DIY downpipe install?

[drummerdimitri]

Is it possible for me to install a downpipe myself?

I have all the necessary tools but I don't have a lift or the instructions to do so.

I'm a long time DIY guy but maybe this is taking it too far?

 

[Rob2k68]

I've been quoted 4-5 hours labour by a VAG specialist. They tell me that all of the work is done from underneath so unless you have a 4 poster then for safety's sake I don't think I'd go there.

As the drive shaft comes out there maybe some sort of geometry alignment needed afterwards ????? Think there is an alternate method where an engine mount is loosened and the whole engine tilted to gain access to the D/P flange.

 

[drummerdimitri]

I've been quoted 4-5 hours labour by a VAG specialist. They tell me that all of the work is done from underneath so unless you have a 4 poster then for safety's sake I don't think I'd go there.

As the drive shaft comes out there maybe some sort of geometry alignment needed afterwards ????? Think there is an alternate method where an engine mount is loosened and the whole engine tilted to gain access to the D/P flange.

4-5 hours?

I've been quoted around 2 hours for anywhere between 70-100$ for the install.

Will be installing the downpipe tomorrow.

 

[Wondering Soul]

Think there is an alternate method where an engine mount is loosened and the whole engine tilted to gain access to the D/P flange.

This is possible, have done it on a previous car. Was a LOT of hassle though and required further movement to properly mount the new pipe. Was very tight and left me and my friend with lots of cuts and scrapes!

 

[Rob2k68]

4-5 hours?

I've been quoted around 2 hours for anywhere between 70-100$ for the install.

Will be installing the downpipe tomorrow.

That's blooming good I'd snap their hand off!! Let us know how it goes, I presume your going stage 2 map at the same time ?

This is possible, have done it on a previous car. Was a LOT of hassle though and required further movement to properly mount the new pipe. Was very tight and left me and my friend with lots of cuts and scrapes!

I take my hat off to you mate - I'll have a crack at most things but think I'd concede on this one. Still might have the Revo/Scorpion fitted in the new year but not by my fair hands. Don't think I'd get away without my missus noticing with the car up on ramps at the front ! ;o)

 

[drummerdimitri]

That's blooming good I'd snap their hand off!! Let us know how it goes, I presume your going stage 2 map at the same time ?



I take my hat off to you mate - I'll have a crack at most things but think I'd concede on this one. Still might have the Revo/Scorpion fitted in the new year but not by my fair hands. Don't think I'd get away without my missus noticing with the car up on ramps at the front ! ;o)

I am still using the damned tuning box. Unfortunately no one has cracked the ECU in my car since it is the latest model so instead of waiting for the tune to be released I decided to get a downpipe now, sell the box when the tune is ready and get a stage 2 tune then.

If it doesn't add power at least it will make is quite a bit louder being catless and should make the turbo spool quicker at low rpm's.

 

[drummerdimitri]

I got the downpipe installed by a reputable mechanic who charged me 67$ for around 4 hours of work!

The first thing I noticed is the sound. It sounds a little louder with a metallic rustle and the turbo spools much quicker especially below 2000 rpm which is great for stop start traffic in everyday driving.

 

[Rob2k68]

I got the downpipe installed by a reputable mechanic who charged me 67$ for around 4 hours of work!

The first thing I noticed is the sound. It sounds a little louder with a metallic rustle and the turbo spools much quicker especially below 2000 rpm which is great for stop start traffic in everyday driving.

Thanks for the feedback ;o) - have you gone for a de-car pipe or a sports cat ?

We our garage charge rate was the same as yours !!!!!

 

[drummerdimitri]

Thanks for the feedback ;o) - have you gone for a de-car pipe or a sports cat ?

We our garage charge rate was the same as yours !!!!!

I was really surprised it would only cost 67$ for all that work.

I went for catless since it was cheaper and increased airflow and sound.

Not too happy with the metallic rustle though. I've been told it will go away when some carbon builds up in the downpipe.

 

[Woody86]

Is a stage 2 map definitely needed when you change the down pipe? Thinking about getting one but wondering will I need the remap

 

[Ric 2001]

Been running a turbo back with sports cat for a while now with no remap.

Remap would take advantage of the increase air flow and other benefits, allowing tweaks to various ECU parameters.

 

[Woody86]

Been running a turbo back with sports cat for a while now with no remap.

Remap would take advantage of the increase air flow and other benefits, allowing tweaks to various ECU parameters.

So it's not gonna throw any lights up or damage anything? I think I could be purchasing it soon then. What change of noise can I expect?

 

[RO65ERS]

Downpipe is on my list to do.
I'll do it myself.

It looks fairly easy tbh.
V clamp off.
Dog bone off
Prop shaft off from the case and pushed to the side.
Downpipe bracket out
Off from center section

Push engine forwards. It'll rock on the top mounts.
Pull downpipe out.

I estimate hour to remove.

Unless subframe needs to be dropped...

It won't be for a while but I am happy to do it for someone if they supply the parts and brew and help take photos for a how to write up.

 

[RO65ERS]

ok, so I've been doing some research on this.
there are LOADS of golf Gti installs of downpipes - it gave me a good idea - minus the shaft! looks like it falls out.
i thought this was interesting, I'm sure trying to clear the shaft with the CAT on the DP would be a nightmare, so I've looked a little further.

i've found a few people on 7R forums who have installed different downpipes. seeing as its the same...
this one isn't amazing, but its the best one out there!

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7273801-MK7-Golf-R-Bull-X-Catted-3-quot-Downpipe-Install

When (its when not if) i get a downpipe, i will make an S3 suited installation.

