S14 ISIS MBSE install & reveiw

[bbliss126]

Hey guys, I recently started buying aftermarket parts for my daily driver s14. I decided to start with the exhuast among a stack of other parts I have and will be doing installation write-ups/reviews of. After looking around and comparing I decided to purchase the ISIS S14 MBSE Type E Exhuast and i have to say im very glad I did. Given the afforadable pricepoint of the exhaust I am very impressed by the qaulity, performance gain and ease of installation.

I am aware 90% of people on this site understand how to install an aftermarket exhuast system, but for those of you who don’t and are insterested in the new ISIS sytem, hopefully my review/installation guide will help.

Tools Needed:
15mm wrench
17mm wrench
14mm wrench
14mm socket
10mm socket
Large pair of pliers
Can of spray lubricant (optional)
A freind willing to lend you a second pair of hands (optional)


First, get the car in the air to inspect the stock exhuast and to see what will be needed to replace it with the new ISIS system.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/kouki.png (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/kouki.png.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis1.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis1.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis2.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis2.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis3.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis3.jpg.html)

First thing you’ll need to do is break loose your catalitic converter nuts (2 14mm nuts )

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis4.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis4.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis5.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis5.jpg.html)

Since the stock exhuast hasn’t been touched since 98 and didn’t really want to move, I went ahead and used a 14mm socket & ratchet with a cheater bar ( breaker bar ) to get the 2 14mm nuts loose

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis6.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis6.jpg.html)

After breaking those 2 nuts loose, go ahead and use the ratchet to finish removeing them.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis7.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis7.jpg.html)

After removing the two nuts from the catalitic converter, remove the 10mm bolt from the ground strap that is attatched to the exhuast. The ground strap is located on top of the exhaust pipe directly after the catalitic converter.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis8.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis8.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis9.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis9.jpg.html)

Now you will have removed all the nuts and bolts off the exhuast that are needed to install of the new ISIS system.

At this point you’ll want to locate all of your exhuast hangers and give them a quick spray with some lubricant (if you have some). There are 4 exhuast hangers on the S14.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis10.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis10.jpg.html)

Following that you’ll go ahead and use the large pair of plyers to remove the rubber hangers from the exhuast mounts.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis11.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis11.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis12.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis12.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis13.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis13.jpg.html)

Go Ahead and grab your buddy at this point and remove the old exhuast now

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis14.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis14.jpg.html)

With the exhuast off, I went ahead and did some comparison shots of the ISIS MSBE type E and the stock exhuast system.

The ISIS system comes with: the two piece exhuast system, 2 new gaskets, (4) 17mm bolts and (4) 15mm nuts ( this is two extra of each in case you want to replace the studs in the stock Catalitic converter if they snap or break off )

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis15.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis15.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis16.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis16.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis17.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis17.jpg.html)

One of the main differences I noticed between the two (other then the obvisous piping size difference) is that the stock exhuast has an unneeded bend behind the resonator; while the ISIS is a straight pipe design thus allowing a much less restrictive flow.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis18.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis18.jpg.html)

Next go ahead and install the new gasket between the cat and the new ISIS exhuast.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis19.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis19.jpg.html)

Slide the new exhuast pipe into place and bolt it up.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis20.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis20.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis21.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis21.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis22.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis22.jpg.html)

This is also a good time to reattatch the ground strap (which im glad they rettained in the design). It attaches to the small bolt flange as pictured above.

Then bolt up the second exhuast pipe, don’t forget to use the provided gasket inbetween the two flanges.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis23.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis23.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis24.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis24.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis25.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis25.jpg.html)

Insert and tighten the new bolts into the flange which mates the two piece ISIS system together. Then go ahead and slide the hanger mounts into the rubber hangers

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis26.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis26.jpg.html)

After that you should be all done :D . Only thing left will be to inspect the alignment of the ehuast tips and your bumper. A good tip is to adjust the last 2 rubber hangers all the way toward the piping and that will help keep the tips centered with the bumper opening.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis27.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis27.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis28.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis28.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis29.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis29.jpg.html)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u42/bbliss126/isis30.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/bbliss126/media/isis30.jpg.html)

After driving the car a few times I can say that the exhuast sounds in no way “rice” or even loud for the most part. It’s a much deeper and smoother exhuast note than stock. There is no exhuast drone at highway speeds, and no high pitched noises (even in the higher rpms). In my opinion its a very nice performance exhuast system which will still maintain the awesome daily drivability. The exhaust provided improved lower end power and a reasonbly deep/smooth exhuast note. Ontop of which it does not have a “coffee can tip” or raspy rice sound, this is why you should be left alone by the cops. I woud highly recommend this system for other S14 owners who daily drive their cars but are still looking for an added performance increase at an affordable cost.

Another thing to add is the day after installing the exhuast I ordered new some new ISIS exhuast hangers. Enjuku Sent them out right away and after installing them it’s a night and day difference to the stock ones, exhuast tucks up higher by about a half inch and is much more firm and sturdy. I would recommend installing the new ISIS hangers as well.

[BoostSlideWayz]

Looks great, did you re connect the ground on the exhaust or just leave it ?

I haven't even heard this exhaust system but with the mufflers on it im sure it doesnt have a ricey sound. Great write up, i like stuff like this, nice to see little how to threads.

