I just want to share my experiences to everyone. My Invidia down pipe came in yesterday and it took me from 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM to remove the OEM stuff, install this unit, take the FXT out for a test drive, come back to readjust the doughnut gasket as it was leaking, and finished with a second test drive. What took most of my time was the heat shielding of the turbo. I initially thought there would be just 5 bolts to remove; well, it came out to be about 15 for both the upper and lower heat sheild. This job would have just taken a few hours if there were more than one of me, because crawling in and out from under the car sucked! I put on a touch of engine oil around the sleeves of the IC and turbo; this made it very very easy to reinstall the intercooler. It took me no more than 5 minutes to slip it on and tighten it up. <u>Impressions:</u> I can hear a new sound upon acceleration... kinda like a high pitched turbo spool but in short repeated bursts. The overall exhaust sound is still stealth (not for long). I can feel a bit more pull all around. I was more into listening to exhaust leaks than what I've gained powerwise, but I'm sure I've gained enough. I cannot see a CEL. [mechanical CEL eliminator] I noticed that this downpipe freed up a couple more miles per the gallon per the scangauge unit at a constant 65 MPH. Just what I'll need for the trip to California this weekend!
Why you cheating already! >_< shooo..... Well....times like this calls for small hands, but you finished the job already! Getting good at these things now, huh? You just need more tools, and keep them organize! LOL Great to hear about the new setup. You'll be wrenching more so later, trust me.
Thanks, guys. The down pipe is only half of it. I still have to schedule with Mr. Readymix for the turbo/up-pipe part of it. And I've used up 40% of my gas tank since last night. Man this thing made my car fun!
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by kickin_81What took most of my time was the heat shielding of the turbo.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote"> Yeah, I had the same problems when I did the downpipe on my wagon. You need to be a contortionist to get at some of those back bolts (didn't take the IC off).
i just did the downpipe last weekend also, the heatshield was kind of a pain but the rest was pretty easy, just used lots of pb blaster. didnt take off the intercooler either. definately not lookin forward to the up pipe install either though. jason?????
uppipes are pretty easy. The only thing that sucks is you need to pull the downpipe again. Also make sure you get 2 lower uppipe gaskets for a leak proof install. Russ
Modifying the heatshield to accomodate the mouth of the downpipe will be my next project when I get back from California. JNorth, Jason and I are considering an install day at his place. Maybe you can join for double-duty installs.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">kinda like a high pitched turbo spool but in short repeated bursts.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote"> probobly wg chatter.. you'l notice it easier with the bell mouth. mine did it like a sonova**** at <7psi. on nasioc there are a few threads discussing a method of preloading your w/g arm to get rid of 'some' chatter. you could wrap it when you do the turbo install.. that will cut down on heatsoak too. /cheers!
have fun driving down there....though it was boring for me but nice view of everything....could of call for help on the install....
My car doesn't sound like it's pinging or the sound of crackling leaves. It must be because I still have my OEM muffler installed and has enough backpressure to keep the wastegate from opening at part-throttle. It's gonna happen though; I just know it! } My trip back will not be as fun as the last time, but it will still be cool.
