downpipe installation
 

how difficult is it to install a downpipe?

should i, a novice, attempt to do it myself; or, should i pay someone else to do it?

diy, not hard at all;)... just put the car on ramps and grab some tools:)

It could either be very easy or very hard. There are plenty of horror stories on this forum of people breaking off studs. I made some mistakes, and that turned an otherwise easy job into a lost weekend (I am also a novice). If you know someone who has a little experience, it wouldn't hurt to have them look over your shoulder while you do it.

Even though I f**ked a few things up, I never needed any outside help and I never broke anything on the car. You CAN do it yourself. It's a good project to start on and a great way to learn.

get PB Blaster...and let it soak on the nuts....it will be your best friend.

Re: downpipe installation
 

It's a pain in the ass, but pretty easy. I had trouble getting a wrench on a few of the studs bceause of the tight space to operate in. Let's just say big hands and forearms are not a good combination for working on an FD.

Once I had the right tools to get at all of the studs it took me about 10 minutes to get the studs out. Getting the downpipe back on is a little tricky as well. AS long as you go slow and are patient with it it's no big deal. I took off all my intake piping the night before, sprayed everything with PB Blast and then went at it the next day. I got 3 of 4 to come out with no trouble. The last one I couldn't get a socket on. I thought it was seized, but I soaked it overnight with PB Blast, and I bought a 2 inch extension for my socket wrench the next day. After that it was a piece of cake.

definately search all the forum to get some directions before you start and break something. if you can't deal with it, get it done by a reputable rotary shop. it should cost you around $200 for labor. it's a great mod that you won't regret.

GO ahead and do it yourself, you'll feel better! I did it myself and ran into a couple problems but then I went around them and fixed it. It just makes you feel better cause you did something to your car. It's very easy just could take some time.