Newbie Downpipe Questions

Discussion in 'Modifications And Maintenance' started by JeWrX, Jul 5, 2006.

  1. JeWrX
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    JeWrX Well-Known Member

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    just curious about a few things

    1. On average how much does a new downpipe cost
    2. About how much of a performance do they yield
    3. Are they hard to install?/How much would it cost to have installed if it is difficult

    Thanks for helping me with my questions guys!
     
  2. readymix
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    readymix ...Lest ye be trod upon... Staff Member

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    1) Between 150->350
    2) Around 10-15 crank hp along with faster spool.
    3) They are the second easiest pipe to install, the easiest being the catback/midpipe type pipes. 5 bolts on the turbo, a couple on the midpipe, and I think there are two holding the pipe to the frame. Swap the pipe, tighten up the bolts. Often, aftermarket downpipes don't re-use the bolts from the heatshielding. Also, if you get a downpipe that replaces the midpipe, it may or may not have a bung for the o2 sensor. All in all, it is a pretty simple install. Requires only a few tools.

    one thing to note, on a WRX, it is best to upgrade the uppipe while you are doing the downpipe since you already have the downpipe unbolted and removed. WHen you do the uppipe, you will have to remove and unbolt it anyway. Might was well do both at the same time.
     
  3. JeWrX
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    JeWrX Well-Known Member

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    How much performance does an up-pipe add/cost?

    Im trying to do mods on a budget, when i sell my amps and subs i am looking at exhaust,downpipe and now uppipe i guess, a little more info would be appreciated though.
     
  4. TSTRBOY2004
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    TSTRBOY2004 Well-Known Member

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    get the ERZ combo deal.. soem have varying opinions.. I have the ERZ up pipe and have had it almost 2 yrs now and nota leak or issue...
    its like $90 or a combo is like $200 on ebay... or so...

    the only issues you can run into with the aftermarket stuff is mating the new DP to the existing or new cat-back exhaust...

    I install the up/dp for $150 in my shop after hours, which also allows me to fix anything that comes along to make it a pain in the arse, as I have a wleder, torch, and exhaust bender and spare piping etc etc...

    it isnt that hard, the up-pipe is a little harder but the dp is pretty darn easy.... like readymix said...

    I would say it is well worth the $350 - $400 you may spegnd to buy the ERZ and have someone install it (going off my price - some may charge more some less), other than doing the Cobb Accessport - which is the other best $500 you would spend on your cars upgrade path..
     
  5. JeWrX
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    JeWrX Well-Known Member

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    Is ERZ quality? Will a more expensive/better brand yield significantly or any better results?
     
  6. Justin
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    Justin Well-Known Member

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    biggest misconception in modern day aftermarket parts. true for some, but mostly not true, especially when dealing with exhaust parts.
     
  7. 06WRXss
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    06WRXss New Member

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    ^^ I've heard this about used exhaust. I mean how used can a pipe get?
     
  8. TSTRBOY2004
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    TSTRBOY2004 Well-Known Member

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    ^^^ rusted with holes is pretty used.. ha ha ha the only thing about used exhaust is if they have cats and they are burnt out or clogged... other than that it aint gonna hurt anything
     
  9. JeWrX
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    JeWrX Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the info, i didnt think more expensive prts were significantly better, but thats why i ask.
     
  10. Zombie
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    Zombie Well-Known Member

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    I would argue this point. Maybe I am a minority but my ERZ up pipe moved my turbo enough that the downpipe hit on the frame and trans crossmember. I had to modify the downpipe on several bends so it didn't hit. Then I had to lengthen it so it would reach the midpipe. A huge PITA. I would hope that the more expensive up pipe and downpipe manufacturers put the added purchase cost into the quality of their jigs and tooling so they fit better but who knows.

    Granted, many people have had luck with the ERZ setup. Its a gamble really.

    -Chad
     
  11. Dizmal
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    Dizmal Well-Known Member

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    Helix has some pretty nice new UP and DP with external wastegate flanges(if you ever decide to go that route). DP is only $200 shipped from Gruppe-S. Not too bad considering ERZ's shipped are a tad less.
     
  12. 06WRXss
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    06WRXss New Member

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    Good to know...
     
  13. Imprezme02
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    Imprezme02 New Member

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    People go with the ****ty ebay pipes all the time, then they wonder why the welds on the flanges go to **** after 10,000 miles...... You almost always get what you pay for, don't go the cheap way when working with your car.
     
  14. TSTRBOY2004
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    TSTRBOY2004 Well-Known Member

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    hmmm... again I say I have the ERZ ****t*y up-pipe and the wleds are great 40,000 miles later and almost 3yrs now...

    also my hand made DP is 2 yrs old with ****ty welds and doesnt leak.. so it is a horse a peice...

    Owning a workshop where we do exhaust work, I have seen some of the mnsubaru members come in and I have fixed their GREAT QUALITY NAME BRAND exhaust parts cause they have issues too... flanges dont mate, the welds are half doen on the flanges etc etc....

    so it is a gamble with any part you buy