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Old 08-28-2006, 03:17 PM   #1
TheChef
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Default The epic battle of man...and the wrx uppipe.

I for the past month have been researching and reviewing many different forums on the benefits of simply gutting the stock uppipe. After reading the final thread and having reviewed the "Uppipe removal tutorial" from scoobymods.com I decided to undergo this task just this last weekend.

No matter where you look the estimated time of completion on this tutorial is anywhere from 5-7 hours long. The author of the tutorial I was reading claimed he was a noob at mechanics and did it solo and completed it in 5 hours with no problems. And let me just say that unless you are f*@kin Goro from Mortal Combat YOU AREN'T GONNA DO THIS ALONE.

This tutorial read of course gave me, and Im sure many others, the confidence that we needed to undergo such a bold task. Anytime I hear that I have to unbolt the engine from the engine mount and jack up the motor a couple inches I immediately cringe that I will seriously mess something up.

To give a quick description of what is to come: I began this process on last friday night at about 9:00pm - I did not start my car again until last Sunday afternoon at 12:25pm. With that said, lets continue.

May I begin by stating that I am not quite a "noob" at engine work. Having a share in helping my friend during a complete turbo, header and cam swap on an EVO which went well. And I have experienced my share of problems with installing a new suspension kit on my old Honda Civic when I was 17.

However, the process of removing the uppipe from the WRX motor is indeed a task reserved only for the highest level of wizards.

Whereas some people will say "This thread is not intended to frighten you its intended to make sure you understand what your getting into". On the contrary this thread is indeed designed to frighten you. And if you have the money - pay it to have a professional do it for you.

I had every tool listed that would be needed for the job including some useful tools not listed. After rounding off my o2 sensor WITH the o2 sensor removal socket and later having to cut a bolt off of the exhaust manifold I discovered that the author of that tutorial has to have been a mechanic for quite some time...or f#@kin Gandalf the Grey

I would flame up with anger at the fact that this author listed "Now, remove the o2 sensor" as a simple "Step #5" and moves on. Unless you have an 05-06 WRX that o2 sensor is going to be WELDED in place. Even after soaking in Liquid Wrench all night - you will need the jaws of life to get that bold off. Or you'll just end up rounding it off guaranteeing that you will NEVER get that sensor off.

Low an behold when you are enlightened by other NASIOC members that removing the o2 sensor is completely "Unnecessary" and entirely "Pointless" to do after you have spent the last 16 hours trying to figure out what to do with it - it somewhat put a damper on the rest of the project.

Oh but once you simply CUT around the o2 sensor in the heat shield and simply slide the heat shield off you are now facing the removal of the exhaust manifold. A sigh of relief swept over me as bolts were very much cooperating with being removed. Until I attempted to get to the bolt that hides in the shadows behind the rounded off o2 sensor - eagerly awaiting the opportunity to crush my hopes of success.

Several hours later, a broken socket and a possible purchase of 20 gallons of liquid nitrogen to freeze the bolt a torch and 2 broken saw blades later - The bolt was destroyed and had to be replaced.

Lets fast forward - the downpipe is out and I am staring at my foe in the eyes. The cat glares up at me with the look that he wasn't planning on leaving the comfort of the uppipe anytime soon.

It was a fierce battle

Resorting to the tutorial also on scoobymods.com on "Gutting the stock uppipe" I did everything according to his instructions. The author firmly stated that it will take "An hour or more!" to remove the cat. And allow me to say that unless you can move $h*t with your MIND you will NOT get this cat out in an hour. Just plan on devoting roughly 3 hours to be safe.

With the use of 3 different size drill bits - a Dremel tool - wire brushes - and air compressor it took 3 hours and 45 minutes to make it SPOTLESS inside.

A few hours later I was putting the last bolt back in place and beginning to start my car. Weak and exhausted from battle I turned the key to feel cool air rush over my face and through my golden locks of hair as the motor growled to live...no leaks...no CEL....it was perfect.

"What is the conclusion Chef?" you might wonder. While the war between myself and the wrx raged on into the early hours of the night - the final outcome was indeed a happy one.

Needless to say I am thrilled to have completed the task - but the choice to follow my footsteps...i leave entirely up to you.
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Last edited by TheChef; 08-29-2006 at 03:10 PM.
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Old 08-28-2006, 03:45 PM   #2
99subi
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I will say its not a easy install but it can def be done alone and under 5 hours
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Old 08-28-2006, 03:45 PM   #3
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When working on a car you have to keep this in your head.

