Installing an exhaust system can be done at home with the right tools. Here's your comprehensive guide:

Tools You'll Need:

• Safety equipment: Safety glasses, work gloves, dust mask
• Jack and jack stands: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack
• Socket set: Metric and standard (typically 10mm-19mm)
• Wrenches: Combination wrench set
• Penetrating oil: WD-40 or PB Blaster for rusty bolts
• Reciprocating saw: For cutting old exhaust if needed
• Torque wrench: For proper bolt tension
• New gaskets: Always replace old gaskets

Installation Steps:

• 1. Preparation (15-20 min): Park on level surface, let engine cool 1+ hour, lift vehicle safely, spray bolts with penetrating oil
• 2. Remove Old Exhaust (30-45 min): Start from rear, disconnect sensors, remove hangers, unbolt flanges, support weight as you remove
• 3. Prepare (10-15 min): Clean mounting surfaces, inspect hangers, test-fit new system
• 4. Install New System (45-60 min): Apply exhaust paste, start from front, hand-tighten all bolts first, ensure proper clearance, reconnect sensors, torque bolts (25-35 ft-lbs typically)
• 5. Final Checks (15-20 min): Double-check connections, start engine, check for leaks, let warm up, recheck bolts after first heat cycle

Most exhaust installations can be completed by DIY enthusiasts with moderate mechanical skills.

You Can Probably DIY If:

• You have basic mechanical experience (changed oil, brakes, etc.)
• You have the necessary tools or can rent them
• You have a safe place to work with proper jack stands
• Your exhaust is a bolt-on replacement
• You have 2-4 hours available

Consider Professional Installation If:

• This is your first time working under a vehicle
• The exhaust requires welding or custom fabrication
• Your vehicle has severely rusted/seized bolts
• You don't have proper safety equipment

Cost Comparison: DIY = $0-50 if you have tools, Professional = $150-400 depending on complexity. Many customers buy from us and take to a local shop for $100-200 installation.

In most cases, no tune is required for a cat-back exhaust system.

No Tune Required:

• Cat-back exhaust systems
• Axle-back exhaust systems
• Muffler-only replacements

Tune Recommended:

• High-flow catalytic converters
• Headers/manifolds
• Turbo-back systems
• Downpipe replacements

Modern vehicles have sophisticated ECUs. If you've installed headers or high-flow cats, the ECU may throw error codes. A professional tune optimizes your exhaust and can add 5-15 HP while improving drivability. Professional tuning typically costs $300-600.

Ensuring proper fitment is crucial. Here's how to verify compatibility:

Check These Vehicle Details:

• Year: Even mid-year changes can affect fitment
• Make and Model: Obvious but essential
• Engine size: 2.0L vs 3.5L often have different systems
• Drive type: 2WD, 4WD, or AWD configurations differ
• Bed length (trucks): Short bed vs long bed matters
• Wheelbase: Extended cab vs crew cab
• Trim level: Some trims have different configurations

How to Find Your Vehicle Info:

• VIN Decoder: Use our VIN lookup tool on each product page
• Door Jamb Sticker: Contains detailed specifications
• Owner's Manual: Lists complete specs
• Engine Code: Usually stamped on engine block

We stand behind our fitment guarantee. If an exhaust doesn't fit as advertised:

Our Fitment Guarantee:

• Free return shipping - We provide prepaid label
• Full refund - 100% of purchase price
• No restocking fees - You pay nothing
• Expedited replacement - If you want correct system

How to Initiate Fitment Return:

• Contact us within 30 days of delivery
• Provide order number and fitment issue details
• Send photos showing the fitment problem
• Receive return label within 24 hours
• Ship it back in original packaging if possible
• Get refund within 5-7 business days

Important: This guarantee applies when you've ordered according to our fitment specifications. Always verify fitment before ordering or contact us for confirmation.

Modified suspension can affect exhaust fitment.

