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Old 05-11-2008, 10:54 AM   #1
sgrassbaugh
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Member#: 116505
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Ohio
Vehicle:
2004 WRX Wagon-Stg 1

Default HKS 3" Downpipe

To compliment my new Ansa 3" CBE and in effort to finally load my Cobb Stage 2 programming, I began my search for a downpipe. I had a goal of accomplishing this on a reasonable budget, so all the top name brands were out (Cobb, TXS, Perrin, Prodrive). I initially thought WTF and ordered a Megan Racing 3" bellmouth catless pipe. They were backordered for 3 weeks, and I didn't want to wait that long - so I cancelled it. I was so pleased with the fast turnaround from Oakos Automotive on my CBE, that I went back to them and eventually decided on the HKS 3" catless downpipe. $175 shipped. It's a flat plate design, which may not be optimal, but for me staying on stock turbo, and not likely to go beyond Stage 2 in terms of power - I'm sure it's going to serve my purposes fine. The downpipe arrived in one day! It was full length, deleting both cats. It has bung for the O2 sensor as well. The pipe was a thermal coated stainless, a nice feature for my $0.02.

Install was probably typical for most downpipe applications. It really wasn't that hard, except for getting the effing heatshield off. Most of the bolts all snapped when I tried taking them off - so without anything to bolt it back on, I bolted it together without the heat shield for now. Fitment of this downpipe was perfect! No issues with the AC drain tube, or anything. Fired the car up after bolting on an Ansa CBE, and loading Stage 2. No CELs thanks to Cobb. The car was loud as all get out, so I ended up installing the silencer on my exhaust, but I think some of this could be attributed to my removal of both cats in the downpipe. No leaks, all supplied gaskets and bolts were fine.

Driving impressions were great - the whole combination of this DP, Ansa CBE, and Stage 2 were excellent. I'm interested to see what my MPG will be after I can get out of the throttle for a while. Power on the butt dynometer was a real kick in the pants, especially at the top end - 4k RPM +.

So, again, I'd highly recommend this downpipe. For $175 shipped from Oakos, it's comparable to the eBay pipes in terms of price, and probably much better in terms of fitment and quality.

- SAM
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Old 05-13-2008, 12:38 AM   #2
subarulz!
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Beaverton Or.
Vehicle:
16 WRX
CWP

Default

Yeah I had one on my bugeye and loved it. I could not justify paying double or even triple for another brand just because the flange design might give me a couple more HP, and I haven't even seen proof of that. Used it for almost five years with no problems so quality was great for sure. Probably going to get another one for my new car when the time comes cuz I've seen them for really cheap used.
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Old 05-18-2008, 09:34 AM   #3
stiwanabe04
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Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Columbia, MD
Vehicle:
04 301whp WRX
WRB - RE30 equipped

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They're great for EWG setups as well.
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Old 05-18-2008, 05:53 PM   #4
bfreeskier
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Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: Chico
Vehicle:
1998 RSTi
WRB

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I've had an HKS DP on my STi for about 3 years now, and if im on the track @ 100% throttle I will constaintly pull a wastegate hi pressure error, I was told this was from the flat flange type design of the HKS not alowing proper flow off the turbo. If I upgrade, I will most like get a bellmouth type.
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Old 05-18-2008, 09:42 PM   #5
White out
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H1 Viper
LP640 FGT

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They are awsome for the price and if there are no plans to make serious power with the car or get as much power out of it as possible.
They are better than the oem gutted and cost less used than a stocker used.

Nick
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Old 05-19-2008, 12:08 PM   #6
WReXd
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Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Buena Park, CA
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93 Impreza L Swap

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the only thing people hardly ever mention about the hks downpipe is the fact that it has more bends than your average aftermarket downpipe. I bet the difference is negligible, but it's just something to consider.
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Old 05-29-2008, 10:41 PM   #7
garagedefeat
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Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Vehicle:
2001 Forester L

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i thought this was mild steel, not stainless. can anybody confirm?
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