"This is just a piece of metal, I KNOW I am smarter"

My record for an uppipe install is 1.5hrs. On jackstands in my driveway.

TMS
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Old 08-28-2006, 03:51 PM   #4
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One thing I will say is that this is a crappy install on jackstands... I've seen them installed w/ 2post lifts in no time at all...I've heard of people installing them in 1-2 hours on jackstands... but I've never actually witnessed it...lol
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Old 08-28-2006, 03:51 PM   #5
silentbob343
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Stuck bolts suck and if working on the exhaust you will run in to them. I can't imagine how some people up north do anything to their cars. I encounter resistence on my car and I don't have to deal with the sand/salt/snow/ice.
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Old 08-28-2006, 05:39 PM   #6
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Haha. Nice writeup. I always plan on things taking 2x as long as people say it is supposed to, because something like this always comes up. ALWAYS.
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Old 08-28-2006, 05:43 PM   #7
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So this begs the question - was it worth it?

(it definitely is an improvement, but based on some posts, I expected more)
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Old 08-28-2006, 06:22 PM   #8
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nobody said pimpin was easy.


I won't tease you for mentioning video games and lord of the rings.
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Old 08-28-2006, 09:16 PM   #9
WeldingHank
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little less than 2 hours for me, but thats with a lift and some power tools.
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Old 08-28-2006, 09:28 PM   #10
east milford wrx
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That was a very well written piece in terms of entertainment. I know what you mean. I started my catless up pipe install at 10 pm and walked out of my garage to see the sun rising. I was extremly drunk and tired i dont remember much of putting it on or taking it off but it was done. The next day found 2 broken sockets a broken wrench, a half empty 1.75 plastic bottle of gordons vodka and odd sections of cut out heat shield.
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Old 08-28-2006, 09:43 PM   #11
chuckml97
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To OP, I have been doing the uppipe install for the last 2 weekend on and off. Maybe I have a 05 WRX, it did not seem as diffcult to remove the O2 sensor as you described. Also jacking up the engine for 2 '' is a simple task. Once you have open space, the stock uppipe came out very easy. Everything went smooth, except the last step, putting back the IC. I can't put back the stock hose to the turbo. I mess with it for a few hours and decide to order the Prodrive Y pipe...
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Old 08-28-2006, 10:11 PM   #12
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so i bought someone's stock uppipe to gut, so I could have that done BEFORE i had mine out... that thing is unbelievable! i'm not sure how much swearing and hammering you guys needed to get that cat out, but I'm not having much luck... I even got really creative after about an hour, a couple drill bits, and I think my drill. I took my trusty MAP gas powered torch and stuck it down the opening for 20 minutes or so. Then a quick douse with cold water, hoping for a miracle. (the cat exploding...) I think i just heat tempered it or at least just made it mad, it is even harder now!!!
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Old 08-28-2006, 10:24 PM   #13
HemiKLR
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wow, 5 hours wiht an up=pipe??? wait... you were drinking too huh?
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Old 08-28-2006, 10:28 PM   #14
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ya dude lol......but i didnt have a UP but all i needed was tools and a lift and a helix UP but ya took me like 3 hours 1. because the newb that had my car before was a complete Fcking dumbass and 2. cuz he over tightend the bolts to the Up and the DP and all the bolts that connected to the turbo i ended off using just 3 bold that hold the DP in but that doesnt really matter but ya..only took me like 3 hours

Cheerz
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Old 08-28-2006, 10:30 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMadScientist View Post
When working on a car you have to keep this in your head.

"This is just a piece of metal, I KNOW I am smarter"

My record for an uppipe install is 1.5hrs. On jackstands in my driveway.

