This isn't my first rodeo and I've got to say...I HATE the Evo X's O2... Well, whole exhaust.

4 bolts out. Drivers side nut soaking in PB Blaster for the night. I've never been cut up so much from an install in all of my life. There is dried blood on the stock heat shield, my hands are swollen, and I'm livid. I can't get the two bottom heat shield bolts out because it's so cramped but managed to pull the 4 bolts out. We'll see about the nut in the morning.

Cat-back is on so hopefully I can get the DP and test pipe on early and then finish the wide band and boost gauges. Apparently AEM says don't run the car with the O2 sensor in without power supplied to the gauge.

Cliff's notes: curse you downpipe!

 

I just swapped my cat and down for a test and cp-e bell mouth Downpipe and holy crap!!! I actually broke a bolt on the down and destroyed my forearm trying fit the down from the bottom. Pain in the ***

 

Yea the dp/O2 blows!!!

I wonder if the Tomei dp would have it a little easier since it is a two piece pipe like the stock exhaust..

 

It's the outlet bolted to the turbo that's a pain, doesn't matter which brand. Actually a one piece would be easier since, by the time you got it bolted on, there isn't a second piece to worry about.

And really, it's unbolting the stock downpipe from the turbo that is the worst. Bolting up a new one isn't really that bad.

 

The earlier you change the downpipe the better. Once you start adding up the mileage, that section welds together from the heat.

 

Honestly, I understand some people have the skill/means to remove the DP, but I would just take it to a reliable shop to have it done.

 

Well that's the best part...I brought my car to a shop and they wound up over torquing and snapping a dp bolt and its the biggest gapped section of the turbo side so I'm worried about leaking now.maybe I should post a question on that

 

The shop should be held responsible. Have they offered to fix it?