3SX downpipe

[3KGTVT]

What needs to be done to install one? Can I do it myself or would you recommend having a shop do it?

[Lord Warlock]

Even a wet behind the ears shade tree mechanic can accomplish the downpipe install. Its only 6 bolts to undo, 2 in front, 2 in middle, and 2 on the end. Just presoak the bolts with blaster, or wd40 several times before trying to get them off, they are likely stuck if noone has ever removed the stock exhaust.

You'll want enough clearance to lay on your back under the car...between the jackstands (i'd recommend 4 jackstands at about 15 to 18 inches of height, but it really is pretty simple to do. If you can't do this mod, you'll have trouble with just about every other mod you attempt on the car.

[3KGTVT]

Alright guys, just ordered the 3SX downpipe, it is on backorder but hopefully I will have it by the 26th. Is it worth the money!?

[s5pitfire]

Originally Posted by 3KGTVT

Alright guys, just ordered the 3SX downpipe, it is on backorder but hopefully I will have it by the 26th. Is it worth the money!?

Congrats. I would suppose so, everyone that comments on the 3sx headers and/or headers have nothing but good things to say (i hear around 8 hp gain on na dohc plus good change in exhaust note). OBX or some other cheaper alternatives (most likely an ebay source) result in pissed off customers due to so much modifying required when they thought they bought a downpipe for a 3s

[Lord Warlock]

When you drop the old pipe and get it off, lay it down next to the new pipe and look at it, you'll realize that just about anything is better than what the factory fudged together. While i can't say how it affects an NA (sl) it livens up the turbos quite a bit, a good seat of the pants difference that you can feel, plus it would allow you to rev higher. For turbos its a great mod, for na's probably less so, but still should be interesting. As a side benefit, you'll hear the exhaust when you stick your foot in it, even with a stock muffler or catback.

You do have to decide if you want to gut the precats before you bolt it up, or you'll just have to repeat it later...unless you are in a smog inspection state. Gutting the precats isn't fun, doesn't take that long, and most do it at the same time as the downpipe (as i did) so can't tell you what advantage they give you by themselves. But flow has to be restricted alot by them, as you'll see when you get the pipe off.

[Davey07]

heres my input on the 3sx downpipe.. right off that bat i loved it installed it with the rear precat eliminater... everything bolt right up, but the rear precat , there was not enough room to scre the nuts on at the top( where the turbo exhuast housing is) only 2 of the 4 bolts were able to screw on... so i took a hammer and banged the hell out of it, and bought smaller bolts and i was able to get 3 out of the 4 on... I think they messed up on my rear precat..so then i put stock rear precat back on, now everytime i take off i must loosen every nut, on both turbos.(annoying as hell) and then when i put it back on i must use a floor jack to install it,lol..would i recomend it, hell no.. woulld i recomend modding this car at all, nope!!!!!!.. but yet again my car is a 99..........

[Lord Warlock]

which is why we recommend just gutting the rear precat and using the existing housing. One less thing to worry about it.