I was looking at the HKS downpipe, but someone told me its not a good downpipe. My question is how do you know a downpipe is good or is made of great quality? What do you look for or are all Downpipes the same?

 

well I found a good link:

http://www.clubrx.org/default.asp?id...ntent=30&mnu=5

 

That link should give you enough information to make a decision on your own.

 

Another thing the article doesn't mention is that the HKS doesn't require you to remove the stock studs. The "american" dps do require you to remove the studs.

It is far simpler to install a hks, but they are able to flow less because of the "squished" piping.

Broken and stuck studs would be a nitemare. After finding out that I couldn't get the studs off by jamming nuts and lubricating the studs, I chose to go with the HKS.

 

Good link to refer to when choosing a DP. I had the problem of one stuck stud on my DP install. I just ended up lifting the engine up a bit (curtosy of broken motor mounts) and sliding it on. One month after, I swapped the turbos out and had to do the whole process again. However, it is much easier to do with the y-pipe and intake out.

 

I have an extra HKS downpipe for sale if you want it.. I don't know if they are still hard to find now-adays. Its brand new never been installed. PM if you are interested.

 

If your looking at the squished pipe RHD easy fit models...have a look at the www.smb.net.au site

Mine was a work of art...full Stainless steel, and the squished part is significantly larger than on the HKS mild steel version.

As my pre-cat was stuffed, I can not give any performance gains noticed (As in the gains i had were enormous due to the original being stuffed)

Fitment was relatively easy...only took me 3 days due to the fact I tried to do it with the RHD steering still in place (Must be removed to make life easy..) The standard cat on mine also had to be customised due to the fact I opted for a full 3.5" system (The stock system would easily fit INSIDE my exhaust...) but for the normal DP it tapers from 3.5" squished bit..down to 3" flange.

 

So basically any SS downpipe is good?

 

Not necessarily. Ebay pipes are known to not line up. I have a HKS unit and I really like it. It's easy to uninstall and install.

 

^ HKS is mild steel. I think the people that say that mild steel is crappier than stainless bla bla bla is wrong. My hks is over two years old, and the exterior of the pipe pretty much looks the same as the day I bought it....

 

People that might see salted roads will think differently than us. For me, I hardly even see rain.

 

..

 

Get the Bonez DP. It may cost more, but it's a perfect fit without any problems.

 

Where can I get one?

 

http://www.rx7.com/store/rx7/fdexhaust.html

 

"Get the Bonez DP. It may cost more, but it's a perfect fit without any problems."

Well... my second Bonez DP was a perfect fit without any problems, except I had to use a bolt in the lower rear hole. The original stud stuck out right into the pipe. (The first DP had its flange offset so far that even a bolt wouldn't work.)

I should add that rx7.com was very understanding, and sent me the new replacement part immediately.

 

man just geta downpipe...dont matter
i got teh ebay one and it WORKS haah
late

 

 

I have the Megan Racing Downpipe AND Midpipe set which are available on ebay and they fit very well. Installation was no differant than any other US-market DP... the HKS and the likes are easier to install due to the crimped neck but I prefer to have as straight a path as possible and it wasnt too much work to get it on... just some nice tight bolts that didnt want to come loose.

~Kris

 

^^ How much did the Megan DP cost? I was skeptical about getting a dp from ebay just because its well ebay. But People have said its just a pipe, and any one will do

 

I paid $200 shipped for both MP and DP from Megan Racing. I believe that the Megan pipes are a little less expensive on eBay now. I would definately recommend Megan Racing -- they are starting to get a better reputation as an actual parts maker and their welds are very well done. Their coilovers are also very nice surprisingly -- I just wish they made good racing seats instead of the heavy novalty ones you see so commonly on eBay.

~Kris

 

Plus, welded mild steel doesn't warp/distort. Welding stainless usually results in some distortion, such that my Pettit SS dp does have exhaust leaks. The high temperatures I suspect can also create a little distortion in an SS dp where there was none.

(On mine, the long side of the flange near the turbos has about a .010" gap at the middle, even with the gasket in place and bolted tight). On my to-do list, I need to use a good file to get that flange more flat.

Dave

 

That is the first complaint I've heard about the Pettit dp. Anyone else have any thoughts on the Pettit?

 

bump

 

Hey, know this thread is old, but I'm looking for an HKS or similar downpipe for a RHD. bought an american model, but guess I shoulda checked the clearance on the steering control arm first. Needless to say, but it didn't fit. Did add a midpipe, and removed the cat. Huge difference in power a spool up, but it's a little loud.