TMS
Can you say BSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Alot of memeber like to boast how fast they can install things just to be a mach nacho libre. This kind of nonsense info just misleads people.
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Old 08-28-2006, 10:50 PM   #16
Worxman02
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It took me forever to do the up-pipe install and I even had a lift and tools since I was doing it at my cousins porsche garage. I had to unbolt the turbo to get the up-pipe out which resulted in the oil line to the turbo falling off. It took forever to get the damn hose back on since we didn't want to unbolt everything again. Oh and stuck/rusted bolts suck. My friend and I tried to install a short shifter on his R32 and ended up shearing a 100% rusted exhaust bolt (don't ask why we had to move the exhaust, stupid german design). Car manufacturers should really start using only stainless hardware. especially on commonly seized parts.
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Old 08-28-2006, 10:57 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Worxman02 View Post
It took me forever to do the up-pipe install and I even had a lift and tools since I was doing it at my cousins porsche garage. I had to unbolt the turbo to get the up-pipe out which resulted in the oil line to the turbo falling off. It took forever to get the damn hose back on since we didn't want to unbolt everything again. Oh and stuck/rusted bolts suck. My friend and I tried to install a short shifter on his R32 and ended up shearing a 100% rusted exhaust bolt (don't ask why we had to move the exhaust, stupid german design). Car manufacturers should really start using only stainless hardware. especially on commonly seized parts.
heh not just the Germans. I had to remove my exhaust to install new e-brake cables on my mazda.
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Old 08-28-2006, 11:06 PM   #18
speedyHAM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Worxman02 View Post
It took me forever to do the up-pipe install and I even had a lift and tools since I was doing it at my cousins porsche garage. I had to unbolt the turbo to get the up-pipe out which resulted in the oil line to the turbo falling off. It took forever to get the damn hose back on since we didn't want to unbolt everything again. Oh and stuck/rusted bolts suck. My friend and I tried to install a short shifter on his R32 and ended up shearing a 100% rusted exhaust bolt (don't ask why we had to move the exhaust, stupid german design). Car manufacturers should really start using only stainless hardware. especially on commonly seized parts.
You'd be amazed how easily stainless hardwear will gall and F' up the threads. I wouldn't use stainless on anything close to, or upstream of the turbo. The heat will weaken stainless a lot.

A good cad plated fastener on the other hand...
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Old 08-28-2006, 11:10 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scoooby03 View Post
Can you say BSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Alot of memeber like to boast how fast they can install things just to be a mach nacho libre. This kind of nonsense info just misleads people.
tms? bs?

i missed the part where he said YOU could do it in 1.5 hours. so what's misleading?

the FACT of the matter is practice makes perfect. ask him how many he's done...
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Old 08-29-2006, 12:43 AM   #20
poopooscrum
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seriously guys the uppipe install is alot like sex

the more often you do it the better you get at it.
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Old 08-29-2006, 01:21 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by poopooscrum View Post
seriously guys the uppipe install is alot like sex

the more often you do it the better you get at it.

and next you're going to tell us her tits felt like bags of sand....
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Old 08-29-2006, 01:37 AM   #22
Dynobyte
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Quote:
Originally Posted by poopooscrum View Post
the more often you do it the better you get at it.
you mean I'm supposed to be getting better?!
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Old 08-29-2006, 03:43 AM   #23
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just did the up pipe gutting this weekend! it went relatively well... the cat was a real mother ****er to get out of that damn pipe! i had every drill bit, die grinder bit, long ass pliers and pry bars , hammers, blowers, pokers you can imagine and it still took me 2 hours to gut! i have several blood blisters and raw patches of skin too.

when i gutted my cat on my old civic it took me about 5 minutes flat with a broom stick to do. just throw the thing on the ground really hard to break it up and punch it through with the broom stick hahaha. done!

different stroty with the subie cat! WTF is it made of?!?!?! friggin titanium?! thats some TOUGH ASS ****E!!!!


but in the end , the whole thing took about 7 hours for me to do while helping a friend fab up a mandrel bent catback for his civic (dureing those times when i was pissed off at the subie) and i had airtools to assist.


all in all i say the mod is defenately worth the hamburger knuckles and blood blisters!!

the car even sounds meaner now
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Old 08-29-2006, 05:17 AM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scoooby03 View Post
Can you say BSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Alot of memeber like to boast how fast they can install things just to be a mach nacho libre. This kind of nonsense info just misleads people.
I have mulitple people that have seen me do it.
And I have installed more uppipes than I can count. I have proably been working on cars longer than you have been alive.

So no BSing here.

TMS
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Old 08-29-2006, 05:38 AM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMadScientist View Post
I have mulitple people that have seen me do it.
And I have installed more uppipes than I can count. I have proably been working on cars longer than you have been alive.

So no BSing here.

TMS

...and I know of 2 guys working together that have swapped one in just under an hour.....after having done a few.

It really isn't a big deal if ya have all the right tools, ready, and the sequence down.


....and that one bolt at the bottom of the UP is a LOT easier with a 12" extention and a couple 'flex sockets' in 12mm and 14mm and a set of gearwrenches make the job a LOT easier.
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