Lanesky_OH8RDX

some extensions and u-joints later how is it going with it? lol. even if I get this I am not touching it until the weather freakin warms up in the great white north.

420Coupe

no even with a flexible ratchet extension its just in a terrible area from the top dp and block are in the way for the bottom right bolt. have to get it from underneath but its even worse with the subframe. Im thinking any time i work on this bish its going to be like with the civics, faster to just drop the subframe and work on the entire motor

wspy

Everyone removes it through the top!

Richie v6

For the lower bolt on the downpipe we had to find just the right combination of extensions and socket to get around the obstacles next to the downpipe and not hit the body. We tried do the installed the downpipe without removing the intermediate shaft and intercooler at first. That was the cause of most the pain. Once they were out the install went must easier. There were some install tips and instructions included with the downpipe. My number is also included with the package if you get stuck.

mack1611

Success?

420Coupe

Unfortunately no luck stripped lower mount bracket so have to order a new bracket or rethread. And still have been unable to find a way to remove that last bolt without removing the axles looks like I'll be removing both tomorrow or Tuesday's depending if the local dealership has the piece or not

Richie v6

Remember you have to remove plastic brace between engine and sub frame to allow the engine to rotate forward.

420Coupe

That's how I stripped the threading that mount is removed

Richie v6

You stripped the big bolt?

420Coupe

Not the bolt but stripped threading in the hole for the two screws going from the mount to block. Successfully got that pos nut off. It's stripped to shit but it's off

Richie v6

For the mount just remove the large bolt it is much more robust. I tried calling you back today. However your number came up as unknown. Good job with the nut.

mack1611

How did you POS nut off? Did you pull the axle and shaft or did you get to it from the top?

420Coupe

No did not remove axel and shaft. Pulled from the top, heat shields have to be removed as well as a bracket holding the cat in on the bottom just remove it from the block. In order to get that bolt you need a rotatable wrench with many teeth as there's barely any room to move it also a large piece of wood with an indent cut out. Been using that to apply force then nut finally came loose.

Now my question is I hear a faint hissing not sure if that's the sound of the turbo spooling or an exhaust leak... No CEL or nothing so great news just put 10 miles on her so not much time behind the wheel. But first impressions you can definitely feel a boost in power and it's not loud at all with the stock exhaust. I can't wait till I'm done tuning lets see what we get out of her.

Also wanted to thank RV6 for hooking it up with a sick piece of work!

How tight is the clamp supposed to be holding the downpipe to midpipe?

Richie v6

You can definitely hear the spooling with the downpipe. The O band clamp should be tighten to 45FT/LB. Make sure the clamp is against the edge of tube. This will allow the tube to properly compress.

rdxblue

some flex pipes can cause hissing wonder if thats what you are hearing??

420Coupe

It sounds like its coming from something near the downpipe which is why I'm thinking turbo only hear the hissing when in park which is why I thought turbo cause i sits at a higher rpm then when in drive

Richie v6

On this product we used a turbo flex with interlock. It is the most robust intended for forced induction. The hiss or can of bee noise is caused by using the flex sections without in inner lining.

http://www.vibrantperformance.com/ma...nding_page.php

Richie v6

Any feedback guys?

shivaswrath

install time still pending...

BU

Hahaha same here

RZANYS2K

Same here

TheWrench116

iTrader: (1)

im in Afghanistan... its sitting at my friends house...

Richie v6

If anyone wants to bring their RDX to Chicago. We can install the downpipe at a discounted rate and do a proper write up at the same time.

exist12

iTrader: (1)

how much for the downpipe and install?

Richie v6

Depends on what options you want. For the catless downpipe you are looking at $599. For the install we would charge $150 if you leave the car with us for a day to allow us to document the process.

mack1611

Richie your going to to a DIY on the install? If I wasn't a 1000 miles away I'd bring my RDX to you this weekend.

Richie v6

If I can find a RDX to come in.

Lanesky_OH8RDX

What is the tubing wall thickness?

FC2012RDX

Install pending here as well. I kind of want the high flow cat now as well so I don't know how to go about it.

FC2012RDX

Any luck on a write-up for this? Installation steps and required tools would be nice, if possible. From reading the thread it doesn't seems like the easiest swap.

shivaswrath

Couldn't wait, had a shop flash with HONDATA and do the install.
It's a BITCH....it took 3 hours for the shop, including dropping axles, removing other items, etc. The original estimate was 2 hours.
Smile on my face is priceless.

BU

I got the DP installed done on past Tuesday as well.
4 hours works include changing new spark plugs and fix my windshield fluid nozzle problem.

DP worth the money.
Now waiting for Hondata flashpro calibration

Richie v6

The first 3 bends coming off the turbo it is 0.120" which is around 11GA. The the rest is 0.065 which is 16GA.

mack1611

Any progress on the DIY?

Richie v6

Not yet, haven't heard back from the local guy.

Lanesky_OH8RDX

Subbed to see what the DIY is like. I cant afford the part right now. But when I can the difficulty of install will help me decide which mod to do on my rig first.

FC2012RDX

Any updates on this? Weather is about to turn and I would like to have a sort of guide to follow if I'm going to do a DIY installation. Otherwise, I wouldn't really want to spend additional money to get it installed so I'll just end up selling the brand new part. Thanks for your help in advance.

Richie v6

The instructions included are pretty detailed. If you PM me your address and i can send you a copy of the Honda downpipe removal procedure.

mack1611

I too would like to see a DIY before purchase.

Richie v6

Here are the OE procedures. Book time is 4 hours for the install. Its not dead simple like installing a intake or light bulbs. However it is doable by the fairly confident diyer. I highly recommend removing the axle and intermediate shaft. We spent a few hours trying to remove the downpipe without pulling the axle and intermediate shaft, before we gave up and just pulled them. The bolt on lower ball joint makes the job super easy. It took us maybe 15 minutes to pull them. You can rent a axle nut socket at autozone.