Should I re-make this downpipe?
 

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0019_large.jpg

Made by previous owner, modded to work by me... still pathetic.

Re-make: yes or no? How necessary would you say it is to replace it?

will that even fit? thats a pretty sharp 90 there...

It's called clearing the shelf and firewall, the 90 is kind of necessary.

If it works use it, doesn't seem to be any sharp bends.

that 90 at the turbo is not a 90. it's a sharp bend. if there was any part you'd redo, it'd be that.

looooolol

If you get your turbo to sit lower you can eliminate the need for that sharp cut to clear the FW. You wonder why BEGI and FM all have there turbos sit lower... Less bends = more power.

Yeah, eventually the manifold will be replaced. It's an....... oh no.... OBX. I didn't buy it, PO did. I'm just trying to get the car limping so I can stop paying $75/mon for the storage unit.

Verdict is in, I'm buying a new v-band when I buy all the silicone couplers to finish the FMIC.

is that v-band sturdy? i saw that same one on ebay and was wondering if its any good since it was the cheapest on there.

I wouldn't know what to compare it to since it's the first I've ever had my hands on. Seems like it's going to make a good seal though. PO had some carbon paper wedged between the v-band on the turbo and the DP, so maybe it's a crappy seal. IDK, car hasn't ran since I bought it.

What's with the band clamp?

Looks like the joint fron the lower elbow of the DP to the flex joint section.

To the OP, I'd use it. I've seen worse. You can always upgrade later. If you get caught up doing everything now, you won't be able to ever enjoy it. Get it on the road and see what you want to do.

Yeah I wanted band clamps so I could mod the exhaust if ever wanted to. As it is now w/ the band clamps I can remove the entire exhaust assembly in like 30 seconds.

I wanted to be able to remove the downpipe from the top and the flex section w/ wideband bung seperately from the rest of the meaningless exhaust behind the driver.

:giggle: ...this is the other side of that same downpipe. Embarassed to show this one.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0020_large.jpg

This is what happens when a noob (the previous owner) welds in o2 bungs before mocking up the DP. One sensor was literally resting against the manifold when inserted. So naturally I cut a bung out and needless to say, I noobed and cut the wrong one out. Ended up having to cut both out and patch both holes. Doesn't matter really, they're more easily accessible now and easier to remove/insert. Had to move the wideband anyway because it was too close to the turbo .

30 seconds huh, wow!!

...don't be a dick.

Maybe like 5 minutes, including jacking the car up. Ass.

Just giving you a hard time. My next DP will use a v-band as well, makes life so much easier!

I just hope it seals well. Scares me there was some type of cardboard paper stuffed in the v-band when I bought the car.

it doesnt look that bad, that clamp looks a little weak though.

Those exhaust clamp/bands work well. I say leave it until you have time to fab something else. By the time the manifold falls to pieces you should have your materials accumulated to redo the pipe better if wanted.

This will work, it'll just cut down your turbine efficiency.

If you're running an OBX manifold, I wouldn't rebuild the downpipe yet. No point in rebuilding the DP if you are going to do the manifold at a later time, as you'll want to change the turbo position then.

Get it running, tear it down in the winter and rebuild the manifold and downpipe together, get the turbo low and as far forward as possible.

What diameter is the pipe? I might have some scrap lying around in 2.5 or 3 that you can have that has a better bend than where you have the v-band clamp. Do yourself a favor and buy this and cut away some of your shelf to give you more room. Just slap some seam sealer on it and paint it and be done with it.

Frank

The shelf was already hacked by the P.O. There's plenty of room behind the DP, doesn't even look like it needed to be hacked, probably just did it off recommendation.

I really think this will be the "learning car" and at some point, if I love it (because I still have never driven a Miata) I'll want to sell it and start with a fresh NA n/a and build it how I want.

I really like the NB cars better. Though buying one in decent shape is expensive. I've got roughly $2,300 in my turbo '96 currently. :)

Re-make it.....what was the PO thinking!

Here's the DP my cars PO made, plenty of other beautiful DP around here too to get ideas from as well.

Attachment 205297

ATP sells some very tight radius bends (1xR), that's what I'd use if you feel it's necessary to redo it. That's how I fit a 3" bend with the BEGI manifolds.

Nothing wrong w/ that DP, nice and clean.

I'll be remaking it for sure fellas. I just contacted a guy selling two scissor lifts (think motorcycle lift) that I might pick up for when I close on the house I'm buying in July!

I like the DP Cspence, that was a fine piece. I see no bungs for sensors though.

I'll make my next one a 2.5" v-band welded to a short section of transition 2.5 to 3, and just go 3" to a cutout and after the cutout the current 2.5" will connect back in.

Its in the mid pipe just a few inches past the flange on the DP...I know a lot of guys run them closer to the turbine housing, but AEM recommended 18-36" so I figured I'd follow the rules for once in my life...

Attachment 205289


Congrats on the house...what you doin with uncle sams tax credit...

Won't get it until next year but likely just adding it back to my savings since my closing costs and all associated fee's and what not come to like $9,300 out of pocket. For some reason when writing my offer, I thought it would be more attractive if I just lowballed and offered to pay all my own closing/prepaid items. Yeah, I'm smart.

Anything is better than renting w/ no garage.

So my payments will be low(er), but I'll be broke. :)


Related:

What about the factory o2? I'm placing mine about 8" below the turbo. Wideband is back another 18" or so.

I have ms...







not Multiple Sclerosis but mega squirt, lol:laugh:

I have noobery. Defined: having a car that will run, but not being man enough to drive it/blow it up.