Lifted Vehicles (1-3 inches):

• Usually compatible - most systems will still fit
• May need extended hangers
• Exhaust tips may sit higher or exit at different angle

Lifted Vehicles (4+ inches):

• May require modifications - contact us first
• Extended hangers or brackets often needed
• Custom work may be necessary

Lowered Vehicles (1-2 inches):

• Usually compatible
• Check ground clearance carefully
• May need shorter or adjustable hangers

Lowered Vehicles (3+ inches):

• High risk of ground contact
• Requires careful selection
• May need custom or tucked designs

Recommendation: If your vehicle has more than 2-inch lift or drop, contact us before ordering with your suspension details and photos.

Shipping times depend on your location and method selected:

Processing Time:

• In-stock items: 1-2 business days
• Made-to-order: 5-10 business days (marked on product page)
• Orders before 2PM EST: Ship same day

Standard Ground Shipping (Free on full exhausts):

• East Coast: 2-4 business days
• Midwest: 3-5 business days
• West Coast: 4-6 business days
• Alaska/Hawaii: 7-10 business days

Free Shipping:

• Full exhausts, downpipes: Free ground shipping to lower 48 states
• Automatically applied at checkout

Standard Ground (Small items):

• Small items $9.99

Alaska & Hawaii:

• Shipping to AK/HI Varies

Pro Tip: Order multiple items together to maximize free shipping. One exhaust + accessories = one shipping charge!

Absolutely! Complete tracking for every order:

Tracking Process:

• Order Confirmation: Immediate email when you order
• Shipping Notification: Email with tracking number within 24 hours of shipment
• Delivery Updates: Real-time tracking through carrier
• Delivered: Confirmation with delivery photo when available

Ways to Track:

• Email Link: Click tracking link in shipping email
• Account Dashboard: Log in → Order History → View tracking
• SMS Updates: Opt-in during checkout for text notifications

What Status Means:

• "Processing": Order being prepared for shipment
• "Shipped": Package left our facility
• "In Transit": Moving through carrier network
• "Out for Delivery": On truck for delivery today
• "Delivered": Package delivered successfully

Upon Delivery - Inspect Immediately:

• Check box for damage
• Note visible damage on delivery receipt
• Take photos of damaged box and item
• Keep all packaging materials

If You Discover Damage:

• Step 1: Document with photos from all angles
• Step 2: Contact us immediately at shop@exhaustclip.com
• Step 3: We'll ship replacement same-day
• Step 4: We provide prepaid return label
• Step 5: We handle all carrier claims

Email photos and details to shop@exhaustclip.com with "SHIPPING DAMAGE" in subject for priority handling.

We want you completely satisfied with your purchase.

30-Day Return Window:

• Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
• Must be unused, uninstalled, in original packaging
• Refund processed in 5-7 business days after receipt
• Refunded to original payment method

What Can Be Returned:

• Unopened exhaust systems in original packaging
• Unused accessories in original packaging
• Wrong items shipped (our error = free return)
• Defective products (covered by warranty)
• Fitment issues (if ordered per our specs = free return)

What Cannot Be Returned:

• Installed exhaust systems (even partially)
• Modified or cut components
• Items without original packaging
• Custom/special-order items (marked on product page)
• Items returned after 30 days
• Final sale items (marked on product page)

Return Costs:

• Standard returns: Customer pays shipping + 30% restocking fee
• Our error: Free return, no restocking fee
• Defective: Free return, no restocking fee
• Fitment guarantee: Free return, no restocking fee

How to Return:

• Email shop@exhaustclip.com with order number
• Receive RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number
• Package securely with RMA on outside of box
• Ship back (use our label if provided)
• Refund processed within 5-7 days of receipt

No, we do not offer exchanges, however you can return your exhaust for a refund and purchase a new one

Exchange Process:

• Contact us at shop@exhaustclip.com with order number
• Proceed through the return process
• After we receive your exhaust back, we'll issue a refund
• Purchase the new exhaust from our website

Defective systems are covered under manufacturer warranty.

Warranty Coverage:

• Standard: 1 year from purchase on most systems
• Lifetime: Available on select premium brands
• Covers: Manufacturing defects, failed welds, rust-through (stainless), cracked components
• Does NOT cover: Installation damage, improper use, normal wear, modifications

What's Covered:

• Weld failures under normal use
• Material defects (rust-through on stainless)
• Structural failure without impact
• Failed baffles/internals
• Coating defects

File a Warranty Claim:

• Contact shop@exhaustclip.com immediately
• Provide order number, purchase date, and defect description
• Send photos showing the problem
• Include photos of installation
• We review within 24 hours
• Replacement shipped same-day upon approval

Axle-Back:

• Replaces: Rear axle to tips
• Cost: $300-$800
• Power gain: 0-5 HP
• Install: 30-60 minutes
• Best for: Sound improvement on budget

Cat-Back:

• Replaces: Catalytic converter back
• Cost: $600-$1,500
• Power gain: 5-15 HP
• Install: 2-3 hours
• Best for: Best value - performance + sound
• Legal: 50-state legal

Full System (Header-Back):

• Replaces: Headers/manifold to tips
• Cost: $1,200-$3,500+
• Power gain: 15-40+ HP
• Install: 4-6 hours, often needs tune
• Best for: Serious enthusiasts and racers
• Legal: May not be street legal depending on cats

Recommendation: Cat-back systems offer the best balance of performance, sound, and value for most enthusiasts.

Yes, but gains vary based on system type and vehicle:

Realistic Power Gains:

• Axle-back: 0-5 HP
• Cat-back: 5-15 HP
• Full exhaust: 15-40 HP (with tune)
• Turbo-back: 20-50 HP (turbocharged vehicles with tune)

Factors Affecting Gains:

• How restrictive stock exhaust is
• Engine size and type
• Forced induction (turbo/supercharged = bigger gains)
• Other modifications present
• ECU tuning (can double exhaust gains)

Beyond Horsepower:

• Weight reduction: Aftermarket exhausts 20-40 lbs lighter
• Better sound: More enjoyable driving
• Improved fuel economy: Possible 1-2 MPG improvement
• Sharper throttle: Feels faster even with modest HP gains

Reality Check: Advertised gains are often dyno-tested in ideal conditions. Real-world gains typically 60-80% of advertised. Buy for the complete package: sound + performance + weight + experience.

Aluminized Steel:

• Cost: Most affordable ($)
• Lifespan: 3-5 years
• Weight: Heaviest
• Best for: Budget builds, dry climates
• Not for: Salt-belt/coastal areas

Stainless Steel (304 or 409):

• Cost: Mid-range ($$)
• Lifespan: 10+ years, often lifetime
• Weight: Moderate
• Corrosion: Excellent - won't rust through
• Best for: Most applications, all climates
• Recommendation: Best value for 95% of customers

Titanium:

• Cost: Premium ($$$-$$$$)
• Lifespan: Lifetime
• Weight: 40-50% lighter than stainless
• Sound: Unique, exotic higher-pitch tone
• Aesthetics: Beautiful blue/purple heat patina
• Best for: High-performance builds, race cars
• Cost: 2-4x more expensive than stainless

Credit & Debit Cards:

• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
• Secure 256-bit SSL encryption
• PCI-DSS compliant processing

Digital Payments:

• PayPal and PayPal Credit
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Shop Pay

Financing Options:

• Affirm: Pay over 3, 6, or 12 months
• PayPal Credit: 6 months no interest on $99+
• Klarna: 4 interest-free installments
• Instant approval at checkout

All transactions are fully encrypted and secure. We never store your credit card information.

Yes! 110% Price Match Guarantee - we'll beat any competitor's price.

Our Promise:

• Match competitor's price + give you 10% off the difference
• Valid before or within 30 days after purchase
• Must be identical product from authorized dealer
• Product must be in stock and available

Example:

• Our price: $899
• Competitor: $849
• Difference: $50
• 10% of difference: $5
• Your price: $844 (save $55 total)

To Request Price Match: Email shop@exhaustclip.com with competitor's product link, screenshot showing price, and your order number (if already purchased). We verify and approve within 24 hours.

We process orders quickly, but we'll try to accommodate changes.

Cancellation:

• Before processing: Full cancellation, no fees
• Orders before 2PM EST: Ship same day - act fast!
• After shipping: Cannot cancel, but you can return

Success Rates:

• Within 1 hour: 99% success
• 1-4 hours: 40% success
• 4-24 hours: 10% success
• After shipment: 0% - must follow return policy