How To Install Exhaust Tip Without Welding in 6 Steps

Just like a cherry on top makes a cake look adorable – it is the exhaust tip that can change the complete appearance of your car. And it’s not just the appearance. An exhaust tip also protects your vehicle from carbon monoxide and excessive sound.

More often than not, many drivers seem less concerned about an exhaust tip because they think it is merely a cosmetic update. However, I am a fussy car enthusiast who cannot overlook the aesthetics – that is why installing an exhaust tip is my priority.

People ignore exhaust tips because they think installation is a nightmare. They’re right. But that’s not the whole truth. There is an easy way to install an exhaust tip. While the process can get a little tacky when you try to weld the tip with the car’s tailpipe, it’s not impossible.

In fact, you will find many exhaust tips with clamps that require no welding at all. 

So, I’m going to give you a simple guide on how to install exhaust tips without welding. All you need is a few tools and a DIY mindset. 

How Do You Install an Exhaust Tip?

If you have chosen the perfect muffler for your car’s tailpipe, follow some easy steps and install it quickly. 

Items Required to Get Started

1. Exhaust Tip

You can have an exhaust tip of your own preference. But my life got way easier when I started using Dc Sport Ss Bolt-On Exhaust Tip.

Only bolts and nuts are enough to do this job – no welding machine, no more hassle. If you’ve got a Dodge Charger, this baby will do the trick nicely.

It’s one of the finest exhaust tips for Dodge Charger out there. And I’m speaking from experience.

2. Socket Set

A socket set is a must if you have no idea about welding or would like to avoid such a lengthy process. Since you have to bend down and adjust your exhaust tip, a wrench is not an appropriate tool for this job.  

3. Handsaw

If there is no tip installed yet, there is no need to have a handsaw. But, if your car already has a welded exhaust tip, then you need a handsaw to get rid of it. 

Steps to Follow

1. Get Your Car on A Jack Stand

The first step is to safely get your car on a jack stand so you can access the rear of your exhaust pipeline. As a mechanic, I have to deal with at least 3 to 4 cars a day, and I found this step very useful because bending down often gives me a hard time. 

However, it completely depends on your comfort, and I think this works best for me. 

2. Cleaning the Tailpipe

To avoid any resistance, clean the tailpipe thoroughly before starting so your new exhaust tip can easily slide onto it. Also, do not start the installation when the pipe is hot. 

Read Also: How Hot Does an Exhaust Tip Get?

3. Cut Off Your Old Exhaust Tip If You Have Any

If your car already has a welded muffler, you need to cut it off. Safety note – you should put on gloves and glasses before you proceed. 

Cutting the tips requires a bit of a hands-on approach, so make sure you are smooth at it. Besides, you should have a reciprocating saw or hand-saw that can cut through the pipe quickly. 

When I was very new at this, it was quite challenging to decide which types of saws I should use.

So, I started with AIRAJ 12 in Hacksaw, which came out very handy to me. It easily cuts through steel, plastic, and wood. However, if you are skilled enough, then you can go for a reciprocating saw. 

Once you have the perfect saw, just get rid of the old exhaust and make sure you are not overdoing it. 

4. Disassemble the Exhaust Clamps

Loosen all the clamps and remove the hex nuts from the bolt before you slide over the tip in the exhaust pipe. In this step, you will adjust the tip with your car’s tailpipe and ensure whether it is a good fit or not. 

I had a customer who came into my garage with an oversized tip to install and assumed a bigger tip could make the car roar. Eventually, he had to cut a part of his bumper to fit in the exhaust tip.

Here, you do not need an oversized tip for louder exhaust sound, whereas you can simply tweak it a bit and see the result. However, a large tip can indeed produce louder sound because the bigger room gives more space for sound waves. 

So, I would recommend you to be more careful about the size because this is expensive and at the same time does not look good. 

5. Slide The Tip onto The Tailpipe

Now slide the exhaust tip onto the pipe connection and start putting the hex nuts one by one. At this stage, you just need to check whether it fits properly or not. 

Once the tip and pipe connection are well seated, start tightening them. You should have a socket that matches the hex nuts – otherwise, it will not adjust properly.

In that case, it is better to have a variety of options, so I prefer using EP Auto Drive Socket Set. Here, you will find your desired size socket for your hex nuts. 

6. Tighten Bolts and Nuts

If you have the appropriate socket size in your hands, attach it to the ratchet and start tightening all the hex nuts. 

To check whether you have done it correctly, try pulling out the exhaust tip, and if it does not seem loosened, you are good to go.

Here are the Top Picks for Best Exhaust Tips 2022

With All That Said

Having an exhaust tip is essential to have better combustion in your car, and in many countries, extremely loud sound is illegal that can happen if you remove them. 

So, if you are looking for an easy approach, clamping is always better than welding. This process is easy and cost-effective because you can do it by yourself using a few tools.

For example, I love changing the exhaust tip from time to time when it gets rusty and discolored to give a high-end look to my vehicle. The best part is that I never had to depend on a welder to install my exhaust tip. 

I hope you got all the information you needed to know how to install an exhaust tip without welding. So, get your car ready for the next ride.