Hey All!

This weekend I will be changing the entire exhaust system, Manifold all the way back. Basically, Manifold, O2 Housing, Downpipe, Cat Delete, Midpipe, And Axle Back. I will also be changing the exhaust manifold studs, turbo studs, and O2 housing studs to all stainless steel studs so I don't ever have to worry about them again. So, here are my questions:

1. Do you think that all of the studs will come out of the head without stripping or breaking? (ie. should I have some helicoils handy?)

2. The turbo flange to manifold is threaded, right? So I should be able to have studs made for the turbo, and just use nuts on top of the manifold? Or, should I just stick to bolts?

3. Does the turbo have all threaded holes for attaching the O2 housing? In other words, can I put some of my studs threaded into the turbo, and connect the O2 housing by just using nuts?

4. I have already started to prepare a list of all the things I need to do this, along with a spring install, lower I/C pipe, all new silicone hose connections, and a new radiator pipe (To pull it farther away from the manifold) etc.. Is there any thing that I should be prepared for, like studs breaking, things to look out for etc..?

5. I want this to obviously go as seamless as possible, and would like some of you DIYers that have done this to offer advice, so that I can be prepared and not spend all weekend working on this.

Any help and/or advice would be much appreciated!

 

1. Make sure you have all your hardware

2. Lay out your tools (double check to make sure you have everything you'll need for the install)

3. Put extra bolts/nuts in cups

4. Wear gloves/goggles or squint

5. Get a helper

*Make sure that when everything it bolted that you move it around and make sure the flanges are not hitting the driveshaft, fuel liner, etc., if this is the case try rotating the flanges or making sure there is enough clearence before bolts are properly torqued. Its a good idea to pick up some PB blaster spray for the bolts to help them loosen up a bit and a breaker bar.

 

Thanks for replying...

Here is a list of what I have so far...

1. Neversieze, copper crap.
2. Blowtorch
3. Taps, Tap Wrench, and Rethreading kit.
4. Oil for Oil Change (Since I will be disconnecting the turbo)
5. Radiator Fluid (Disconnecting & Replacing Rad. Pipe)
6. Dynafile for slight porting of turbo
7. Big Blanket to roll around on (Doing it on garage floor)
8. Latex Gloves (For giving the car a full body cavity inspection)
9. Large Cardboard sheets (So I don't spill stuff)
10. WD40, Penetrating oil, Corona
11. Polish (While Hard Pipes Are Out.)
12. Ummm, radio...

 

Seriously, buy eye protection. When you're pulling the exhaust you are guaranteed to shake stuff free that will get in your eyes. I had to go to the doctor last year to get my eye washed out after a piece of debris got lodged while I was working on my racecar.

 

Lucky Enough, I wear glasses, and my last job I worked at required you to wear safety glasses. Sooo, I ahve a pai of perscription glasses for free, and of course I wear them while under/working on the car..

Good tip though!