Why Upgrade to a Tomei Expreme Exhaust on Your Nissan Skyline

The Nissan Skyline, particularly the R32, R33, and R34 generations, is already a performance icon from the factory. But for enthusiasts seeking sharper throttle response, a more aggressive exhaust note, and reduced backpressure, the Tomei Expreme exhaust system is a proven upgrade. Built from lightweight, heat-resistant materials and precision engineered in Japan, the Expreme series offers a noticeable improvement in both power delivery and sound without the drone often associated with aftermarket exhausts. This guide walks through the complete installation, from gathering the right tools to performing the final test drive, ensuring your Skyline performs optimally with its new exhaust.

Tools and Materials Needed

Having the correct tools on hand will save time and prevent frustration. The following list covers everything required for a smooth installation of a Tomei Expreme exhaust on your Skyline.

Essential Tools

  • Socket wrench set – 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, and 17mm sockets are most common
  • Torque wrench – critical for tightening bolts to factory specifications
  • Jack and jack stands – a low-profile jack works best for lowered Skylines
  • Penetrating oil – such as WD-40 or Liquid Wrench to loosen rusted hardware
  • Safety glasses and gloves
  • Exhaust hanger removal tool or flathead screwdriver
  • Rags or shop towels

Materials

  • Tomei Expreme exhaust system – verify it matches your Skyline model (R32, R33, R34)
  • New exhaust gaskets – often supplied with the Tomei kit, but check condition
  • Anti-seize compound – for bolt threads to simplify future removal

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation ensures the installation goes smoothly and safely. Follow these steps before lifting the vehicle or touching any exhaust components.

Vehicle Positioning and Safety

  • Park on a flat, level concrete surface. Avoid gravel or dirt.
  • Engage the parking brake firmly.
  • Chock the front wheels to prevent any movement.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid accidental short circuits or sensor issues.

Lifting the Vehicle

Raise the rear of the car using the jack at the differential or the factory jack point. Place jack stands under the subframe rails, never under control arms. Lower the vehicle onto the stands so it is stable and at a comfortable working height. If your Skyline is lowered, you may need a low-profile jack or ramps. Always double-check that the car cannot roll or slip off the stands.

Removing the Old Exhaust System

Removing the factory exhaust can be the most challenging part of the job, especially on older vehicles where bolts may be rusted. Take your time and use penetrating oil liberally.

Step 1: Loosen Bolts with Penetrating Oil

Spray all exhaust bolts – those connecting the downpipe to the turbo, the mid-pipe joints, and the muffler hangers – with penetrating oil. Allow it to soak for at least 10–15 minutes. For stubborn bolts, a second application may be necessary.

Step 2: Remove the Exhaust from Front to Back

  • Start at the downpipe or front pipe connection. Using a socket wrench, carefully break the bolts loose. If they resist, apply heat carefully with a torch (only if you are experienced) or use an impact wrench.
  • Remove the bolts and separate the exhaust sections. On Skylines, the downpipe often connects to the turbo elbow. Keep track of which bolts go where.
  • Work your way back, removing the mid-pipe and then the rear muffler section. Support each section as you unbolt to prevent it from falling.
  • Slide the exhaust off the rubber hangers. Using an exhaust hanger tool or a flathead screwdriver lubricated with soapy water makes this easier.

Step 3: Inspect and Clean

Once the old exhaust is removed, inspect the turbo outlet flange and the mounting points for any damage or debris. Clean the mating surfaces with a rag to ensure a good seal when installing the new system. If the old gaskets are damaged, remove them completely.

Installing the Tomei Expreme Exhaust

Now it’s time to fit the new exhaust. The Tomei Expreme system is designed to bolt directly to the factory mounting points, but some adjustments may be needed for perfect alignment.

Step 1: Position the Exhaust Components

Lay out all Tomei components under the car: the front pipe (if applicable), the mid-pipe, and the rear muffler section. Most Tomei Expreme systems for Skyline come as a single piece or two pieces, depending on the model. If your kit includes a separate front pipe, install that first, loosely attaching it to the turbo elbow. Do not tighten anything yet.

Step 2: Attach the Mid and Rear Sections

  • Slide the mid-pipe into position and connect it to the front pipe using the supplied gasket and bolts. Hand-tighten only.
  • Attach the rear muffler section to the mid-pipe, again using a new gasket and hand-tightening bolts.
  • Insert the exhaust hangers into the rubber mounts. You may need to push firmly; lubricating the hangers with a little soapy water helps.

