I just had my HKS Downpipe installed today here are my early observations:

Installation and Fitment:
For anyone wondering this downpipe is definitely a quality piece, in looks, fitment and function its very worthwhile. The downpipe matches up perfectly and clears the underbraces.

Performance: To dyno a downpipe alone is usually a waste of time but in this case I'd be interested to see the results. The car seems less bogged, it doesnt seem to stumble off the line anymore and power delivery from 2k-redlines seems much smoother and faster. Accerlation on the highway also seemed much quicker. From listening to the engine it seems as if the turbo is making more useable boost much lower in the rev range and hitting max boost closer to 3k.

Price: There are deals around in the low to mid 300 dollar range, having purchased this for 315.00 i feel its more then worth the cost for the overall effect

9/10 - Very close to perfection for such a low level modification but in the end nothings perfect. I highly reccomend it as a first modifcation or even as the only modifcation.

 

Sweet. Thanks for the observations.

 

Great info. Can't wait to get mine installed tonight.

 

Great downpipe for the $$. I got it installed last night.

Linear power band from start to redline. Car responses much more quicker.

Another good info:
The stock downpipe weight 11 lbs. HKS downpipe weight 8 lbs. That's a 3 lbs save.

 

kool deal, maybe i need to grab one up. I kind of want the downpipe and exhaust all to be the same brand though when I finally do the two of them. I havent decided on the one I want to try to get. How big is the piping on the DP?

 

any directions on the DP install?

how long did it take to install?

 

I think it's 2.6" or 65mm.

 

1. Jack up your car
2. Removed underbrace bar. 2 bracebar. 5 nuts.
3. Removed stock downpipe. 2 nuts from the turbo outlet. 2 nuts from the stock cat. 2 nuts from the mounting flange.
4. Installed HKS downpipe. Use the gasket enclosed with the packages. Torque nuts to the spec.
5. Installed underbrace bar. Torque nuts to the spec.
6. DONE !! Start your engine and go test drive.

Can be done in less than one hour.

My car was jack up 6 ft above the ground and it's really easy.

 

Does it bolt directly to the stock cat without any issues?

 

It's a direct bolt-on to the stock cat. No fitting issue.

 

Fantastic.

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

I wonder what the torque loss is with this downpipe, after a few days with it I notice the powerband is smoother but I kinda miss the torque load going into second.

 

Awesome post... I've been wondering what kind of gain EVO
will get from down pipe alone.... I want the performance gain
w/o the extra sound (or noise) from a full exhaust system...

Some questions...
Is the HKS DP bigger in diameter when compare to the stock ones?
If the stock turbo outlet is 2.6", how did people install 3" full turbo
backs?? Adapter?
Does the exhaust sound louder after the install?

Thanks,

 

Don't mean to hijack the thread but is a 2.6" DP worth the money? Stock is 2.5". Are the bends smoother, etc... better flow. Why not go with a 3"?
I'm not being pejorative just would like to know b/c I intend to do this mod aswell in the future. Thanks.

 

The stock downpipe is actually 2" with many bends and crushed sections. The cat-back section is 2 3/8". After having driven the car stock and with the 2.6 in HKS DP I definitely think that a 3" downpipe on an otherwise stock car would be more detrimental then helpful hindering low end performance a lot more then most would appreciate.