install x pipe help.

[bullitt4434]

I'm looking to put in my bbk catted x soon. had a few questions and yes i searched for the answers but couldnt find what i needed.

do you think i can get away with only jacking up the front of the car?
is it necessary to get the o2 sensor remover tool?

thanks

 

[Swarzkopf]

do you think i can get away with only jacking up the front of the car?

Yes, IF you can get it really high in the air.

I put my front wheels on my Race Ramps and had no clearance problems when swapping my stock H-pipe for my off-road one.

is it necessary to get the o2 sensor remover tool?

I didn't need it. I have an O2 removal socket, but I left the sensors in the pipe until I removed the pipe, then used a 21mm (maybe 22, I forget) wrench to remove them and install them in the new pipe.

 

[Swarzkopf]

BTW, things that will make this easier:
- Liquid Wrench or PB Blast on the bolts you are removing.
- A breaker bar
- A swivel extension
- A couple of socket extensions of different sizes

I would also recommend removing the battery and battery tray. This will make it easier to start the nut when you're re-installing the new mid-pipe.

 

[fdjizm]

^all of the above, definitely a swivel joint and a long extension for the manifold bolts.
Never removed my battery/battery tray though.

 

[bullitt4434]

thanks guys

 

[cop on my back]

I can do this swap in about 30 minutes. No special tools needed, but I did have the car on 4 jack stands. 22mm wrench will take the O2 sensors out. If you have big hands you will struggle with the upper right side sensor plug, it is a bitch.

 

[fdjizm]

Yea I cut my hands up getting to that plug.

 

[05bluestang]

I just did this last weekend. Had to swap from off road x to catted x for emissions inspection. I had a lift to use. Yes, it is doable on the ground if you can get the front high enough. I left the O2's in the pipe untill I had it out and the swapped them over. Mine O2's went easy, just used an adjustable wrench to loosen them. make sure you use never seize when you put them back in. Btw, the top O2 connector on the passenger side is a real bitch to get to, oh yea and make sure you let everything cool off or you'll burn the crap out of your fingers (my bell housing was pretty hot from the clutch).

 

[bullitt4434]

anything else i should know before i do this? kinda nervous...

 

[sid]

It helps to loosen the o2 sensors before removing the h-pipe. (7/8" wrench will work if you don't have a 22mm) Also put a small dab of anti-seeze on the threads of the o2 sensors before you install them in the new x-pipe. It's easier to unplug the passenger upper o2 sensor from the top if its a 5spd car and from the bottom if its an auto. Spray the wd40,pb blasted,liquid wrench on the nuts on the exhaust manifolds and let it set for a few minutes.
I cut the hangers off the x/h pipes before install to help reduce some of the vibration. (ford got rid of these starting in 2010 anyways)

I also will put a short jack stand under the x-pipe to help hold it up when I tighten everything.

 

[bullitt4434]

thanks for the input sid

 

[Swarzkopf]

anything else i should know before i do this? kinda nervous...

Don't be- it's really pretty easy! When you're done you're going to think "what, that's it?".

As long as you have the right tools (sockets, extensions, swivel extension) and use PB Blast/Liquid Wrench on the nuts, you'll be absolutely fine.

 

[CATNHAT]

I installed a Bassani stainless X w/ hi flo cats a few years ago with just the front lifted and it was a pain, but doable. 2 weeks ago I installed the FRPP X pipe with the car on 4 stands and it was a lot easier.

On a lift would be the best scenario.

Good Luck!

 

[bullitt4434]

i cant get to the top 02 sensor on passenger side...tips?

 

[Swarzkopf]

Leave it in until you remove the stock H-pipe. Use your swivel extension and socket to get to the manifold to H-pipe nut/stud.

 

[bullitt4434]

i couldn't unplug the sensor

 

[fdjizm]

Get a person with small hands to get to it or take off your battery/battery tray.
Or cut and bleed like I did

 

[bullitt4434]

i sound retarded but i couldnt figure out how to get the battery out, took the bolt off the negative but then couldnt get anything up off the battery

 

[fdjizm]

There are two straps holding it down on either side, they are two really long bolts. you can't miss them.

 

[cop on my back]

Try removing the heat shield above the cat on the passenger side. Use a 10mm deep socket on 2 nuts. That will give you a little more room. If that doesn't work, drop the exhaust carefully and then reach up and undo the connector. It is easier to do with the off road pipe, with no cats there is more room for your hand to reconnect.