What is the hardest (PITA) steps when installing Downpipes (DP)??

jeho · 04-17-2009, 12:00 AM

I am going to install my AR Catless DP myself tomorrow after work...

I've looked at the DIY guide http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=104333&page=2 from jahwerx a few times already
and it seem pretty straight forward just like any other raceheader/catless dp installs ive done, other than the fact that there is much less room

For the guys who DIY, what was the hardest/time consuming part?
Any tips you could share to save me time?

Thanks

335iheLLraiseR · 04-17-2009, 12:01 AM

Vbands and the angles inserting them. you pretty much have to do it blindfolded because you cant see shit.

bmwzimmer · 04-17-2009, 01:02 AM

NOT an easy DIY. Then again, I'm somewhere between a novice-intermediate DIYer. I gave up after 5+ hours and had to put everything back after getting almost to the final steps but could not get the DP off the bolt for the life of me. First off, if you have a couple jacks, it's easier to access the DP's rather than Rhino Ramps because it allows you to turn the steering wheel to get you more clearance. It is so damn tight under the car. HEck, the heat shield took me a damn hour to get off. Had I used jacks and turned the wheel, it would have been a 5 minute job because it was so difficult to get in there to remove the screws.
GOOD LUCK man

jeho · 04-17-2009, 01:20 AM

thanks..

i will be doing it on jack stands since i dont have rhino ramps..
so i guess moving the steering rack is a MUST!

Is it very very hard to remove the oem DP???!?!

shyestsparks · 04-17-2009, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335iheLLraiseR

Vbands and the angles inserting them. you pretty much have to do it blindfolded because you cant see shit.

+1; also if you have access to a lift it would be a lot easier, personally I would not do it with just jack stands.

Septro · 04-17-2009, 02:07 AM

If it wasn't for the liability, more shops should rent out lifts for enthusiasts. There's a business model there to build a large facility with multiple ramps w/ mechanic tool rentals to let guys work on their cars to do installs like these.

I remember being on a military base and the base shop had ramps you could rent for like $5 an hour. Loved it.

JohnL135I · 04-17-2009, 02:22 AM

Check the clamps and ensure they are clear of the WGA arm. My wga arm got caught on one of the clamps and caused a half check engine light and no boost.

Jeller · 04-17-2009, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335iheLLraiseR

Vbands and the angles inserting them. you pretty much have to do it blindfolded because you cant see shit.

also remeber to put the rear o2 sensors in the pipe then install them. I did them after and it was pita to get at them.

Jeller

Former_Boosted_IS · 04-17-2009, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J86

I am going to install my AR Catless DP myself tomorrow after work...

I've looked at the DIY guide http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=104333&page=2 from jahwerx a few times already
and it seem pretty straight forward just like any other raceheader/catless dp installs ive done, other than the fact that there is much less room

For the guys who DIY, what was the hardest/time consuming part?
Any tips you could share to save me time?

Thanks

You may want to check my additional suggestions I made in my review of the AR DPs. I would suggest you unscrew the bushings for the front sway bar and let it hang from the end links. This allows much more room to remove the heat shield and get into the V-Band area holding the dps to the turbos.

scalbert · 04-17-2009, 08:28 AM

The hardest part is getting the v-bands and clamps lined up and attached. IMO, the rest is a cake walk.

As for suggestions, have someone there to help. It is easier to get things lined up with an additional set of hands. I did my first set with help but I did mine alone and it is more difficult alone.

Terrance28 · 04-17-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Septro

If it wasn't for the liability, more shops should rent out lifts for enthusiasts. There's a business model there to build a large facility with multiple ramps w/ mechanic tool rentals to let guys work on their cars to do installs like these.

I remember being on a military base and the base shop had ramps you could rent for like $5 an hour. Loved it.

Yep you can't beat sprockets on post. $5 an hour rents you a bay with a lift and all the tools you would ever need.

04-17-2009, 12:00 AM	#1
jeho ig: jeffersonho 150 Rep 2,185 Posts Drives: E90M3.E36M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: PNW iTrader: (6)	What is the hardest (PITA) steps when installing Downpipes (DP)?? I am going to install my AR Catless DP myself tomorrow after work... I've looked at the DIY guide http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=104333&page=2 from jahwerx a few times already and it seem pretty straight forward just like any other raceheader/catless dp installs ive done, other than the fact that there is much less room For the guys who DIY, what was the hardest/time consuming part? Any tips you could share to save me time? Thanks __________________ E36 M3 on TE37SL E90 M3 on TE37SL http://instagram.com/jeffersonho
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-17-2009, 01:02 AM	#3
bmwzimmer Major 37 Rep 1,084 Posts Drives: 335 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: 91 octane states iTrader: (0)	NOT an easy DIY. Then again, I'm somewhere between a novice-intermediate DIYer. I gave up after 5+ hours and had to put everything back after getting almost to the final steps but could not get the DP off the bolt for the life of me. First off, if you have a couple jacks, it's easier to access the DP's rather than Rhino Ramps because it allows you to turn the steering wheel to get you more clearance. It is so damn tight under the car. HEck, the heat shield took me a damn hour to get off. Had I used jacks and turned the wheel, it would have been a 5 minute job because it was so difficult to get in there to remove the screws. GOOD LUCK man
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-17-2009, 01:20 AM	#4
jeho ig: jeffersonho 150 Rep 2,185 Posts Drives: E90M3.E36M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: PNW iTrader: (6)	thanks.. i will be doing it on jack stands since i dont have rhino ramps.. so i guess moving the steering rack is a MUST! Is it very very hard to remove the oem DP???!?! __________________ E36 M3 on TE37SL E90 M3 on TE37SL http://instagram.com/jeffersonho
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-17-2009, 02:07 AM	#6
Septro Banned 77 Rep 1,649 Posts Drives: '08 e90 335xi Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: C-Bus, OH iTrader: (1)	If it wasn't for the liability, more shops should rent out lifts for enthusiasts. There's a business model there to build a large facility with multiple ramps w/ mechanic tool rentals to let guys work on their cars to do installs like these. I remember being on a military base and the base shop had ramps you could rent for like $5 an hour. Loved it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-17-2009, 02:22 AM	#7
JohnL135I Donkey Kong King 90 Rep 1,129 Posts Drives: 2012 Boss 302 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sahuarita, AZ iTrader: (3)	Check the clamps and ensure they are clear of the WGA arm. My wga arm got caught on one of the clamps and caused a half check engine light and no boost. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-17-2009, 08:28 AM	#10
scalbert Major General 155 Rep 5,776 Posts Drives: '13 S4, '15 Q7 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (8)	The hardest part is getting the v-bands and clamps lined up and attached. IMO, the rest is a cake walk. As for suggestions, have someone there to help. It is easier to get things lined up with an additional set of hands. I did my first set with help but I did mine alone and it is more difficult alone.
	Appreciate 0 Quote