TacoBill

In my traditional write-up fashion, here goes!

Current axle-back exhaust: FRPP/Borla Stingers

Pypes tubing diameter: 2.50"
Pypes H slip fitting diameters:
Female OD (drivers side): 2.150"
Male OD (passengers side): 1.990"


When the box was delivered, it looked like it was in bad shape. I was worried that the pipes were dented or something, but everything was okay.



Here's the H-Pipe layed out straight from the box.





Passengers side forward O2 sensor and manifold flange.



Passengers side rear O2 sensor.



Drivers side rear O2 sensor.



The 2 rear O2 sensors (colored BLUE).





Next came time to unplug the (passenger side) forward O2 sensor (colored GREEN). This proved to be a royal pain in the butt. I tried to reach the connection plug from the bottom (impossible) and from the top (barely touching my fingers on the plug). Not to waste anymore time, I yanked the battery and tray out. Problem solved.







Now it was time to break loose the exhaust manifold bolts. You need a swivel, deep socket, and a long extension to accomplish this, especially for the upper nuts. After fighting the nuts for several minutes (wouldn't budge for the life of me), I sprayed some penetrating oil on the nuts and like magic, they came off with minimal effort! Who knew...

Now it was time to loosen the mid-pipe clamps. They loosed up no problem, but would not slide back onto the over-axle side of the pipes. After wasting more time messing with them, I discovered that you have to lift up on this little tab that indexes with an alignment rivet (just like the muffler pipe to over-axle pipe). Use a screwdriver and gently lift up on the tab.



Once all is loose and ready to drop, carefully pull the hanger rods from the rubber mounts and it'll come down.

A 22mm open end wrench was used to remove the O2 sensors. I moved them over one at a time. I used a dab of anti-sieze lube on the O2 sensor threads before screwing them into the threaded boss of the H-Pipe.





Because I just wanted to install this thing, I chose to use the included saddle clamp. I orientated them facing aft at first, but discovered that it'll interfere with the mid-pipe clamps when tightening. So, I face them forward. A drop of red Loctite was used on the clamp nuts.



Side-by-side comparison between the factory H-Pipe and the Pypes Off-Road H.









Everything gets re-installed like it was. I put some Anti-Sieze on thet threads of the O2 sensors and on the manifold nuts. And don't forget to reconnect all 3 O2 sensors! I left tightening the the 'H' saddle clamp until last so there's no preload in that section. That clamp is a piece, you can't really crank down on those nuts because they'll start to slip. I'll definately keep an eye on this clamp for any loosening or slipping.




Installation complete!

Eveyone that has this O/R H is right on. This thing sounds awesome! Raw and pure, baby!

Video clips on the next post.

TacoBill

Here's some video clips I uploaded.

Clip 1 - 1st test drive on the street, kept it mellow (shows that it can be tame, if you want). Windows up, AC on.

Clip 2 - Slightly aggressive acceleration from 1st to 2nd, nothing too crazy. Windows up, AC on.

Clip 3 - Standing behind the pipes trying to capture it's raw sound. Camera mic failed miserably. I have to stand back further next time. You can actually feel the power!


Addendum (11/15/06)
FYI, there's a 13 pound weight saving difference between the Pypes and the Stock catted H-Pipe. Can make a difference to the drag racing guys.

habu

so dumb question here. I'm in SoCal too and can you get the O/R mufflers and H-Pipes and pass smog too ??

I should be getting my '07 in a coupla weeks and am starting to look into my exhaust options. The multiple combinations really has me scratching my head. Not knowing if I can use the O/R equipment or not

Baginoman2

well like Bill mentioned in another thread, smog isnt until 2011, so for the 170 bucks of fun, VS 5 years.....u pick

Baginoman2

bill did u get a tune for the pipes?

emperorjordan

Sounds AWESOME with the stingers!!!

and habu, hell no you wont pass smog.

eromzek

Nice job, Bill. That's definitely my next mod, and your writeup is very good as usual. BTW, (off topic) how much were your BSM stripes?? I haven't been on here in a while, when did you get those on?

tom281

Great write up- good job!

PS: reaching the passenger O2 sensor from the bottom is not impossible , lol!

Tom

89Trooper

Just to keep things going, Bill does have a BamaChips tuner on the way, but you don't need a tune when you use this H-Pipe. You may get a check engine light, though. This problem can be fixed with MIL-Eliminators if you don't have a tuner, or the tuner can fix the check engine light, too.

TacoBill

Thanks for the compliment guys!

Forgot to mention that I also put some anti-sieze on the manifold nuts before re-installing them.


Like Tom mentioned, my Bamachips tune will be here next week. As far as the O/R H and a tune, it'll be programmed to turn off the rear O2 sensors so it won't throw a light.





I believe they were $140. I installed these with help from my brother-in-law. So far, the stripe job has been the most time consuming and 'test your patience' mod I've done. Click on the stripe link in my sig for more pics.


I don't know how you reached up there to disconnect that plug! Between the manifold, heat shield, and firewall, it was a no-go for me. And if I was lucky enough to unplug it from the bottom, I 'd need something just short of a miracle to re-plug it back in!

Hatchman

Nice write up! You don't need a tune for this pipe, confirmed on the dyno by Doug and Bamachips. You may need to turn off the rear 02 sensors or you may get a check engine light.

I have one for sale, already welded, if interested.

Burke0011

More sound clips!



So no trumpeting or anything like that?

Fazm

+1 on it not being impossible to do it from the bottom. I did it on stu's car and i dont think i even remember it being hard.... maybe he will remember if i struggled with it, he was there.

TacoBill

I know.. I have to shoot some more vids. Next time, I won't stand so close to the pipes during the start and revs. Also have to look for some 'opportunities' in the street, so I can capture some of that raw sound.

As far as trumpeting, I guess its there.
I'm just having too much fun listening to this set-up that it all sounds good to me!

TacoBill

All I can remember is trying to follow that O2 sensor wire up towards the firewall and thinking, "Yeah, right!!". I was barely able to force my hand up there towards the sensor plug and yet couldn't even touch it.

For me, going at it from the top was the way to go. Plus side is now I know how to take my battery out.

Import-Slaya

Car looks and sounds perfect! Question about going catless--is the exhaust smell much more noticable?

05-1947

yes, especially when you pull it in the garage.

Hatchman

Yep, especially when you back it in. I always roll the windows up when I pull in the garage.

MTAS

Man now that's a great write up - well done indeed

TacoBill

Okay guys, as promised, here some new vids I uploaded.

My son was the videographer and co-pilot. Now this was some quality bonding time!

It's amazing that I didn't get a ticket during my 'H-Pipe test run'!!!


VIDEO 1 - start-up / idle / rev (Exhaust comparison between stock-Stingers-Stingers with H-Pipe)

VIDEO 2 - Windows UP

VIDEO 3 - Windows DOWN (This one sounds amazing!)

VIDEO 4 - Acceleration (Sorry for pelting my kid with pebbles as I peeled out!)

VIDEO 5 - Nothing special here, but you get a good side shot of the GT

VIDEO 6 - Just a closure to my 'Terrorizing the Steets of Carson' videos.

VIDEO 7 - Street run with BamaChips 91 Performance tune.