Being a newb, I try to search anywhere and everywhere before asking questions. Doing some very simple mods to my car consisting of a UTEC, downpipe (2.5") and cat-back exhaust later on. That's it. I just managed to snag an Apexi GT-spec downpipe off of ebay for under $180. I'd go with the Megan but it's a full 3" and I'm keeping the stock cat. Going from 3" to 2.5" and eventually back to 3" is a big no no. I did a search AFTER purchasing the downpipe and came across a bit of disinformation regarding this downpipe so to set the record straight I called Apexi directly.

It's a full stainless downpipe, 65mm in diameter (2.55") and it will fit 05 models. It does not eliminate the stock catalytic converter and comes with heat wrap and all necessary gaskets and hardware.

I know there are a lot of new 05 Evo owners as of late (I'm one of them!) and there are many, many choices when it comes to exhaust. Just thought I'd put this out there so new owners would have accurate info on this particular downpipe which seems to be of very high quality, especially given the pricing point.

I know there's been lots of discussion on whether a downpipe alone will increase hp by itself with other restrictions further down in the exhaust system. I hope to find out and report back! I just hope it doesn't increase noise significantly. The main reason I want the downpipe is to weld on an 02 bung for the wideband. Don't want to ruin the stock downpipe for dealer service visits.

 

I've been looking at the APEXi 65mm downpipes too. They have two 65mm applicatipns for the Evo VIII though: a "GT" model and an "N1" model. Not sure of the differences (besides price), but both have a flex section, are made of stainless steel and come in the same 65mm diamter.

Anyways...now that you've had the downpipe on the car for a few weeks what can you tell us about it?

 

The lowdown on the GT-spec downpipe from a GT-spec downpipe owner. Neither the GT-spec nor the N1 have a flex section. The picture on the A'pex-i website is for a different downpipe. The N1 is coated mild steel and is straight through 65mm piping. The GT-spec is full stainless steel and transistions from 65mm to 70 mm about half way through. Both use all of the stock gaskets, hangers, and hardware. Fitment is like all A'pex-i exhaust products...perfect, downpipe took about 25 minutes to install including the time to drop the undertray. The GT-spec is a great piece and I have had zero issues though I'll be the first to admit it's not the best choice if you want ultimate horsepower, though if your keeping the stock cat and are looking for a good upgrade than this is the way to go.

 

That's great info mister-pants! Until you posted that I was planning to pick up an APEXi 65mm downpipe and am Ultimate Racing 2.5" high-flow cat. I had no idea the downpipe expanded from 65mm to 70mm by the time it meets the cat. I guess it makes sense to pick up a 3" high-flow cat instead now.

Are you running this DP to the stock cat and exhaust?

 

Yeah I have the A'pex-i GT-spec downpipe and catback with a stock cat in the middle. Fitment is great and one of the best things is NO BLACK SOOT on the bumper (my 05 is white.)

 

Here is a comparison of the stock dowpipe and the GT-Spec. The GT-spec actually came with the heat insulating wrap too. Oh and the bung on the A'pex-i downpipe was something I added, it does NOT come with that bung.

 

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...8/f1db47b0.jpg

 

there fixed.

 

still cant see pics.

 

Yep, no flex section on the "GT" spec. Nothing really to report from my end...Fitment was good and it did come with heat wrap. Easy to install, hasn't come loose. I have a full turbo back now so no idea if it's making more power with or without it. I guess it's a good thing I don't have much to report. No problems!

 

Apexi really ****ed us on their exhaust products. They realesed 80mm DP/Exhausts for the Eclipse GSX, but 65/70mm for the Evolution. Oh well. They make very nice quality products and they aren't *that* overkill on price.

 

I use my car for daily driving and my question is...will the heat wrap be a bad thing for rainy conditions?

 

There are "protective" sprays you can purchase to seal the wrap. I used it on my daily driven 7 for a few years without issue though and heavy rain here in Florida is a regular occurrence.

 

I haven't tried the protective spray on wraps yet, but I will tell you guys from personal experience that wraps eat the metal underneath, and causes it to thin out, eventually cracking whatever it is you have wrapped.

 

Wat brand and kind of spray?

Thanks...