TECH TIP REVIEW: Mid-Pipes Install

[turbohips]

So rule of thumb while doing the mid-pipes install:
1. have a 15mm wrench for back bolts
2. have a 17 mm "DEEP" socket for the top bolts
3. make sure to have at least 16" worth of extensions (I used a 10" and 6")
4. have a o2 sensor socket or 22mm wrench
5. ramps are easier than jack stands
6. don't close the trunk!!!!!! when disconnecting the battery
7. have a 10mm wrench for the battery terminal
8. you shouldn't have to lube anything to get this stuff off just use a tad bit of force
9. make sure the car has cooled down before touching
10. adjust pipes after installation to insure they are free from banging into things
With all said you should be able to do this in 30 minutes tops. Again this is coming from a first timer doing this type of stuff. By the way, don't expect instructions to come in the box as mine didn't have any.

Tips:
Post install you'll most likely have to adjust your pipes to insure they don't rattle with the underside parts.
The passenger side pipe is the only one that hits next to the back bolts 15mm.
Loosen both passenger and drivers side 15mm clamps.
Use a piece of wood, wrench or extension to wedge in between the pipe and brace to create space needed on passenger side.
Tighten the passenger side clamp first and then the drivers side clamp.
Test and enjoy

The results:
The off-road pipes I received were 8-10 pounds lighter than the stock ones.
My low range torque suffered a very slight tad
My mid range torque feels much improved
My high range torque feels so much better
Shifting into the next gear in mid to high RPM's is sick as more power is felt.
Average HP increase is from 10-15 to the wheels

[turbohips]

Make sure to have ramps as this will give you more space to work with.


These are the mid pipes. Mine were test pipes without the cats.


Drive side o2 sensor - you'll need 22mm or o2 sensor socket (notice plenty of space to crank on this)


Passenger side o2 sensor - you'll need 22mm or o2 sensor socket (notice plenty of space to crank on this)


Shorty gear wrench helped here - 15mm socket (not too much room to work with standard sized wrenches)


First installed mid-pipe - will need 17mm for top nuts. There will be a total of 4 nuts for passenger and 4 nuts for drivers side. First set will remove the heat shield and second set will remove the pipe. Must use 16" of extensions here!