Mad Dad Metal V2 Downpipe

GeorgeRex · 07-11-2005, 03:55 PM

I bought a Mad Dad Metal V2 downpipe from Daddy's SCP recently. At first blush this is a nice looking piece - the external welds appear to be high quality, the flanges are substantial and the materials are high quality. The fact that the pipe is two piece is appealing to me because it allowed shipping in a smaller box (I am at an APO location) and it leaves room on the table for 3CE pipe changes. I paid $570+ for this pipe.

The product was shipped within a couple of days of my order and the item was reasonably well packed.

Installation was straight forward with the exception of having to trim the wastegate separator for my VF-39. Since this is a known problem with this downpipe and the STi turbo, I am surprised the vendor has not posted a tutorial with pictures. I was not even sure how to trim the separator until I mock fitted the downpipe and then had to remove it a couple of times which spoiled an otherwise satisfying DIY project. The external fit was excellent and it mated to my JIC505S exhaust perfectly. By the way, if you can swing it, buy a good pair of tin snips for trimming the heatshield. I was able to trim mine so accurately that I only lost three mounting screw locations and it is very rigid (no rattles !).

The final and most significant issue is that I found the pipe to flange junctions to be poorly fabricated and if I had not spent an hour or so grinding on them, it would have cost me some flow. On the 3CE pipe, the 2.5" to 3" transition was so dimensionally wrong that there was a 1/8 " lip facing into the exiting gas flow. On the divorced wastegate junction the wastegate pipe was cocked and protruding above the surface of the downpipe to turbo flange. Not what I would expect for the money.

At the same time that I installed this, I switched Cobb AP maps to Stage 2. Acceleration is perceptibly better and the motor is noticeably more responsive in revving and has a refined sound. Sorry I don't have any hard numbers but I don't think anyone would be disappointed with the improvements from this downpipe.

In summary, I recommend this piece but buyers should be aware of the issues I raised.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

WRX03 · 07-14-2005, 12:57 PM

Here's my pipe before I did a little grinding. It wasn't bad at all, specially compared to other downpipes I've seen. If the diverter flange wasn't there, I would of did a little welding and resurfaced the mounting flange. Did you send a pic to Daddy's?

joe r · 07-14-2005, 02:05 PM

Great write up & thanks for all the info.

I had almost bought this dp but couldn't justify the price.

I bought the Helix dp with high flow cat & mated it up to my Greddy EVO2.Great sound & the wife loves it.

joe r

GeorgeRex · 07-14-2005, 02:07 PM

WRX03,

Your pipe looks better, I think I had a rough example. I didn't send a pic to Dadddys. I am overseas so returning the pipe would be a real hassle which is one more reason I was willing to pay more initially in the hope that quality control would be in effect. Maybe this review will point the way to some improvements in manufacturing tolerances and oversight on what is otherwise a decent piece. I continue to enjoy the fabulous sounds it makes in conjunction with my JIC titanium catback.

WRX03 · 07-14-2005, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeRex

WRX03,

Your pipe looks better, I think I had a rough example. I didn't send a pic to Dadddys. I am overseas so returning the pipe would be a real hassle which is one more reason I was willing to pay more initially in the hope that quality control would be in effect. Maybe this review will point the way to some improvements in manufacturing tolerances and oversight on what is otherwise a decent piece. I continue to enjoy the fabulous sounds it makes in conjunction with my JIC titanium catback.

If you haven't done anything about it and want too. You can use a pipe expander and then grind it. It may sound bad but you can heat the tubing and tap it down flusher to the mounting flange, then grind. Bottom line it's not a great fitment in the flange due to the divorse pipe being welded in more of angle to clear around the cat. The earlier downpipes the divorse pipe is straighter of a 90 degree angle.

GeorgeRex · 07-14-2005, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRX03

If you haven't done anything about it and want too. You can use a pipe expander and then grind it. It may sound bad but you can heat the tubing and tap it down flusher to the mounting flange, then grind. Bottom line it's not a great fitment in the flange due to the divorse pipe being welded in more of angle to clear around the cat. The earlier downpipes the divorse pipe is straighter of a 90 degree angle.

I used a grinding bit on a die grinder to blend the edges at about a 45 degree angle but the real work was in the 3CE pipe where the junction was very bad. That killed a few bits ! Thanks for the tip on the expander.

GeorgeRex · 07-14-2005, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe r

Great write up & thanks for all the info.

I had almost bought this dp but couldn't justify the price.

