Fitting a downpipe yourself??

MikeGlanzaV

MikeGlanzaV

Trader
Hi guys - I just wanted some advice really. I have a Zep Racing downpipe on order at the minute and was thinking of tackling the fitting of it myself. I have not done it before and only have the usual tools - sockets, spanners etc etc and the most complicated job I have undertaken to date is a disc, pad and caliper change on my old Saxo VTS so Im no expert but I am logically minded.

Firstly is there anything other than undoing the studs from the old pipe to consider? How difficult is this? Is the Lambda sensor easy to remove? Should I get hold of some new gaskets first or are they usually reuseable?

I don't suppose there is a guide floating around anywhere - garage has quoted my 2-3 hours labour which seems a lot to me!

Cheers

Mike
 
supernova

supernova

Member +
I did mine myself not too long ago. Use alot of WD40. Some bolts are really hard to get to so attack from all angles. gotta do alot of wriggling also when you got all the bolts off to get the cat off. Remember to remove the 2 bolts on the brace. Removing the rad will also be helpful to give you more room to manouvre. I couldn't get the O2 sensor off my cat but luckily i had one already installed on my decat so that could be a bitch to get off. If all goes well, should get it done in around an hour. It's not that hard, should be able to do yourself.
 
TurboDave

TurboDave

Member +
The nuts are hard to get at and on some cars I have seen, they are star sockets and not nuts holding the decat to the turbos exhaust housing. So you may need some star sockets.

The lambda sensor will be a pig to get out so best spray it with wd40 a few hours before you start. And removing the rad does make it easier but it is not absolutley necessary.

The brace bolts are easiest to get at from underneath the car.

You may need deep insert sockets to get at the nuts on the flange which joins to the exhaust.

If you get it all ok, it will probably take you 2 hours including 1 tea stop. :)


Hope this helps.
 
MikeGlanzaV

MikeGlanzaV

Trader
Cheers guys - Mmm sounds like its almost certainly gonna be a bitch to do. May have to go to a garage after all which means it wont be ready for the Shakespeare Raceway meet or Santa Pod. Booooo!!
 
supernova

supernova

Member +
Those star nuts your talking about can be removed using a normal hex socket. I got them on mine too which i first thought i needed some special star socket but got them off no probs with the normal socket ;)
 
TurboDave

TurboDave

Member +
Yeah they do come off with a normal 10mil socket but the back one is a bitch to get at and if it gets rounded it will be a nightmare to get off :).

It isnt that hard though mate just a bit awkward it certinally is possible for you to do yourself.

Have a look at it and feel for the back nut holding the decat to the turbine housing if you have the correct equiptment to get at the nut give everything a good spray with wd40 and have a crack yourself.
 
MikeGlanzaV

MikeGlanzaV

Trader
Cheers mate - I really would like to have a go myself, more satisfaction and a saving of £100+. Me and a mate did a complete exhaust manifold on his 200SX a couple of months ago which involved removing the turbo and half the exhaust in the dark by the time we had finished!! It cannot be as hard as that! Just a bit scared of the sheering bolt head stories you hear about or starting only to find out Im missing an essential tool or something. I have some loctite bolt release spray which may come in handy though!
 
Smore

Smore

Lifer
TurboDave said:
Yeah they do come off with a normal 10mil socket but the back one is a bitch to get at and if it gets rounded it will be a nightmare to get off :).

It isnt that hard though mate just a bit awkward it certinally is possible for you to do yourself.

Have a look at it and feel for the back nut holding the decat to the turbine housing if you have the correct equiptment to get at the nut give everything a good spray with wd40 and have a crack yourself.
Click to expand...


back nut comes off very easy with a knuckle joint and a small 10mm socket
 
stuart

stuart

Member +
Where abouts are you mate? Someone might be able to pop around and help, sure it'll only cost ya a couple of beers if someones local with the knowhow :)
 
Lee C

Lee C

Member +
Ive not had my car long and not scared of getting my hands dirty but im just getting used to working on the engine and there pretty easy, only thing id say is you will be better off wd40'ing every nut you need to get off as they are a bitch to get off most of the time.
 
K

king_stu

Member +
It really is easy. Just make sure you have a deep reach 14mm socket and shed loads of WD40. Not sure about the sensor. If in doubt get a new one. You can do it!
 
MikeGlanzaV

MikeGlanzaV

Trader
I live between Nottingham and Derby. Any help would be most appreciated!

I think I will give it a go then. No doubt I will regret it :-(
 
dac69er

dac69er

Super Moderator
i was lucky and every bolt undid easily, even when i changed my turbo i had no problem with it! just must be me :)
 
M

mike g

Member +
fitted myself zep racing de cat there 2 days ago!! its a bitch to fit but once you have the stardard one off its plain sailing!!
 
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