MidnightDreamer

I'm planning to buy a muffler for my Protege, 2002 ES, but I sure as hell don't wanna pay for installation. I'm told that replacing the muffler on the protege isn't that hard. I wanna give it a go, but I kinda need some help. Can anyone give me detailed instructions on how to go about with the installation? Again, I'm told it's easy, but when I looked underneath the car today, I didn't see any nuts and bolts that could be removed using simple hand tools. BTW, do I remove the entire rear portion when I am installing my muffler? Er, I should rephrase that. Does the muffler replace that giant can thing underneath my car? Pictures would help lol. As you can see, I'll be needing a lot of help. BTW, Im sorry if im bothering you, and this topic has been discussed before. I tried running a search, but I keep getting this screen that says to refresh the screen or notify technical support. Whenever I refresh it says the same thing. But anyways, thanks in advanced for any help you can give me.

MidnightDreamer

Oh yea, will I get the "SOUND" with a new muffler?
I better be because for the 140$ im planning to shell out it better not just be a "shiney" can attached to the back of my car...

MidnightDreamer

Oh yea? Does anyone know the size of the muffler I should get?

ZoomZoomH

ahem, um, do you have a particular muffler you want to buy?

you need to decide on a muffler first before asking how to install it...

ZoomZoomH

oh, since the search is down, I'd recommend you to read the Protege FAQ on the upper right hand corner of this page.

you can find various exhaust systems ready for bolt-on installation for your Protege.

MidnightDreamer

just a universal type muffler.

MidnightDreamer

Hey, here's my stupid question of the day:
Is it possible to swap a Mazda 6 i-4 engine into our protege's?

gcs118

I don't know about your last question...but as for your muffler :

If it is a Protege-specific muffler it will bolt right on with basic hand tools and some lubricants. If it is a universal muffler, you will need to take it to a shop to have the hangers welded on and possibly have it welded to your pipes. If you change the muffler, you will get a different sound from stock. As for the size...stick with same size as exhaust piping for the most part.

ZoomZoomH

simple answer: not likely and probably not worth it.

Riz

i bought a muffler once. but then i woke up and shelld out the extra $$ for a bolt on. i suggest you do the same, you will be much happier.

gcs118

Yeah if you really don't want to pay for installation, you will NEED a bolt on. Jack up the rear of the car, lubricate the rubber hangers, oil to rusted over stock bolts, take old muffler off, put in new gasket, bolt new system on. It's simple, and won't take long either, even if you are a noive modder.

carguycw

Ditto gcs118's comments. Please do NOT try to install a universal muffler yourself unless you are a skilled welder. Cobbled-together attempts at mounting mufflers with clamps and other miscellaneous parts-store hardware usually result in exhaust leaks or the muffler falling off, usually while the car is moving. If you are going this route, PLEASE get it welded up by a competent shop. They SHOULD NOT charge you more than $50 to do this. If you can't find a shop that will do it cheaper, please run a search for "Scruffy's Muffler Shack."

MidnightDreamer

Can anyone recommend to me a decent cheap bolt on muffler for the protege? I'm looking for somewhere between 100-150$ Canadian. If not, I think I'll seriously consider the Sparkco 5zigen-type slant tip exhaust that what's his name just got recently. Sorry I forgot your name...

ZoomZoomH

the cheapest bolt-on muffler for protege is probably the Mazdaspeed muffler

cost: $195 US

ZoomZoomH

if you just want a cheap muffler, just pay the goddamn $50 and get a universal muffler welded on.