A while back I posted a question as to whether anybody had any experience with the MEGAN RACING downpipe. I had found a vendor that offered both the downpipe and midpipe in stainless with 2 gaskets and a couple of nuts and bolts - total price - $168.00.
Didnt get any info I considered definitive which left me at ease spending the money on an unknown.

Well, I decided to go for it. The product came quickly, was well packaged, and I was surprised at how visually striking these long silver tubes were. They looked great, the flanges were flat stamped steel at 0.363" thick and welded with clean precise welds, the bends nicely done with little to no rippling at the hardest bends, the gauge of the highly polished stainless steel pipe was approx. 0.125" thick.

So far so good! But would the downpipe fit (cant use the midpipe-emissions issue, but still a good price considering what I had been seeing for prices of stainless tubing for fds). Took everything apart with no problems. Did a quick visual placing the the pipe without actually installing. Looked like there should be no problems. That precat was damn heavy, couldnt believe it could weigh so much.

Next issue, what do I do for heat generated by this big blast furnace conduit. Wrap or coat or coat and wrap? Well after a discussion with Brad at PERFORMANCE COATINGS (1-253-735-1919, Auburn, WA), a four day turn around and a $60.00 bill, I opted for a 2000 degree ceramic thermal coating inside and outside in an aluminum color. Amazing stuff and it works.

The pipe went in with virtually no problem. I counter-sunk the bolt holes at the exhaust manifold end to ease installing the bolts (getting them started was a pain) used socket head (allen) stainless bolts- approx 0.75" long (important no longer) in threaded portion. Wrapped the pipe in the foam packing material and masking tape to protect it for the install. I had to build a bracket to replace the holder at the end of the tranny where it bolts to the stock exhaust system. The O2 sensor easy access.

Sounds great, huge difference for power, acceleration, and throttle response, and the temps under the hood are much lower. It also doesnt smoke and run rough at startup like it used to.

The last 2 weekends - did a cooling system overhaul - radiator, hoses, thermostat, waterpump, belts etc. and rear end suspension pillow ball bushings and toe link bushings.

Got any questions, let me know. The forum has been invaluable to me. Now I can share some of my experiences with those in need of info. And for those of you that have provided me a little guidance, direction, information, or just flipped me ****. thanks, its all good!

Chuck

 

Thermal coating is only $60.00 ? Not bad, I'll have to look into that now, I bought the same downpipe, split the package with a friend who needed a midpipe.

Couple of questions for you also, where did you get the stainless allen bolts? Also, do you have any pictures of the bracket you built? I haven't looked in there yet, I'm not familiar with this holder you're speaking of.

thanks,
-scott-

 

hey scott,
know anyone else looking for a mid pipe. the bolts were from a fasteners specialty shop - TACOMA SCREW PRODUCTS. i believe the bolts are 10mm with 1.5 thread and 19-20mm long. i used 4 tiny spots of super glue at the outside edge of bolt hole on the steel gasket to hold the gasket in place on the manifold. the bracket holds the tail end of the precat to a bracket on the tranny. basically if was a 1" aluminum band that wrapped around the new downpipe. i left 2.5" at both ends and put a .5 thick block of aluminum approx 1.25x1.5" in between the ends of the strap, drilled a .5" hole, used stock long bolt and large face washer. it was a real tight fit and required a little extra leverage to bring things together. part of the fitment problems are due to difference in pipe diameter of the new 3" monster relative to the oem pipe. there was probably .5 to 1.0" difference in where things used to hook and up and where they currently hook up.