downpipe install help
 

hey guys,
2 weeks ago i tried to install my hks downpipe but when i took the intake hoses off, i came to the conclusion that i didnt have enough room to work since i am not an expert mechanic like some of you. I was thinking instead of paying someone 140$ to install it, i would buy an efini y-pipe because my stock plastic one i think has a little leak ( i feel air spraying out between the y-pipe and the crossover tube). If i take the stock y-pipe out, would that give me a lot more room to take the pre-cat out to install my downpipe?
thanks,
Craig

some room, but not much...give it a try, if you get stuck, ask some locals to come help and provide beer

that tends to work well

yah removing the stock ypipe will give u a bit more room, as well as removing the intake and the 2ndary turbo intake tube.. should get you plenty of room.

If you take the Y-pipe out it should give you a lot more room to work. You will be able to see the top rear bolt for the DP. To get the Y-pipe off you must remove the Air pump though, and to remove the air pump you must remove the belt. It takes some time, but it's not very difficult. Pretty much straight forward.

yeah i read about taking the y pipe off, just making sure it will give me enough room to to take the pre-cat off. thanks for the replies
Craig

It will give you more room, but removing the Y-Pipe is not really necessary. Just buy/borrow a universal swivel adapter to use with a rachet and a long extension and you'll be able to get to and loosen all, but the bottom rear bolt, from the top. If it worked for me, it'll work for you. Good Luck.

PS; Don't forget to splash the studs/nuts with PB Blaster.

It's a big PITA to install the dp, thats no secret, just get up early on a Saturday, start then, and you'll be done the afternoon. Just enough time for a nice drive, and sunday off. :)

Good advice, but I would like to add that you soak the studs with some PB Blaster the night before.

Buzzer - where in VA are you? I live pretty close to Northern VA. I also tried to install my downpipe this weekend and had no success - i couldnt get to the rear left stud. If you want some help maybe 2 sets of hands are better than one.

Of course you will have to help me with mine.... send me a PM - i'd like to help out

areXseven - did you have to remove the studs in the turbo for the petit DP or were they ok given the angle?

From what I recall, the upper two studs came off as when I tried to remove the nuts. The lower two studs remained on. That worked out pretty good cause the two lower studs held the DP in place, thereby making the install a bit easier. I think the stock nuts are a little "wide" (the diameter is a litle big) so that I had to shave off / trim one down a little so that it could seat on the upper front bolt hole area of the DP for proper torque down.

But no problem what so ever with the Pettit DP in any way, shape or form!!

How come no one suggested getting it up on jackstands and going at it from the bottom?

I'm in northern VA. A buddy of mine and I put on my M2 downpipe. PITA. :mad: But we got it on. I would think the HKS would be silighty easier because of its bent at the top. BTW take all the advice from the guys above. The downpipe is probably the hardest mod for these cars. Let me know if you want some help.