I am in the process of installing my new downpipe. I have successfully removed the pre-cat and the abs heat shield (why are these things even on the car to begin with?). I have tried to get the downpipe on the studs but for some reason it won't go, the piping from the downpipe hits the frame of the car and won't slide all the way on. I've read by searching that you should just pull the studs out, i've successfully removed one of the bottom studs. I was wondering if I should remove all of the studs or just the bottom two?

Also, to replace the studs, what size bolts should I get? I've read I should use a M10 1.25mm, but what length should I get the bolts in? because the one side of the stud that goes into the engine is pretty small.

Thanks for the help.

-jwaingold

 

Remove as few studs as possible. The more you can leave in the better.

But then you said you're replacing the studs with bolts, so you're gonna need to remove them all anyways. So yeah, go ahead and take them all out.

BTW, IMO the stock studs and nuts are the best way to go. They worked fine for 10 years, right?

 

Two of my studs came out with the nut, but should be able to put on your DP without taking any studs out, anyway. Which DP did you get?