Downpipe install question

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Feb 27, 2003 | 09:36 AM

Almost_Stock

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Downpipe install question

I've just ordered (yesterday) a catless HKS downpipe for my '03 WRX which will be arriving late today or tomorrow. I have a track day this weekend which means I essentially have only Friday night to do the install and it has to be perfect the first time.

I've seen a few comments with problems relating to the turbo's heat shield, getting an air-tight seal at the flanges, etc. Does anybody have any helpful hints/tips/things to avoid before I get into this?

Thanks in advance to everybody who happens to read this post...

--BA

Feb 27, 2003 | 09:43 AM

GM02WRX

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So let me get this straight.........you're getting your scooby today or tommorow & then slamming the throttle all day at a track event the following day??

Feb 27, 2003 | 10:09 AM

Almost_Stock

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Not quite

I wasn't terribly clear on that, I see. I've had the car since, oh, October last year. It has over 10,000 miles on it already. I've run it at the Streets of Willow Springs twice so far.

Unfortunately my car was side-swiped about a month ago while I was waiting at a red light. I get it out of the shop tomorrow, same time my downpipe is delivered. So I'd like to see if there ar any pearls of wisdom you all can share with me?

--BA

Last edited by Almost_Stock; Feb 27, 2003 at 10:25 AM.

Feb 27, 2003 | 07:04 PM

WRX34

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Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 88

From: MI

Car Info: 2002 WRX

Yeah, torque them down good and in the right order...(some say order doesn't matter though) And when cutting the heat shield just kinda cut it at an angle straight across...you'll see. I think there's like 6 bolts holding it on. Sometimes it might leak under boost until it gets warmed up too...but then again I'm in MI and it's cold as $hit. It'll sometimes fix itself. Good luck! I odered my HKS awhile back too....let me know how you like it and with what other exhaust/mods you have done!

WRX34

Feb 27, 2003 | 09:19 PM

Almost_Stock

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Thanks

WRX34,

Do I have to cut the heat shield? What about re-using it with the HKS pipe? I've read things about "heat soak" from the hot turbo being so close to the intercooler. Especially since I'll be running hard 30 minute sessions is this a valid concern?

Does anybody know of another way to get the heat shield off w/o the use of tin snips?

Thanks again to all...

--BA

Feb 28, 2003 | 08:56 AM

Egan

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From: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia

Car Info: 05 H2 SUT, 45 GPW, 10 Murano, 13 Boss 302

The heatshield will come off with something like 6 bolts. It only needs to be cut if the new downpipe interferes with it.

I don't know what the HKS looks like, but I had to do some slight trimming for my Stromung DP. When I switched to my Vishnu with divorced wastegate, I had to really hack up the heat shield. The top half is still in tact and does it's job shielding the IC. I now only have 2 bolts holding it on which are more than enough. They are the two that bolt into the bracket that is attached to two of the DP bolts on the top (you'll see).

I used tin snips. The heatshield is pretty thick in some spots.

Feb 28, 2003 | 09:17 AM

WRX34

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Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 88

From: MI

Car Info: 2002 WRX

Yeah...like I said before, you'll need to take of I believe 6 bolts on the heat shield...then use tin snips or heavy gauge metal shears and cut it...it'll be a pain but I think it's worth it! You don't have to put the heat shield on right away though, so if you're low on time just take it in at night and cut it then put it on the next day or whenever

I think the HKS has a bellmouth so I'm pretty sure you can't just replace the heat shield in stock form. Prettyy much what wrXrated said too. Good luck!

WRX34

Feb 28, 2003 | 11:53 AM

Almost_Stock

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Y'all are beautiful people

Thanks so much to all of you. I look forward to doing this.

People say 1/2 hour ro the install which means 2 hours plus a six pack, one lost wrench, 4 good CDs, no fewer than 17 expletives and a ton of Lava Soap and grins when it's all said and done.

Thanks again!

--BA

Feb 28, 2003 | 07:18 PM

Egan

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Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 14,221

From: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia

Car Info: 05 H2 SUT, 45 GPW, 10 Murano, 13 Boss 302

I did this a couple of weeks ago. It was my third time messing with the downpipe bolts (once for uppipe install, once for Stromung DP, then the Vishnu DP). I've got it down to about an hour in and out. Of course, then it takes me another hour to get the damn heatshield holes to line up so I can install the 2 bolts! That's where the expletives come in!

Mar 1, 2003 | 06:11 AM

#10

misterx

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 139

From: VA

Car Info: MY 02 WRB WRX Wagon

I believe the torque spec for the downpipe bolts is 30 ft/lbs. When you install any exhaust component, it's best to go back after a bit and retorque. Mine started to leak a bit until I went back to retorque.

X

Mar 1, 2003 | 09:28 AM

#11

Egan

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From: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia

Car Info: 05 H2 SUT, 45 GPW, 10 Murano, 13 Boss 302

No 26 ft-lbs on all 7 bolts (5 DP-Turbo, 2 DP-3rd Cat). 22.4 ft-lbs at the tranny bolt. See attached:

edit: deleted attachment and linked to it in post below for better picture quality.

Last edited by Egan; Mar 1, 2003 at 09:36 AM.

Mar 1, 2003 | 09:34 AM

#12

Egan

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Posts: 14,221

From: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia

Car Info: 05 H2 SUT, 45 GPW, 10 Murano, 13 Boss 302

Sorry abouth the quality of the pic, but it's due to the size limitations on attachments. If anyone needs the unreduced file, email me.

I'll try and link to it from another site and see if that helps: