downpipe
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
Sorry guys, I jumped the gun with the numbers. The stainless downpipe is going to be $600 each. No group buy needed. I'm getting mine regardless and should have the prototype tomorrow.
2008 Acura RDX
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 58
From: Jamaica W.I.
Thanks for the input guys.
So the plan is to keep the stock two bung locations on the DP in case some don't want a midpipe.
For those who want a midpipe and get the DP at the same time, a third bung+plug will be placed at the end of the midpipe. A Vibrant 45544 flex coupling will be placed near the beginning of the midpipe to reduce stress on the exhaust system (since the ball joint is deleted). The midpipe will be reduced to 2.5" and not have a hanger. Note that non-foulers, gaskets, extension wires and shipping is not included.
Target price for stainless 2.5" midpipe with Vibrant 45544 flex and third bung+plug is $200.
Adding a cat is an option but the cost will be high. Using a different flex coupling is possible too. Let me know if you're interested in a MP and what you guys think.
So the plan is to keep the stock two bung locations on the DP in case some don't want a midpipe.
For those who want a midpipe and get the DP at the same time, a third bung+plug will be placed at the end of the midpipe. A Vibrant 45544 flex coupling will be placed near the beginning of the midpipe to reduce stress on the exhaust system (since the ball joint is deleted). The midpipe will be reduced to 2.5" and not have a hanger. Note that non-foulers, gaskets, extension wires and shipping is not included.
Target price for stainless 2.5" midpipe with Vibrant 45544 flex and third bung+plug is $200.
Adding a cat is an option but the cost will be high. Using a different flex coupling is possible too. Let me know if you're interested in a MP and what you guys think.
PM me if you need a reply
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
Here's some numbers. I still need to get quotes for the MP SS. Going to be made to order, no group buy so no hold ups. This is the chance to design the DP/MP of your choice. Maybe even add a cutout. Sky's the limit.
3" DP SS + bungs $600 final
2.5" MP SS + cat + flex + bung $500 estimate
2.5" MP SS + flex $350 estimate
2.5" MP SS $300 estimate
2.5" MP steel + cat + flex + bung $350 final
2.5" MP steel + flex $200 final
2.5" MP steel $150 final
I'm getting my test unit for fitment today so I expect production to begin as early as tomorrow if everything looks good.
3" DP SS + bungs $600 final
2.5" MP SS + cat + flex + bung $500 estimate
2.5" MP SS + flex $350 estimate
2.5" MP SS $300 estimate
2.5" MP steel + cat + flex + bung $350 final
2.5" MP steel + flex $200 final
2.5" MP steel $150 final
I'm getting my test unit for fitment today so I expect production to begin as early as tomorrow if everything looks good.
PM me if you need a reply
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
Yeah, I was disappointed when I got the quote back from the fab guy. I'm trying to search online for parts to save money. If I didn't sell my welder I could have made it myself but it would have taken months.
I'm hoping the weather clears up so I'll have time to do a test fit and get mine finished. I'll post some pics up soon.
I'm hoping the weather clears up so I'll have time to do a test fit and get mine finished. I'll post some pics up soon.
PM me if you need a reply
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
Working out the kinks..
The fab guy used a 4.5" radius bend which was not tight enough. The part was expensive and I already paid for it so I just took one for the team. He will use a 3" radius donut for future downpipes to make the bends perfect just like the steel one.
The fab guy used a 4.5" radius bend which was not tight enough. The part was expensive and I already paid for it so I just took one for the team. He will use a 3" radius donut for future downpipes to make the bends perfect just like the steel one.
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 10
From: Seattle WA
did any of you guys try to contact Don the guy who made the dp and test pipe. or try calling Jason from alper motorsport. Because the last time i talked to Don he said that Jason is going to start making a more refine one.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 10
From: Seattle WA
the weld on the down pipes dont look that good and for the price i would not pay for it. i think that u should get it power coated and that would make it look better. sorry if im too stright forward
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
I too am not impressed with the craftsmanship of either mild steel or stainless downpipe but they get the job done. I chose to wrap it so I can reuse the wrap later on and save money. Wrap radiates 20% less heat than powercoating, but you can do both if you "would" pay for it.
Yup, that's me.. thanks for the positive and amusing feedback. How's the midpipe working out for you? At +2 MPG, the midpipe should pay for itself!
Yup, that's me.. thanks for the positive and amusing feedback. How's the midpipe working out for you? At +2 MPG, the midpipe should pay for itself!
I too am not impressed with the craftsmanship of either mild steel or stainless downpipe but they get the job done. I chose to wrap it so I can reuse the wrap later on and save money. Wrap radiates 20% less heat than powercoating, but you can do both if you "would" pay for it.
Yup, that's me.. thanks for the positive and amusing feedback. How's the midpipe working out for you? At +2 MPG, the midpipe should pay for itself!
Yup, that's me.. thanks for the positive and amusing feedback. How's the midpipe working out for you? At +2 MPG, the midpipe should pay for itself!
PM me if you need a reply
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
CEL is inevitable. Need to relocate O2 sensor.
I was able to find SS DP parts online myself and bring the cost down.
My v-band SS DP is almost ready so I'll be selling the used SS DP pictured above.
I was able to find SS DP parts online myself and bring the cost down.
My v-band SS DP is almost ready so I'll be selling the used SS DP pictured above.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 635
Likes: 48
From: NY
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130661088791...9#ht_500wt_971
UNIVERSAL STEEL O2 EXTENDER WIDEBAND HHO H20 OXYGEN SENSOR SPACER 90 DEGREES NEW
it is stainless steel so it won't rust like the spark plug foulers.
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
No O2 bung on the DP. Going to have the O2 relocated to the midpipe for easier access and fix the CEL.
I tried to save on cost and weight. The SS DP v-band is 3.77 lbs. compared to the mild steel DP which was 5.48 lbs. I was able to find some 120 degree 3" radius bends for cheap, about 1/3 the cost of the previous part.
Using v-bands seems to be the best route to building a custom catback system. Only 1 bolt to handle and no gaskets or leaks to deal with.
I tried to save on cost and weight. The SS DP v-band is 3.77 lbs. compared to the mild steel DP which was 5.48 lbs. I was able to find some 120 degree 3" radius bends for cheap, about 1/3 the cost of the previous part.
Using v-bands seems to be the best route to building a custom catback system. Only 1 bolt to handle and no gaskets or leaks to deal with.
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
humm i wounder since i have the reflash is it possible for me to still have a check engine light with this downpipe ??? or might have to contact hondata to send the ecu back and have them reflash it to accepted this mod.
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
I have the reflash and downpipe. The power gains are worth it.
The Hondata reflash is designed with an aftermarket exhaust system in mind. Either stock or Hondata flashed ECU will probably throw a CEL if it senses that the cat is deleted (some catalytic converter inefficiency error code). You can see if Hondata is willing to make a fix but the cheapest fix at the moment is to relocate the O2 sensor.
The Hondata reflash is designed with an aftermarket exhaust system in mind. Either stock or Hondata flashed ECU will probably throw a CEL if it senses that the cat is deleted (some catalytic converter inefficiency error code). You can see if Hondata is willing to make a fix but the cheapest fix at the moment is to relocate the O2 sensor.
PM me if you need a reply
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 336
Likes: 46
From: SoCal
Looks good exist12!
If anybody is interested in a used SS downpipe or 3" steel midpipe, I have them listed on eBay.
The SS DP is the same unit as pictured above with the kink.
The steel MP is 3" and the rear flange is also 3" so it is ready for a 3" catback (will not bolt on to stock 2.25" catback flange, but the flange is common and muffler shops carry them if you're going to get a catback made).
If anybody is interested in a used SS downpipe or 3" steel midpipe, I have them listed on eBay.
The SS DP is the same unit as pictured above with the kink.
The steel MP is 3" and the rear flange is also 3" so it is ready for a 3" catback (will not bolt on to stock 2.25" catback flange, but the flange is common and muffler shops carry them if you're going to get a catback made).
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