Installing a CP-E Downpipe...any advice? Tools Needed??

[AutoXRacer]

I'm finally installing my CP-E downpipe tomorrow...removing factory parts tonight. What tools are needed, any specialty tools required/suggested?
Just looking to see if I need to stop by Sears to pick up any tools I may not have or that make the R&R much easier...

Thanks for the help!!! (2thumbs)

 

[dkswim]

o2 sensor removal plug you need multiple setups of 14 mm i think. shallow skinny and deep well and a couple of u joints make sure you have enough elbow greese. i have the corksport but its the same R & R

 

[knowledge007]

It depends, when I took off my downpipe, I had those long flexible socket wrenches that reach like 3 feet away and bend and s***. That made it alot easier. As for the bolts themselfs, I would spray the s*** out of them with that some kind of degreaser or w/e they call that crap. Drown them!!! Seriously...

 

[SuperStretch18]

PB Blaster...

 

[Sierra117]

PB Blaster...

PB FTW. Soak that s*** in PB!

 

[AutoXRacer]

So no specialty tools then...just liquid wrench and some different combinations for 14mm tools?
I assume the 14mm is for the turbo/DP bolts? Are these the only bolts that cause this R&R to be difficult or tedious...?

I read somewhere that 6PT sockets are recommended over the 12PT...?

 

[Powerslave]

hey dude cool write up, can't wait to hear your review, could you take pics etc?

 

[AutoXRacer]

I'll try to take pictures... Any special shots you want? Since I'll be doing this on jackstands, I won't be able to get a good overall shot; probably just concentrated area shots...

Let me know what you want to see...

 

[Sierra117]

I want to see a DIY to decide if when I pick mine up I want to take it somewhere or if I can handle it meself. After the exhaust install on a buddies IS300 a few weeks back, I would like to think I can handle anything now. However, I've also heard you may be forced to manipulate your wrist in a way that isn't quite physically possible to reach some of the bolts.

 

[Powerslave]

just what ever is conveiant for you

 

[Kosh]

o2 sensor removal plug you need multiple setups of 14 mm i think. shallow skinny and deep well and a couple of u joints make sure you have enough elbow greese. i have the corksport but its the same R & R

You can get elbow grease here: http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=32

 

[dkswim]

u need o2 sensor removal plug. o dont forget to soak the bolts for the heat shields those are 10 mm and youll want gloves for those i put some nice gashes in my hands. when you put it back together use anti sieze on all the bolts that way you can remove it if you ever chose to. kosh that was great.

 

[AutoXRacer]

So far I've got:
-O2 sensor socket
-Gloves
-Liquid Wrench or PB
-10mm wrenches and sockets
-14mm wrenches and sockets

I have the service manual and it doesn't look that bad...though I haven't taken a look at the work space first hand though. According to the service manual it says to remove some cross-member, heat-shields, and then the DP. Seems straight forward...

 

[redrocketz]

A good tip to make the O2 sensor removal easy is to go beat the snot out of the car first and get her nice and hot.

 

[AutoXRacer]

A good tip to make the O2 sensor removal easy is to go beat the snot out of the car first and get her nice and hot.

Shouldn't it be an easy removal with only 5K miles...?
I've only owned the car roughly 2 months...

I'll try to remove the O2s first while the exhaust is warm/hot...

 

[knowledge007]

Yes, it should be good as was mine. Just have to do the tighted and loosen trick for a couple of times with the PB. You will be fine.

DO NOT WORK ON THE CAR HOT!!!

You will only burn yourself. So please don't listen to redrcketz. You will hurt yourself. I worked on my car cold and it was a breeze to the O2's off with the PB.

 

[Sierra117]

Yes, it should be good as was mine. Just have to do the tighted and loosen trick for a couple of times with the PB. You will be fine.

DO NOT WORK ON THE CAR HOT!!!

You will only burn yourself. So please don't listen to redrcketz. You will hurt yourself. I worked on my car cold and it was a breeze to the O2's off with the PB.

Seriously, if you work on the car hot, tell us how the hospital is, lol.

If you have trouble with the O2s, just disconnect the sensor from the car, and leave them in when you drop the DP out. Then just use some leverage with it out of the car.

 

[knowledge007]

Seriously, if you work on the car hot, tell us how the hospital is, lol.

If you have trouble with the O2s, just disconnect the sensor from the car, and leave them in when you drop the DP out. Then just use some leverage with it out of the car.

Very good idea. I did this as well but still needed the a little PB. But atleast you don't have to worry about ripping the cord. Be careful as theses sensors are not cheap.

 

[Sierra117]

Very good idea. I did this as well but still needed the a little PB. But atleast you don't have to worry about ripping the cord. Be careful as theses sensors are not cheap.

Its what I had to do with a freind's car. We unplugged the O2s from the car, dropped out the headers, and being able to actually stand on them gave us massive leverage and enough weight to keep it from rocking the header. Worked like a charm. Went from being "**** it, just plug the holes and figure it out later" to one minute a piece to pop 'em out.

 

[staples187]

Being the downpipe is one large piece it's probably going to be a two man job to get the pipe lined up with the turbo correctly. It took me about 4 hours to get everything finished with 3 guys and a lift. The hardest part is getting the stock downpipe off because of lack of clearance.

Shoot me a PM if you come into any trouble.