 

[Woody86]

Can anyone confirm that I will get no warning lights if I change my downpipe to a milltek sports cat diwnpipe?

 

[RO65ERS]

Can anyone confirm that I will get no warning lights if I change my downpipe to a milltek sports cat diwnpipe?

you shouldn't, but its not guaranteed. cat and sensor efficiency and all that jazz.

 

[Woody86]

you shouldn't, but its not guaranteed. cat and sensor efficiency and all that jazz.

What you think of these o2 spacers? Do you know if thats a guaranteed no light?

 

[RO65ERS]

What you think of these o2 spacers? Do you know if thats a guaranteed no light?

Again, supposed to but there's always a chance of no guarantee.
I will be using one myself when I go decat mind. I'm sure you'll be fine.

The other option, is to put a blanking bolt in the pipe and tie the sensor out of the way, so it reads clean air.

 

[H17YD L]

I've got a BCS with a mini cat (like a spacer but with a small amount of cat material in it) an it's perfect, no light on in over 1000 miles

 

[RO65ERS]

I've got a BCS with a mini cat (like a spacer but with a small amount of cat material in it) an it's perfect, no light on in over 1000 miles

full system or just DP ?
how do you find the sound?

 

[H17YD L]

I've got a BCS sports cat with a scorpion cat back, but have had the standard cat back on with the downpipe too;
Standard cat back an downpipe is alright, like standard but a bit deeper an louder, not by much.

With the scorpion it's louder again but when it's off boost its surprisingly quiet, but nice an bass'ey when going for it!

 

[RO65ERS]

its so difficult to find a good quality exhaust with the noise I'm looking for!

 

[Woody86]

Thanks lads you've just made my mind up. Will be purchasing one soon. Now to choose which one. The cobra dp any good?

 

[RO65ERS]

I'm swaying towards the BCS Full system!

 

[H17YD L]

I'll get my go pro out and film mine, been meaning to do it for a while so it's a good excuse so you can hear it

 

[RO65ERS]

I'll get my go pro out and film mine, been meaning to do it for a while so it's a good excuse so you can hear it

that'll be good!not enough people who have exhausts are sharing videos on here! its making it increasingly difficult to get a system!

 

[Rob2k68]

Can anyone confirm that I will get no warning lights if I change my downpipe to a milltek sports cat diwnpipe?

This is very hit and miss we almost need a table of which do and which don't. Some can be resolved by the spacer alone but others need stage 2 software.

If I ever do this it'll be the Revo/Scorpion downpipe with 200 cell sport cat, Revo stage 2 software and adaptor to existing OEM system.

 

[RO65ERS]

This is very hit and miss we almost need a table of which do and which don't. Some can be resolved by the spacer alone but others need stage 2 software.

If I ever do this it'll be the Revo/Scorpion downpipe with 200 cell sport cat, Revo stage 2 software and adaptor to existing OEM system.

any reason in particular as you why you would choose the revo/scorpion downpipe?
does the system come with the adaptor to mate with the oem system?

 

[Rob2k68]

any reason in particular as you why you would choose the revo/scorpion downpipe?
does the system come with the adaptor to mate with the oem system?

Mainly because the one Revo sell is made by Scorpion so it would guarantee maximum compatibility with the tune. Saw it in the flesh at one of the VAG shows last year think it was VAG tuner at Donnington and it was fabulously well made. Think I posted some pics of it in the after market exhaust thread.

Yes the adaptor is included so you have the option of keeping the OEM system then going full 3" at a later date.

 

[RO65ERS]

Mainly because the one Revo sell is made by Scorpion so it would guarantee maximum compatibility with the tune. Saw it in the flesh at one of the VAG shows last year think it was VAG tuner at Donnington and it was fabulously well made. Think I posted some pics of it in the after market exhaust thread.

Yes the adaptor is included so you have the option of keeping the OEM system then going full 3" at a later date.

I'm yet to see one in the flesh.
I've read plenty of people using the scorpion one, ok the revo one just had their name stamped on the side instead. So I'm sure its a well made piece of kit, I was tempted by it myself, purely for the price a while back but now I'm thinking i want a full system rather than just a DP.

 

[funguf]

Downpipe is on my list to do.
I'll do it myself.

It looks fairly easy tbh.
V clamp off.
Dog bone off
Prop shaft off from the case and pushed to the side.
Downpipe bracket out
Off from center section

Push engine forwards. It'll rock on the top mounts.
Pull downpipe out.

I estimate hour to remove.

Unless subframe needs to be dropped...

It won't be for a while but I am happy to do it for someone if they supply the parts and brew and help take photos for a how to write up.

I removed my decat today and fitted an OE cat. It was a pain in the *** but RO65ERS is accurate here in the list of to-do's. There is one item that needs to be done after removing the turbo clamp. Remove the two bolts holding the downpipe to the engine.

Fitting the downpipe was especially painful as the standard cat is huge compared to a decat which made it a nightmare to fit back in.

I had to drop the subframe and push the engine forward to get fit the downpipe behind the engine.

So many scratches on my arms, looks like a cat has been at me..



All done now...anyone interested in buying a Cobra decat off me? ;-)

 

[MikeParkin]

Was it easy enough to do ? And I take it that fitting a de cat will be easier @funguf

 

[H17YD L]

I've removed the standard an fitted a BCS sports cat, the new one going in is a dream haha! Getting the old one out is a bit of a tight squeeze but we did it without dropping the subframe, just pushed the engine forwards and twisted the downpipe and got it out, it does catch on the heat shields/ tin foil but it comes out eventually!

 

[funguf]

Was it easy enough to do ? And I take it that fitting a de cat will be easier @funguf

Was a pain fitting in the standard, putting in a decat would be easier.