[I<3BEWBZ]

Oh man, what I wouldn't do for a hoist.

Exhaust work laying on the ground is hell.

[bbliss126]

Looks great, did you re connect the ground on the exhaust or just leave it ?

I haven't even heard this exhaust system but with the mufflers on it im sure it doesnt have a ricey sound. Great write up, i like stuff like this, nice to see little how to threads.

Yeah I reconnected the ground. Just made sure to use a new bolt with some new washers instead of that old rusty one. And thanks I hope the write up helps anyone looking to install a new exhaust. The exhaust sounds great,, and the dual tip looks much better then the can style in my opinion.

[ditchs14]

very nice write up and install. question tho. what does that ground go to lol???

[bbliss126]

very nice write up and install. question tho. what does that ground go to lol???

Thanks, I believe it's just a body ground but not 100% sure lol

[StatticMyke]

My brother has this exhaust. sounds really good, and looks good.

[Taylor Shinobu]

I'm thinking about getting this exhaust, could you post a video of it running? that would be greatly appreciated

[Konster]

Any videos? I would love to hear how it sounds.

[AreOhWhy]

Nice write up man! I bought this exhaust this past Christmas but it's too cold here in Toronto to be laying on the ground installing this lol... I bought it for the same reasons as you. I hope you get around to recording a sound clip!

[bbliss126]

Any videos? I would love to hear how it sounds.

Yeah my buddy isixphill put one together the other night.

Heres the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XqEWjE6ItQ

Although i have noticed that since the exhaust has "broken in" it seems to have an even deeper smoother tone then this video shows. I'm very Happy with it.

[AreOhWhy]

Ouu sounds nice and deep, very quiet at low rpms which is nice for cruising around town at night.

How is it at higher rpms though?

Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk

[bbliss126]

Ouu sounds nice and deep, very quiet at low rpms which is nice for cruising around town at night.

How is it at higher rpms though?

Sent from my SGH-I727R using Tapatalk

Yeah it's a nice deep exhaust note rather then a raspy higher pitched one.

I was Surprised that even in the higher Rpm's it still holds that deep sound, no high pitched sounds at all

[Taylor Shinobu]

sounds exactly like what I want, thanks

[Konster]

Yeah my buddy isixphill put one together the other night.

Heres the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XqEWjE6ItQ

Although i have noticed that since the exhaust has "broken in" it seems to have an even deeper smoother tone then this video shows. I'm very Happy with it.

Sounds pretty good for what it is. Thanks for posting dude.

[PPman]

I've had this exhaust system for a while now and all I can say is if you want something a good deep note this it! I bought it when it first came out due to my stock unit having many holes, and to this day it sounds awesome. Not obnoxious loud fart can and the tips almost look stock.

[Diode Dynamics]

I've been considering this exhaust for a while now too, thanks for the video and review.

Has anyone installed this with a test pipe yet? I don't have to pass emissions tests (KS) and I figured might as well do it all at once.

Nick C.

[PPman]

I've been considering this exhaust for a while now too, thanks for the video and review.

Has anyone installed this with a test pipe yet? I don't have to pass emissions tests (KS) and I figured might as well do it all at once.

Nick C.

If you still have the stock header with the stock catalytic converter (upstream) the sound does not change much I have it that way and I still pass emissions here in TX :D (by the way I do not have a CAI so I don't know if how much louder is with a CAI and test pipe). I have seen and heard other more expensive systems and this is by far the best bang for the buck if you want a good sounding exhaust vs plain loud.

[Diode Dynamics]

I DD my S14, and I really...really hate raspy 4 cylinder exhausts, so I might have to jump on this setup along with the test pipe.

I'm so glad I registered my car in KS lol, no front plate, no emissions ftw!

Thanks for the info

Nick C.

[S14_kouki504]

very nice write up. i have been considering getting this exhaust for a while now. Does anyone know if isis makes the rest to go from the block all the way back instead of just catback?

[Diode Dynamics]

Header, test pipe, cat-back?

Nick C.

[h2v7]

loved my type e on my s13

why no test pipe?

[unreal-]

very nice write up. i have been considering getting this exhaust for a while now. Does anyone know if isis makes the rest to go from the block all the way back instead of just catback?

Only if you are turbo. (They make the turbo mani, o2 housing, DP and Test pipe)

[k3d0nuts]

Is anyone that's slammed running this exhaust? And if so, how do you manage to get the exhaust higher since it hangs so low???

[HighwaystarJC]

I have the s14 Dual 3" blast pipes and i also have the MBSE mid-section(resonator) Im hoping that the can style resonator will quiet my exhaust down a bit. if it doesnt i guess i will be selling my setup and ordering the entire exhaust.

[ayuaddict]

Is anyone that's slammed running this exhaust? And if so, how do you manage to get the exhaust higher since it hangs so low???

Like any other exhaust, section downpipe and hangars.

[ixfxi]

question tho. what does that ground go to lol???

the ground goes from the exhaust system to the chassis

the purpose, from what i've gathered over the years, is to eliminate static discharge

if you've ever used a blast cabinet, you'll know what i'm talking about

[SilviaSativa]

Thanks for the write-up! Just purchased this exhaust for my s14 :cool: