Ah, but think of the aesthetic gains coming your way. I'm hoping for you that the fit is perfect!

peterp

I received the exhaust tips this morning. I'll reserve judgment until they are on the car, but they look really really good. The build and material quality seem top notch. I won't receive the new clamps until Friday, but I applied Kroil to the existing clamp bolts tonight to let it soak in, which hopefully will make them easier to remove. The space to get at the clamps is fairly tight. I'm really glad Ralph suggested getting new clamps/bolts because, as I look closer, I definitely wouldn't have reused the existing clamps.

I also coated the outer exhaust tips with Rejex, which takes something like 18 hours to cure before it can be exposed it to heat. I'm hoping this helps prevent carbon build-up around the tips or at least makes them easier to clean. I didn't put Rejex on the downpipes because it gets too hot, but I think the tip ends only get a bit warm.

rporzio

That's great news Pete, do you plan on doing the install yourself? R.

peterp

Yes, I am planning to install myself. It looks fairly straightforward and simple to do. The only issue is that space is a little tight to access the clamp nuts and you never how easily everything will come apart after being roasted by exhaust heat for many years.

If anybody has replaced the exhaust tips and has any "tips" (pun not avoidable) on anything in particular to look out for while replacing them, I have a very open ear.

rporzio

You're right about the tight space, we had the car on a lift and I helped my mechanic by holding the tip firmly in place while he tightened the clamp, nothing worse than a set of lopsided exhaust tips. R.

peterp

Well, it was not easy, but I have one of the exhaust tips installed. The fit and quality is excellent. If the existing clamps come off easily, then it isn't a difficult job. The problem is, I think it's usually the case that they don't come off easily after baking in the heat for a few years (and there isn't a lot of access to cut them off). Mine were not easy to remove, I will post some tips later, but thought I would post some photos before putting on the left side: