Fabspped X/Cat Pipe Install
08-22-2009, 04:41 PM
#1
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Fabspped X/Cat Pipe Install
Edit: Also, HERE is the link to my Install / Write Up page. There are more pictures and commentary. 
==============
This thread will capture my install problems and what I find to be the solutions. Hopefully it will serve others later on.
I'm back from a local muffler shop after taking 2" off of each slip joint side of the system.
I am now back under the car, and I still cannot get the system to fit. I've inserted one of the shortened slip joint side into the stock slip joint pipe end, but now the xpipe flange doesn't have clearance at the opposite muffler side.
I am loosening that muffler so I can wiggle the xpipe flange upwards and into place and hopefully get me closer to the actual install.
==============
This thread will capture my install problems and what I find to be the solutions. Hopefully it will serve others later on.
I'm back from a local muffler shop after taking 2" off of each slip joint side of the system.
I am now back under the car, and I still cannot get the system to fit. I've inserted one of the shortened slip joint side into the stock slip joint pipe end, but now the xpipe flange doesn't have clearance at the opposite muffler side.
I am loosening that muffler so I can wiggle the xpipe flange upwards and into place and hopefully get me closer to the actual install.
Last edited by SH || NC; 08-23-2009 at 02:15 PM.
08-22-2009, 05:06 PM
#3
Parts Specialist
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pics along the way are always helpful and sound clips at the end or it "never happened"
hahhaha
good job and keeping it moving, I hate those type of jobs where things dont go as planned and take 5x longer than expected
hahhaha
good job and keeping it moving, I hate those type of jobs where things dont go as planned and take 5x longer than expected
08-22-2009, 05:44 PM
#4
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OK. I have the xpipe at least in the cavity where the OEM set up existed; nothing is bolted up.
I had to remove the forward most bolt on each muffler to they could both swivel while I was manhandling the xpipe into place
Still frustrated, but better
I had to remove the forward most bolt on each muffler to they could both swivel while I was manhandling the xpipe into place
Still frustrated, but better
08-22-2009, 06:41 PM
#5
Drifting
...we are getting very excited about this install - cheering you all the way!
08-22-2009, 07:53 PM
#6
the fabspeed x-pipe is 1-piece while the other aftermarket and OEM cats are separate pieces.
You will probably have much better luck by removing the mufflers completely, mount the 1-piece x-pipe to the headers first, let it hang, then mount each muffler afterwards.
Of course, don't tighten the header bolts until everything is lined up correctly.
You will probably have much better luck by removing the mufflers completely, mount the 1-piece x-pipe to the headers first, let it hang, then mount each muffler afterwards.
Of course, don't tighten the header bolts until everything is lined up correctly.
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08-22-2009, 08:09 PM
#8
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I think I am done. Everything is bolted up and as tight as I can get it with hand tools.
The 02 sensors are plugged back in. I got a little anti-seize on them, so I cleaned them off with MAF cleaner figuring if it is gentle enough to work on the MAF then it should be OK on the 02s. We'll see shortly.
I took plenty of pics. Will post later tonight if I am successful and after a few celebratory brews.
The 02 sensors are plugged back in. I got a little anti-seize on them, so I cleaned them off with MAF cleaner figuring if it is gentle enough to work on the MAF then it should be OK on the 02s. We'll see shortly.
I took plenty of pics. Will post later tonight if I am successful and after a few celebratory brews.
08-22-2009, 09:02 PM
#9
Drifting
Enquiring minds want to Know
I think I am done. Everything is bolted up and as tight as I can get it with hand tools.
The 02 sensors are plugged back in. I got a little anti-seize on them, so I cleaned them off with MAF cleaner figuring if it is gentle enough to work on the MAF then it should be OK on the 02s. We'll see shortly.
I took plenty of pics. Will post later tonight if I am successful and after a few celebratory brews.
The 02 sensors are plugged back in. I got a little anti-seize on them, so I cleaned them off with MAF cleaner figuring if it is gentle enough to work on the MAF then it should be OK on the 02s. We'll see shortly.
I took plenty of pics. Will post later tonight if I am successful and after a few celebratory brews.
08-22-2009, 09:23 PM
#10
I think I am done. Everything is bolted up and as tight as I can get it with hand tools.
The 02 sensors are plugged back in. I got a little anti-seize on them, so I cleaned them off with MAF cleaner figuring if it is gentle enough to work on the MAF then it should be OK on the 02s. We'll see shortly.
I took plenty of pics. Will post later tonight if I am successful and after a few celebratory brews.
The 02 sensors are plugged back in. I got a little anti-seize on them, so I cleaned them off with MAF cleaner figuring if it is gentle enough to work on the MAF then it should be OK on the 02s. We'll see shortly.
I took plenty of pics. Will post later tonight if I am successful and after a few celebratory brews.
08-22-2009, 09:34 PM
#13
Drifting
...sound clips???
08-22-2009, 10:16 PM
#14
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Pics!
So these are the most informative I think.
- Took me about 1/2 a day * 2. Obviously taking my time, taking pictures, and the F/S instructions aren't that detailed.
- PB Blaster and a breaker bar is a must have
- power tools help but are not absolutely required
- I disconnected my battery
- don't forget anti-seize
- remove your mufflers, trust me