Downpipe Swap DIY ?

[Segments]

Hey guys, so my car has been on the road for about 7 days now. I have my inspection coming up, and if the deal doesn't work out with my mechanic, I might need to throw stock DP's back on to pass emissions. The car came from VT, and emissions testing does not exist up there . (Lucky them) Is there a video on how to swap the DP's anywhere on the net ? I've been told its fairly simple, but don't want to dive in without being prepped. Let me know guys; thanks.

[EVA-04]

With an N54, you're going to experience EXTREME discomfort doing the swap yourself. It's not difficult if you have a lift and the proper tools. However, if you're using stands (which I highly do NOT recommend), then you're gonna have a bad time.

The V clamps are a pain and there's very little room to work with.

Pay a local shop to replace them for you instead of doing a DIY. It's safer, and less room for error.

[fmowry]

Search "How to install AR Design Downpipes" on youtube.

[mcmn]

I did mine on jack stands and can relate to the warnings here;

I thought i might save the 400+ bucks. At the end of it i was swearing at myself as the skin on my hands is worth more than 400 bucks to me. If you are still interested then read on...

- Make sure you have a small/cut down spanner or socket set with a short throw as you will need it.

- make sure you have an O2 sensor socket. If you dont have this, you're going to be swearing when you cannot tighten the o2 sockets. The socket i'm talking about is offset (i.e it tighens from the spanner clicker thingami from the side rather than the top of the socket)

- be gentle with the clamps, when they fit, you'll know it... its not force that gets these closed

- pay close attention to HOW the clamps went on and WHERE the bolt was on them as you take it off. This will give you a sense of how the new one should line up

I had a guy on the forum have an exhaust shop tech ring me, and ask how i got them back on.. suffice to say it's not an easy job!

good luck.
Paul

[Segments]

haha, that last post gave me a quick laugh at first. Luckily, my go-to mechanic hooked me up, and "overlooked" it.

[lowbudgethero]

Originally Posted by Segments

Hey guys, so my car has been on the road for about 7 days now. I have my inspection coming up, and if the deal doesn't work out with my mechanic, I might need to throw stock DP's back on to pass emissions. The car came from VT, and emissions testing does not exist up there . (Lucky them) Is there a video on how to swap the DP's anywhere on the net ? I've been told its fairly simple, but don't want to dive in without being prepped. Let me know guys; thanks.

What is involved with NY inspection? Do you have to pass a sniffer test? If you have a cel you can just use the downpipe fix.

[sykosis]

It's not THAT bad, I did it myself on jack stands just following this video:

I took my time, I'm pretty anal about things anyhow. It took a few hours to do. Don't need an O2 socket, I used a 22mm crowfoot wrench.

[totti84]

I plan on doing this on jack stands, what was the hardest part? Front o2 sensors?

[MuNkY6913]

Originally Posted by totti84

I plan on doing this on jack stands, what was the hardest part? Front o2 sensors?

I think the hardest part depends on what brand you get. I did my BMS ones and they fit perfectly and the o2 sensor holes lined up like stock. Just did a buddies with vrsf and the o2 screwed into completely different spots not letting you put the wires back in some of the holders. Definitely pay attention and mark down which color o2 (gray or black) sensor goes in which downpipe. If you accidentally switch the rear o2 sensors you'll be chasing misfire and o2 codes. I didn't have to much trouble with the v bands at all. Like I said my troubles came from different brands putting the sensor ports in different spots.

[totti84]

I have AR Design, so hopefully I don't have issues.

Did you guys move the steering rack, or is it possible to squeeze small hands in there without moving the rack?

[MuNkY6913]

I have huge hands so I have to remove that shield and slide the steering rack. Pretty sure your gonna have to take it out. That's the hole I use to get up to the o2 and vbands. It's not that big of a deal. It's taking out 1 bolt and loosening the other and 3 screws on the shield.