I bought the Helix dp with high flow cat & mated it up to my Greddy EVO2.Great sound & the wife loves it.

joe r

Congrats on your choice. It was a bit of a bear trying to choose between all the downpipes on the market. My first was a Helix catted but it wouldn't fit in a box that could be mailed to my location.

RuWRXcrazy2 · 08-20-2005, 07:16 PM

Great write ups....was looking to get this DP, but for the cost....may not be worth it. It's so hard to choose a DP when there are SO many made for the WRX. I hear good stuff about COBB.

Thanx,

Ben

Aarron_M · 10-04-2005, 02:52 PM

I recently installed my MadDad DP/3CE combo to an Apex-i N1 catback, and WOW!!!

My first powermod made a perceptible difference. Picks up earlier(slightly less lag), stronger throughout, and pulls harder on the top end. Installation took less than 2 hours with no trimming(straight bolt in affair). I used the Cusco heatshield instead of trimming the stock piece, and I couldn't be happier or more impressed. Great product for the money.

WRXDan2002 · 10-18-2005, 12:43 AM

WOO HOO I just ordered mine.

GeorgeRex · 10-18-2005, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STImachine

I recently installed my MadDad DP/3CE combo to an Apex-i N1 catback, and WOW!!!

My first powermod made a perceptible difference. Picks up earlier(slightly less lag), stronger throughout, and pulls harder on the top end. Installation took less than 2 hours with no trimming(straight bolt in affair). I used the Cusco heatshield instead of trimming the stock piece, and I couldn't be happier or more impressed. Great product for the money.

Suspiciously giddy or easily pleased?

Aarron_M · 10-18-2005, 12:11 PM

Both.

GeorgeRex · 10-18-2005, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STImachine

Both.

It is a nice downpipe and it frees up some horsepower but I still think for the money it could be better finished and the 3CE could be stainless steel.

Aarron_M · 10-18-2005, 01:44 PM

I had none of those problems with mine. Maybe I got lucky.

GeorgeRex · 10-18-2005, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STImachine

I had none of those problems with mine. Maybe I got lucky.

Maybe you got paid...

Are you saying your 3CE pipe is stainless?

Daddy's SCP · 10-18-2005, 07:11 PM

Just for complete clarity. The MadDad 3CE pipe is T304 stainless, with mild flanges. The heatshield is not stainless because we couldn't source a stainless one. It was difficult to source a heatshield without a catalytic converter. However, in my experience in driving with the 3CE for the past 3 years(early 3CE's used T439 stainless but all recent production is T304) the heatshield has picked up little to no rust. Also, the primary catted DP section is all T304 include T304 flanges.

GeorgeRex - your 3CE should be 304(less the flanges and heatshield of course) as it wasn't all that long ago. If you have reason to believe it is not PM and let me know because if it's not that is a problem. I've also read your previous posts and agree with comment and condition of your 3CE. Had I known early on I would have replaced it for you so sorry for the hastle you went through. We do take customer satisfaction quite serious so any issues customers have(and they are few) we resolve. There are few metal substrate based downpipes on the market mostly due to the high costs associated with them. Our pipe being a two piece makes it even more expensive to manufacture yet priced in line with other one-piece metal substrates, but we like the flexability it offers. We will be introducting a one piece in the not so distant future that will be a better value for those that don't care about the two-piece design.

- Rich

Aarron_M · 10-19-2005, 09:39 AM

And, I didn't get paid. So nyah!!!

Can't a guy just be excited about his first power mod?

GeorgeRex · 10-19-2005, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STImachine

And, I didn't get paid. So nyah!!!

Can't a guy just be excited about his first power mod?

You can and should ! Dont mind my curmudgeonly attempts at spoiling it.

AK_2002_WRX · 10-20-2005, 02:36 AM

any boost creep with this DP?

Aarron_M · 10-20-2005, 10:18 AM

I haven't seen any, and no cel's.

MoPower · 10-20-2005, 10:55 AM

No boost creep here either. I have been running their stealthback since March of this year. Smooth power all the way through the band.... and it sounds killer too.

GeorgeRex · 10-21-2005, 05:29 PM

Update - the source of my concern about the 3CE pipe not being stainless was that it strongly attracted a magnet where the downpipe did not. However, with some miles on the car, I looked underneath and both the downpipe and 3CE pipe have the identical color and appearance now of stainless. I believe that the 3CE pipe is in fact stainless.

Rich,
Thanks for reaching out on this issue. I would give this piece two thumbs way up if we could just be sure that the pipe junctions get finished better and more consistently.

k mier · 12-16-2005, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeRex

Update - the source of my concern about the 3CE pipe not being stainless was that it strongly attracted a magnet where the downpipe did not.