Step 3: Align and Tighten

With all components loosely assembled, check the alignment. The exhaust tips should be centered in the rear bumper cutout, and the system should not contact the chassis, driveshaft, or suspension. Adjust the rubber hangers or slightly shift the exhaust sections as needed. Once alignment is perfect, torque all bolts to the specifications provided in the Tomei instructions (typically 30–40 Nm for flange bolts). Use a torque wrench to avoid stripping threads or causing leaks.

Step 4: Check Clearances

Spin the vehicle’s rear wheels (or if on jack stands, manually rotate the driveshaft if possible) to ensure nothing is rubbing. Also, check that the exhaust does not contact the brake lines or fuel lines. The Tomei Expreme system is usually a perfect fit, but aftermarket mounts or chassis modifications can affect positioning.

Final Steps and Test Drive

After the exhaust is installed, it’s time to bring the car back to life and verify the work.

Reconnect the Battery and Start the Engine

Reattach the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and let it idle. Immediately listen for any exhaust leaks – a hissing or tapping sound indicates a poor seal at a flange. If you hear a leak, shut off the engine and tighten the offending bolts, or check the gasket alignment. The Tomei Expreme will sound deeper and louder than stock, especially on startup, but there should be no rattles or metallic contact.

Inspect for Leaks

While the engine idles, use a wet rag or soapy water to check for leaks at each joint. Bubbles indicate a leak. Tighten bolts as needed. Also check the hangers – the exhaust should hang freely without tension.

Lower the Car and Test Drive

Carefully lower the car from the jack stands. Take the car for a short test drive on a variety of roads. Listen for any drone inside the cabin – the Tomei Expreme is known for minimal drone thanks to its resonator design, but it is louder than stock. Accelerate through the gears, then coast down to ensure no rattles. Check that the exhaust does not hit the rear sway bar or bumper on bumps. After the test drive, re-check all bolts while the system is hot (use gloves) and re-torque if necessary.

Maintenance Tips for Your Tomei Expreme Exhaust

Keeping the exhaust in top condition prolongs its life and maintains performance. The Tomei Expreme is lightweight but still susceptible to corrosion, especially in regions with road salt.

  • Regular visual inspections – Check for rust, pitting, or cracks, particularly at welds and flanges.
  • Re-torque bolts after 100 miles – Heat cycles can loosen hardware. Re-torque to spec once the system has settled.
  • Clean the exhaust tips – Use a non-abrasive metal polish to keep them looking sharp. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the finish.
  • Apply anti-seize on bolts – When you remove or adjust the exhaust, apply anti-seize compound to threads to prevent seizing.
  • Consider a high-temperature paint – Some owners apply a coat of VHT or similar paint to the less visible sections for added rust protection.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with a well-engineered kit like the Tomei Expreme, minor issues can arise during installation or over time. Here’s how to address them.

Exhaust Hitting the Subframe

If the exhaust contacts the subframe or chassis, first try adjusting the hangers. The rubber mounts can be rotated or replaced with stiffer units if needed. On some Skylines, a slight dent in the heat shield or careful bending of the hanger brackets can solve clearance issues.

Leaks at Flanges

Persistent leaks despite tightening bolts usually indicate a warped flange or damaged gasket. Inspect the mating surfaces for flatness. If the Tomei flange is warped, contact Tomei support. Use a high-quality copper or multi-layer steel gasket if the included one fails.

Excessive Drone

The Tomei Expreme is designed to minimize drone, but resonance can occur in certain RPM ranges. Adding sound deadening material in the trunk or upgrading to a resonated mid-pipe (if not already purchased) can help. Check that all exhaust mounts are secure – loose mounts amplify vibrations.

Performance Expectations and Real-World Results

After installing the Tomei Expreme, Skyline owners typically report a 5–15 horsepower increase (depending on other modifications) and a weight reduction of 10–15 pounds compared to the stock system. The sound is deep and aggressive without being raspy. For those running a tuned ECU or upgraded turbos, the reduced backpressure helps spool time and top-end power. It’s important to note that the exhaust will trigger a check engine light on some OBD-II cars if the oxygen sensor is relocated; ensure the bung is in the correct position or use a sensor spacer.

Additional Resources

For further details on the Tomei Expreme exhaust and Skyline maintenance:

Conclusion

Installing a Tomei Expreme exhaust on your Nissan Skyline is a straightforward project that delivers tangible gains in sound, weight savings, and engine response. With careful preparation, proper tooling, and attention to alignment and torque, you can complete the job in a weekend. The result is a more engaging driving experience that honors the Skyline’s performance heritage. For enthusiasts seeking the next step, pairing the exhaust with a high-flow downpipe and tune will maximize the system’s potential.