Who here has installed their own 42DD downpipe?
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2000
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I know, I just need details for install and removal-
have a stock one I want to install after removing my old stock one that has split at the flex joint. Just wanted tips, tools, etc for those that did the install. I am waiting for the 42DD 180 pipe, but not going that route until I go K04 upgrade, in the mean time I need to get this DP installed
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 3
From: Centerport, NY
I did it myself>>>
Advice is PATENCE & get some SUV style jackstands because your going to want to have the car far off the ground.
UNDER CAR:
Drop subframe, disconnect steering rack, once your in there do front sway bar IMO.
UNDER HOOD:
remove charge pipe, front sway bar
1. unbolt stock downpipe bolts, as I remember the bottom one is easier reached from the bottom.
2. buy beer
3. get a cutting wheel and cut off the old DP > CATS bolts since they will be rusted to hell. Dremel works with a EZ Metal cutting wheel from home depot.
4. Jiggle the subframe and downpipe all around till the old comes out. No trick here just need to find the right angle. THIS is where height is important, the higher up the car is the stranger angle you can have it at. I did it with jackstands, so have others.
5. Install new DP. remember that each section is adjustable as they attach so make sure it is not rubbing on the steering rack or subframe or car. (I made this error).
6. Put car back together and celebrate.
Any other questions, I'm sure I covered everything you knew and nothing you didn't. It isn't that bad if you have a friend. My install buddies were on vacation over christmas break. I did this Christmas eve & day. Fun family activities! GL
UNDER CAR:
Drop subframe, disconnect steering rack, once your in there do front sway bar IMO.
UNDER HOOD:
remove charge pipe, front sway bar
1. unbolt stock downpipe bolts, as I remember the bottom one is easier reached from the bottom.
2. buy beer
3. get a cutting wheel and cut off the old DP > CATS bolts since they will be rusted to hell. Dremel works with a EZ Metal cutting wheel from home depot.
4. Jiggle the subframe and downpipe all around till the old comes out. No trick here just need to find the right angle. THIS is where height is important, the higher up the car is the stranger angle you can have it at. I did it with jackstands, so have others.
5. Install new DP. remember that each section is adjustable as they attach so make sure it is not rubbing on the steering rack or subframe or car. (I made this error).
6. Put car back together and celebrate.
Any other questions, I'm sure I covered everything you knew and nothing you didn't. It isn't that bad if you have a friend. My install buddies were on vacation over christmas break. I did this Christmas eve & day. Fun family activities! GL
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 10,540
Likes: 0
What should I do with the front sway bar?
I have done my rear sway bar, and the car seems real strong suspension wise, just wondering what I should be looking for?
How high would you recommend the car to make it easy- I have your traditional jack stands, raise it up pretty good, but I don't want the car unstable.
Also do you have a diagram of the bolts needed to be removed for the subframe?
How bad were the studs and nuts attaching the DP to the turbo, I assumed they would be the worst to get off, did any of your studs break, etc? Any recommendations there? I plan to buy new studs and nuts just in case I snap someting, but any advice in there would be appreciated!
How high would you recommend the car to make it easy- I have your traditional jack stands, raise it up pretty good, but I don't want the car unstable.
Also do you have a diagram of the bolts needed to be removed for the subframe?
How bad were the studs and nuts attaching the DP to the turbo, I assumed they would be the worst to get off, did any of your studs break, etc? Any recommendations there? I plan to buy new studs and nuts just in case I snap someting, but any advice in there would be appreciated!
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AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 3
From: Centerport, NY
Answers
Buy an aftermarket sway bar and put it in once frame and rack are down. OTHERWISE don't touch the stock sway bar leave it unless changing it
the subframe is four bolts to the car, the steering rack is 4 bolts to the subframe
it's easy to take apart, getting the steering rack lined up will take patence though. getting the subframe back on the car is easy. having a friend who will lay under the car with you will speed up the subframe to steering rack getting together bolts
when I did my swaybar I just loosened the steering rack till the bolts were on like 2 threads...i don't think this will work with the downpipe
the subframe is four bolts to the car, the steering rack is 4 bolts to the subframe
it's easy to take apart, getting the steering rack lined up will take patence though. getting the subframe back on the car is easy. having a friend who will lay under the car with you will speed up the subframe to steering rack getting together bolts
when I did my swaybar I just loosened the steering rack till the bolts were on like 2 threads...i don't think this will work with the downpipe
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Thread Starter
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 10,540
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Okay, so nothing tough about that
Only things I am worried about are getting nuts off the studs going to the turbo and back on- especially without breaking the studs. Plus just general access to those points.
Like I said the old DP is already in 2 pieces- since the flex joint failed after 6 years or so, would think it might be easier to get out since I don't actually have to cut it since its already cut
Like I said the old DP is already in 2 pieces- since the flex joint failed after 6 years or so, would think it might be easier to get out since I don't actually have to cut it since its already cut