Looking around trying to make up my mind on what dp to go with when I came across this. Don't worry about the pipe attracting a magnet, both 439 and 409 stainless will, for all practical purposes, 304 stainless will not.

EDM · 03-08-2008, 08:57 AM

Nice write up. I have now decided which DP I am going with.

.

jasonlee4180 · 03-09-2008, 11:34 PM

I have the V2 downpipe and the Whisper Dual Tip Exhaust on my STI. Perfect fit and finish. Sweetest tone ever! I love mine!

That downpipe looks downright sexy!!!

07-11-2005, 03:55 PM	#1
GeorgeRex Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (12) Member#: 51695 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Northern VA Vehicle: 2004 STi Aspen White	Mad Dad Metal V2 Downpipe I bought a Mad Dad Metal V2 downpipe from Daddy's SCP recently. At first blush this is a nice looking piece - the external welds appear to be high quality, the flanges are substantial and the materials are high quality. The fact that the pipe is two piece is appealing to me because it allowed shipping in a smaller box (I am at an APO location) and it leaves room on the table for 3CE pipe changes. I paid $570+ for this pipe. The product was shipped within a couple of days of my order and the item was reasonably well packed. Installation was straight forward with the exception of having to trim the wastegate separator for my VF-39. Since this is a known problem with this downpipe and the STi turbo, I am surprised the vendor has not posted a tutorial with pictures. I was not even sure how to trim the separator until I mock fitted the downpipe and then had to remove it a couple of times which spoiled an otherwise satisfying DIY project. The external fit was excellent and it mated to my JIC505S exhaust perfectly. By the way, if you can swing it, buy a good pair of tin snips for trimming the heatshield. I was able to trim mine so accurately that I only lost three mounting screw locations and it is very rigid (no rattles !). The final and most significant issue is that I found the pipe to flange junctions to be poorly fabricated and if I had not spent an hour or so grinding on them, it would have cost me some flow. On the 3CE pipe, the 2.5" to 3" transition was so dimensionally wrong that there was a 1/8 " lip facing into the exiting gas flow. On the divorced wastegate junction the wastegate pipe was cocked and protruding above the surface of the downpipe to turbo flange. Not what I would expect for the money. At the same time that I installed this, I switched Cobb AP maps to Stage 2. Acceleration is perceptibly better and the motor is noticeably more responsive in revving and has a refined sound. Sorry I don't have any hard numbers but I don't think anyone would be disappointed with the improvements from this downpipe. In summary, I recommend this piece but buyers should be aware of the issues I raised. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by GeorgeRex; 10-21-2005 at 05:22 PM. Reason: clarification from vendor

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07-14-2005, 12:57 PM	#2
WRX03 Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (1) Member#: 20744 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Goodview, VA-SML Vehicle: 05 Baja Regal Blue 03 WRX Little Red Wagon	Here's my pipe before I did a little grinding. It wasn't bad at all, specially compared to other downpipes I've seen. If the diverter flange wasn't there, I would of did a little welding and resurfaced the mounting flange. Did you send a pic to Daddy's?

07-14-2005, 02:05 PM	#3
joe r Scooby Guru Member Sales Rating: (260) Member#: 53412 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Cashmere, Wa 98815 Vehicle: 2003 Outback Black and Gold.	Great write up & thanks for all the info. I had almost bought this dp but couldn't justify the price. I bought the Helix dp with high flow cat & mated it up to my Greddy EVO2.Great sound & the wife loves it. joe r

07-14-2005, 02:07 PM	#4
GeorgeRex Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (12) Member#: 51695 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Northern VA Vehicle: 2004 STi Aspen White	WRX03, Your pipe looks better, I think I had a rough example. I didn't send a pic to Dadddys. I am overseas so returning the pipe would be a real hassle which is one more reason I was willing to pay more initially in the hope that quality control would be in effect. Maybe this review will point the way to some improvements in manufacturing tolerances and oversight on what is otherwise a decent piece. I continue to enjoy the fabulous sounds it makes in conjunction with my JIC titanium catback.

