DownPipe Installation
 

Does any1 have any downpipe install pictures or info ?

not too tough. Just pull the heat shields off the pre cat take out the 2 studs that bolt to the cat, and take out the 4 studs that bolt the pre cat to the turbos. replace pre cat with DP and install studs.

BTW: make sure you put some penetratign oil on all the studs and let it sit for a few hours first. It will make them much easier to get off.

The best way to remove the pre-cat or downpipe is to work from under the vehicle. First remove the oxygen sensor and the sheet metal heat protectors near the connection to the exhaust manifold. There are two nuts that hold the pre-cat pipe to the main cat pipe. Loosen these nuts but wait until later to remove them. There may or may not be one additional bolt holding the pre-cat to the belly of the car. It is located about 8 inches from the junction to the main cat on the top side of the pre-cat pipe. If it is there go ahead and remove it.

The key thing to understand when removing the pre-cat or downpipe is that the STUDS that hold these pipes to the exhaust manifold MUST COME OUT before these pipes can be removed.

If the studs do not come out on their own when you turn the nuts that secure them, then:

First remove the nut entirely (this is an oversized nut),

Second obtain two normal sized nuts with the same threads and screw them BOTH onto the stud one at a time,

Third tighten the two nuts against each other,

Fourth put a wrench on the INNERMOST nut and turn the INNERMOST nut the direction to remove the nut. This INNERMOST nut is tight against the outer nut so the INNERMOST nut will not turn by itself and instead you will be turning the stud in the direction to remove it.

Exercise caution at all times and DO NOT EXERT EXCESSIVE FORCE to turn the nuts and/or studs. If too much force is required, then stop and use some Liquid Wrench to loosen things up before continuing. When reinstalling, again, take time to make sure the studs and nuts are inserted properly and not cross threaded.

Be patient and allow adequate time for this work and everything should go fine.

Good tips given except that M2, HKS and Pettit DPs don't require stud removal.

You still have to take out the lower left stud for the M2 and pettit DPs. My pettit DP came with a 3 studs, 3 nuts, and a bolt to secure the downpipe. There is no way you could get a stud and a nut on the lower left mounting position so that is what the bolt was for.

sure you can. just loosen the right engine mount and pry the engine up a lilttle bit. no need to remove any studs, you just have to play with it a bit and have a third hand.