I just joined this forum in October after buying a 04 911 anniv model in June and sure enough it does cost $$$$$ if you read all the stuff you folks talk about So far it's been cheap as all I have done is changed out the side markers for clear ones and changed the hood crest to silver. But I really don't think the stock muffler sound is what it should be so now I want to replace it with an aftermarket muffler system. After reading all of the recent threads on this topic I have decided to go with a Fabspeed 996 Maxflo muffler system ($995) and I don't want to install it myself so I was wondering if any of you have any reccomendations as to where I can take it for installation in Orange County? Fabspeed reccomended Andial in Santa Ana. I called them and they want $240 which sounds fine but I thought I would post this first to maybe get some other options. While the car is in for the muffler swap I would also like them to hardwire my V1 while they have it. BTW, I'll be at Hof's Hut this Saturday and if any of you have a changed out muffler system I would love to hear it. Thanks for your help!

 

Nice car, probably one of the best 911's ever built. I thought it came with the P****E, I mean PSE. The Fabspeeds sound awsome!. I have the GHL's, I had a shop do it, now I know how easy it is and will do it myself in the future!
Good luck, be sure and do some DE's.

 

The muffler is a 1-2 hour install max. You can do it with a few hand tools.

 

You can probably pay 1/2 that amount if you're willing to drive up to Gardena (110/91 fwy) and goto ES Motorsports. They installed my Fabspeed for less than half the price Andial quoted you. They are also one of the most honest shops I've ever gone to. So is Lucent.

 

I also recommend either ES Sports in Gardena or Lucent in Los Angeles. They have very reasonable prices are muffler installs.

 

Hmmm...I just called ES Sports and they at first said they couldn't do it because it was custom work. I explained it was simply a replacement of a bolt on muffler and after a long time they said they could do it for $500 because the bumper had to be removed. I said there must be a mistake because I already had a price of $240 but was told they could do it for a lot less. After much more holding I was told that the $500 was for a Turbo and they would mine for 1/2 that. It may have just been a bad day for them but i just didn't get a real warm feeling. So I guess I'm back to Andial for now but I'll ask around this coming Saturday at the PCA monthly breakfast in Tustin and maybe I can get another option. I'm sure it's not real hard to do but I would have to buy jacks, etc. and I really hate to try it on a 6 month old car Thanks much for your help with this.

 

LUCENT would be the choice for any mod install here in socal. Just give Arling or Tom a call, you won't regret it.

Mark

 

It's really easy, but it is harder than most cars and takes a bit of work. I'd say if you can get it done for under $150, then go for it. Any more than that and I'd do it myself. I did it and it took a few hours with me taking my time and not having the right tools.

Couple tips if you do:

Jack the rear end up nice and high.

Take the rear wheels off. Not required, but definately makes it easier.

Get some of those reverse plyer things to take off and reinstall those PIA factgory swivel clamps. Man, those things suck. What a crappy design. Who the hell needs to adjust the tips anyway? I wish the exhaust tip piping was fxed in place right from the factory. All that adjustment just means you end up with crooked tips

Have a rubber mallet handy for getting the tips back on. Sometimes they slide right on, sometimes they dont.

Slide the muffler piping into the header before you try and bolt the muffler up inside the fender.

Ratcheting (spelling?) wrenches are handy. The bolts that hold the muffler on are in a really cramped space.

Your car isn't that old, but you made need a little wd40 to loosen some of the bolts.

There is a complete exhaust install write up on renntech if you decide to go that route.

 

As D-dog stated, it's a fun DIY project. I've done four 996's over the years. The tip-holding v-clamps are a *****, but buy a set of spreaders, ramps from Pep Boys, and a set of ratcheting metric box wrenches and you are in business.

 

Stick w/ PSE last mod I would do is exhaust when the car has PSE...DROP THAT BAD BOY!

 

I agree, if it's got P****E/PSE already, keep it.

 

well said!

 

The car doesn't have PSE. It came with PSM and it is lowered 10mm but PSE wasn't an option. It only came one way..x51; PSM; short throw shifter; lightweight 18" carrera wheels; locking rear diff; C4 front end; GT3 side rails. I got every option offered; high end bose; nav system; heated power comfort seats and rear wiper, but that was it. So I think that since it didn't come with PSE I would be better off adding the Fabspeed now rather than PSE. I got this model because I couldn't decide between a C2 and a C4S. I liked the looks of a C4S but I didn't need/want the all wheel drive and it's extra weight and cost here in sunny socal So when I saw the 40th anniv model and how it was equiped it was a no brainer for me. Now I just need to change out the mufflers and then stay away from you guys!

 

I don't know how much more difficult is is to install Fabspeed instead of the PSE, but I had my PSE mufflers installed at the local Midas shop. There is nothing magical about swapping out mufflers and they have the tools and know how to replace mufflers. Best of all, they charged me $75 - took them about an hour.

 

Are those the 18" carrera's that were chrome?