Does anyone want to help me install a downpipe on a 05 STI? Is it hard?

 

what type of dp you got? generally most dp are easy to install, crackn factory bolts is the annoying part....just remove the bolts that are connected to the turbo and catback exhaust....and that will be that
*dont forget the o2 sensor
-brendon

 

its very easy once you get the heatshield off. just a reminder once you think that all the bolts are off.....they aren't. their is one bolt at the bottom of the downpipe before it bends under the car. you can get it from under the car. good luck

 

Search button is your friend. Good luck on the install.

 

I was hoping to make it a DIY day, buy some beers and have a few people come over to help me.

 

its pretty easy bolts shouldnt be to hard to get off .when will this be? and where? im down for it. maybe i can get some help on puttin in a u tech

 

Well...I need to buy the DP first - but that's the easy part. I was thinking about getting the COBB DP. How is that one?

Would we need to get under the car?

 

Patience is the key...have some penetrating lubricant (ie WD-40). Soak the nuts and bolts for a good 5-10min. prior to breaking them loose. Impatient people seem to break them off...

You do need to get under the car...Jack stands really help...

After doing many dp changes, I've come to the conclusion that taking the intercooler off really makes things easier...some people would dissagree with me...but I think it's easier, especially when you have to take the stock heat shield off...

Cobb dp is excellent if you don't mind the dp tapering from a bellmouth to a 2.5" end...both the PDE and Cobb are excellent, both taper to 2.5" and use the stock donut gasket...

 

^^^Agreed. It's much easier w/the TMIC off and lots of WD-40. You gain easy access to all the heatshield bolts and nuts as well as those for the DP. Having at least the front of the car up on jackstands helps you get underneath to get to the bolts on the underside of the DP-turbo area. There's a bolt holding the DP to the bracket connected to the trans as well. You'll also need to disconnect the O2 sensor on the DP.

After the install, you'll see some smoke rising from the engine bay (that's the WD-40 burning off). You have no need to worry about that. It goes away in a few minutes.

 

Sorry, I had to do it:

yes I'm a dirty boy...

 

You dirty dirty *****...

 

just to let u know if u do break the bolts from the heatshield it's not that big of a problem..just go down to city mill or lowes and look for new bolts and nuts. make sure the pitch and thread is correct..i broke 3 of mine..hehe

 

besides COBB and PDE, which DPs are good?

thanks guys...more and more I think about it, I should take it to a shop to have them replace the DP.

 

I think you should do it yourself. It is much more gratifying that way and you'll save money at the same time. I changed mine by myself. It's easy, dosen't require advanced skills. Just patience. The most important thing is the WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. If the nuts don't come loose the first time, soak em again. I was able to change my dp without taking off the TMIC. Good luck!

 

I'd have to disagree with both of you. I have done 4 DP's and each time I left the IC on and never once had a hard time getting the heatshield/DP off. Would you like to race Josh on a DP install.