Weakness
09-12-2006, 01:14 PM
Hi everyone... I wanted to provide some info on the install/thoughts on my install of the APS TBE that I bought from RallySportDirect a couple weeks ago. The product info is APS WRX/STi 3 inch Turboback Exhaust (http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop/aps-wrxsti-inch-turboback-exhaust-p-951.html).
The install was pretty darn smooth. The biggest pain in the can of the whole thing is, as the directions stated, that the downpipe must be cut/ground down to a notch that is marked on the area that connects to the turbo itself. It says it is due to the product being both marketed to the JDM and USDM areas and they didn't want to make two of the same product when one can easily be modifed if you have a cutting wheel/grinder and a metal file to smooth out the edge that is cut. It took all of 5 mins to do to make sure the cut was smooth as slik.
Once that was done, the bolt up was perfect including the easy connection to the OEM exhaust mounts. Under real bumpy situations (whoopie for Chicagoland highways!) the exhaust has not rubbed or knocked the underside of the car.
Since there is an EGT hole on the downpipe, the TBE comes with a plug for the whole if you wish not to install an EGT gauge.
With that, when putting back your O2 sensor in the exhaust, make sure you get a mechanical CEL fix to space the sensor from the exhaust flow since you will throw a CEL if you do not have ECU management that will defeat the code. Personally, I did it since I didn't want to fry the sensor and pay for it down the road later. The CEL fix is available at RSD for $30.
Hope you found this info helpful. If you have any questions, post em up or PM me and we'll be good.
The install was pretty darn smooth. The biggest pain in the can of the whole thing is, as the directions stated, that the downpipe must be cut/ground down to a notch that is marked on the area that connects to the turbo itself. It says it is due to the product being both marketed to the JDM and USDM areas and they didn't want to make two of the same product when one can easily be modifed if you have a cutting wheel/grinder and a metal file to smooth out the edge that is cut. It took all of 5 mins to do to make sure the cut was smooth as slik.
Once that was done, the bolt up was perfect including the easy connection to the OEM exhaust mounts. Under real bumpy situations (whoopie for Chicagoland highways!) the exhaust has not rubbed or knocked the underside of the car.
Since there is an EGT hole on the downpipe, the TBE comes with a plug for the whole if you wish not to install an EGT gauge.
With that, when putting back your O2 sensor in the exhaust, make sure you get a mechanical CEL fix to space the sensor from the exhaust flow since you will throw a CEL if you do not have ECU management that will defeat the code. Personally, I did it since I didn't want to fry the sensor and pay for it down the road later. The CEL fix is available at RSD for $30.
Hope you found this info helpful. If you have any questions, post em up or PM me and we'll be good.