08-20-2005, 07:16 PM	#8
RuWRXcrazy2 Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 63224 Join Date: Jun 2004 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: South Jersey Vehicle: 2009 Forester OBP	Great write ups....was looking to get this DP, but for the cost....may not be worth it. It's so hard to choose a DP when there are SO many made for the WRX. I hear good stuff about COBB. Thanx, Ben

10-04-2005, 02:52 PM	#9
Aarron_M Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 68210 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Colorado Springs, CO Vehicle: 2013 STI SWP	I recently installed my MadDad DP/3CE combo to an Apex-i N1 catback, and WOW!!! My first powermod made a perceptible difference. Picks up earlier(slightly less lag), stronger throughout, and pulls harder on the top end. Installation took less than 2 hours with no trimming(straight bolt in affair). I used the Cusco heatshield instead of trimming the stock piece, and I couldn't be happier or more impressed. Great product for the money.

10-18-2005, 12:43 AM	#10
WRXDan2002 * Banned * Member Sales Rating: (3) Member#: 70012 Join Date: Sep 2004 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: South Bay Vehicle: 2002 Pimp Wagon WRB 87 S-10 pickup "Blue"	WOO HOO I just ordered mine.

10-18-2005, 12:11 PM	#12
Aarron_M Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 68210 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Colorado Springs, CO Vehicle: 2013 STI SWP	Both.

10-18-2005, 01:44 PM	#14
Aarron_M Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 68210 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Colorado Springs, CO Vehicle: 2013 STI SWP	I had none of those problems with mine. Maybe I got lucky.

10-18-2005, 07:11 PM	#16
Daddy's SCP NASIOC Vendor Vendor Sales Rating: (50) Member#: 36596 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Leominster, Ma. Vehicle: 2009 135i Alpine White	Just for complete clarity. The MadDad 3CE pipe is T304 stainless, with mild flanges. The heatshield is not stainless because we couldn't source a stainless one. It was difficult to source a heatshield without a catalytic converter. However, in my experience in driving with the 3CE for the past 3 years(early 3CE's used T439 stainless but all recent production is T304) the heatshield has picked up little to no rust. Also, the primary catted DP section is all T304 include T304 flanges. GeorgeRex - your 3CE should be 304(less the flanges and heatshield of course) as it wasn't all that long ago. If you have reason to believe it is not PM and let me know because if it's not that is a problem. I've also read your previous posts and agree with comment and condition of your 3CE. Had I known early on I would have replaced it for you so sorry for the hastle you went through. We do take customer satisfaction quite serious so any issues customers have(and they are few) we resolve. There are few metal substrate based downpipes on the market mostly due to the high costs associated with them. Our pipe being a two piece makes it even more expensive to manufacture yet priced in line with other one-piece metal substrates, but we like the flexability it offers. We will be introducting a one piece in the not so distant future that will be a better value for those that don't care about the two-piece design. - Rich

10-19-2005, 09:39 AM	#17
Aarron_M Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 68210 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Colorado Springs, CO Vehicle: 2013 STI SWP	And, I didn't get paid. So nyah!!! Can't a guy just be excited about his first power mod?

10-20-2005, 02:36 AM	#19
AK_2002_WRX Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 10591 Join Date: Sep 2001 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: anch, ak Vehicle: 2004 Silverado SS Victory Red	any boost creep with this DP?

10-20-2005, 10:18 AM	#20
Aarron_M Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 68210 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Colorado Springs, CO Vehicle: 2013 STI SWP	I haven't seen any, and no cel's.

10-20-2005, 10:55 AM	#21
MoPower Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (1) Member#: 72001 Join Date: Oct 2004 Vehicle: 2005 I'm parting out pm me for goodies!	No boost creep here either. I have been running their stealthback since March of this year. Smooth power all the way through the band.... and it sounds killer too.

10-21-2005, 05:29 PM	#22
GeorgeRex Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (12) Member#: 51695 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Northern VA Vehicle: 2004 STi Aspen White	Update - the source of my concern about the 3CE pipe not being stainless was that it strongly attracted a magnet where the downpipe did not. However, with some miles on the car, I looked underneath and both the downpipe and 3CE pipe have the identical color and appearance now of stainless. I believe that the 3CE pipe is in fact stainless. Rich, Thanks for reaching out on this issue. I would give this piece two thumbs way up if we could just be sure that the pipe junctions get finished better and more consistently.

03-08-2008, 08:57 AM	#24
EDM Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (19) Member#: 82078 Join Date: Feb 2005 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: The 562 Vehicle: 2005 WRX Wagon PSM	Nice write up. I have now decided which DP I am going with. .

03-09-2008, 11:34 PM	#25
jasonlee4180 Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (5) Member#: 152819 Join Date: Jul 2007 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Albuquerque, NM Vehicle: 06 STI Aspen White	I have the V2 downpipe and the Whisper Dual Tip Exhaust on my STI. Perfect fit and finish. Sweetest tone ever! I love mine! That downpipe looks downright sexy!!!