Midpipe instalation, little help.

[JaySpecV]

Is insatlling a midpipe on a MS Protege an easy task? I never got to look under the car to see the piping. Do I have to do anything like dropping the whole exhaust just to get to a stupid bolt like installing headers on a 2.5rs.

 

[ChefChris]

Unless its rusted up, it should be easy to remove, I dont have a MSpeed, but the P5 is alot the same, I have had the mid out and back in like 45 mins, to check it out for blockage(long story). But pretty quick just the same.

 

[03MSP]

It's pretty easy, torque wrench might make it easier to break the bolts but they shouldn't be too bad.

 

[Bala]

Here's a couple shots for reference:

 

[Boston5761]

DO NOT USE A TORQUE WRENCH TO BREAK LOOSE BOLTS!!!!!!

Use a Breaker bar....

 

[JaySpecV]

thanks guys i should be installing it sometime soon

 

[BOOSTR]

Spray the bolts ahead of time with some penetrating oil. And use a breaker bar for leverage. Don't try to gorrilla the bolts off, take your time. You'll need a combination wrench or 02 socket to remove the sensor. Its a fairly straightfoward and low RPM job.

 

[JaySpecV]

Anyone have any idea what sizes i need? (socket wrench heads and what not) remember, I have yet to even get under the car...its my friends not mine.

 

[ChopstickHero]

compact impact wrench will get those things off too.

but i agree, don't use a torque wrench! use a breaker bar. spray them with some PB Blaster beforehand as well to loosen the rust.

 

[jersey_emt]

Torching the bolts also helps loosen them. That's going to be the hardest part of the install -- getting the stock piece off, and the O2 sensor off the stock piece. The rest is simple. There aren't any real "tricks" to it.

 

[BOOSTR]

A 7/8 combination wrench will work on the 02 sensor. The other bolts are 12mm I believe.

 

[Kansei]

Torching the bolts also helps loosen them. That's going to be the hardest part of the install -- getting the stock piece off, and the O2 sensor off the stock piece. The rest is simple. There aren't any real "tricks" to it.

Tricks/Tips:

- bend the hangers if it looks like it might hit that lower front suspension brace. If he has stock motor mounts, the engine moves a TON and it will hit.
- of course all the original bolts down there are metric, but the ones on the MAM midpipe (I'm assuming he got the MAM, it's a really nice piece I love mine) are U.S. sized if I recall correctly.
- Don't forget to make sure everything is nice and tight before you drop the car down or you'll be sorry exhaust leaks suck.

 

[lokalmotive]

spray them with some PB Blaster beforehand as well to loosen the rust.

Nothin busts nuts faster than PB Blaster. Got a stuck nut? PB Blaster will bust your nut. Haha. Sorry I just couldn't help myself. I've got the MAM midpipe on the way as well and I've looked at everything under my car. It all seems to be really straightforward and easy to get to.

 

[Huascar82]

I installed my catted midpipe a few weeks ago. I had to cut off one of those bolts with the spring cause it was so rusted that when I inserted the socket it crumbled the edges making it impossible to do anything. Other then that the install was easy. Make sure to check the header to midpipe gasket, mine didnt look in good shape but since I'm getting a header soon I didnt bother replacing it yet.

{threadjack}
I got an 02 ES, is it possible to install the midpipe wrong side up? Sometimes I hear a banging that seems to be coming from the head shield under the s pipe/resonator. I am thinking maybe I put it upside down and am forcing the pipes to hit the heat shield, but checking for clearence its good, and truthfully I dont think I installed it upsidedown. Although I do have an RB catback and the first time I installed it, I had no problems and no metal banging metal noise either.

Sorry for the threadjack

{/threadjack}

 

[Matrix]

You'll need a combination wrench or 02 socket to remove the sensor.

YES. For the love of God and all that is holy, do not forget this valuable piece of advice.






Don't ask. (ughdance)

 

[Matrix]

{threadjack}
I got an 02 ES, is it possible to install the header wrong side up? {/threadjack}

Not to my knowledge. If you installed header upside down, your exhaust would be coming out your hood and you probably wouldn't need to ask if something was wrong.

 

[Huascar82]

s***, I meant midpipe not header. I'll fix it

 

[03MSP]

DO NOT USE A TORQUE WRENCH TO BREAK LOOSE BOLTS!!!!!!

Use a Breaker bar....

Why? My torque wrench still alive and kickin' after a couple years haha.

I assume because I could damage it?

 

[Boston5761]

It throws off the calibration....an can break the internals.

 

[jmv]

just got my midpipe in the mail, as soon as i get the right rear gasket in i'll be installing... but can anyone tell me what exactly PB blaster is and where i can get it?? Is it available at like home depot or autozone or something??

Thanks,
Jason