DPI Spec I Exhaust Installation

[ccurzio]

Dermot made a very good suggestion in that we should have a dedicated thread for this subject. As this needs to be done to my car at some point, I welcome anyone who can offer a guide on this product's installation - including removal of the old exhaust. Pictures would also be great.

Or if someone wants to write a detailed howto, I will see about following it and taking pictures.

[Chris 16409]

Apparently, I did a write up of my SPEC I installation. I had forgotten about it. I will attach a PDF copy of it to this thread. I will also attach a PDF copy of the installation instructions Josh included with my exhaust.

[ccurzio]

That's a good start with those docs. Thanks for the info.

I *might* try and tackle this install if I get the guts to do it. Still waiting on some parts from Josh, so that'll give me some time to read through these.

[Blackie]

It's quite an easy job, just time consuming really. The thing that saved the day when we did it was Loctite freeze and release, sprayed all manifold studs and cat bolts every night for a week before the job was done. Didn't break one stud. Dunno if you can get it in the US but it is gold.

[sydlexia]

In reference to the two installation files posted above. Both contain excellent information. I just wanted to add that although I have never installed a DPI Spec 001 system, I have uninstalled/reinstalled the factory exhaust system several times. I have never had to disconnect the driver side axle shaft in order to remove or install the crossover pipe. I agree that doing so would make things a bit easier, however, IMHO it is not necessary. The crossover pipe is a PITA, but totally doable without messing with the axle.

Best of luck with the install. I'm looking forward to reading your opinion of the DPI system. I have read great reviews on it, and am considering one for my D.

[Delorean Industries]

We only pull the axle as to not jack an axle boot..... More work especially when you are not getting paid sucks. Plus multiple owners complained of the potential damaged not being sited so I always mention it.

[Delorean Industries]

It's quite an easy job, just time consuming really. The thing that saved the day when we did it was Loctite freeze and release, sprayed all manifold studs and cat bolts every night for a week before the job was done. Didn't break one stud. Dunno if you can get it in the US but it is gold.

Still loving the system Paul?

[Blackie]

All good Josh, thinking of trying cat deletes shortly, see how it sounds!

[Delorean Industries]

All good Josh, thinking of trying cat deletes shortly, see how it sounds!

Pending what other Australia owners want I'm planning to visit after a stop in Hawaii in the next few months. We need to put something together soon so that I can make arrangements. I'm sure I can take cat deletes on a plane!

[ccurzio]

I read through both of those install docs and I'm afraid this project is still too intimidating for me to tackle myself.

I will be sure to try and document the install process (with text and photos) when the time comes.

[DMC5180]

One thing you have in your favor is your new OXY Torch. Heat the Nuts Red then let cool They should all come loose. Using penetrating oil like Aero-Kroil an hour before and letting them soak will work in your favor too. You may have a stud or two come out of the heads. But thats no big deal. Your going to want to replace the studs anyway. You will want to have a M7 x1.00 tap on hand to clean the threaded wholes in the heads. Once the old parts are off, installing the new stuff is a cake walk.

[deloumis]

I read through both of those install docs and I'm afraid this project is still too intimidating for me to tackle myself.

I will be sure to try and document the install process (with text and photos) when the time comes.

I haven't read through them but when I did the install I had no trouble. I did it in a few hours and I didn't have any install sheets to go by its pretty straight forward.

[ccurzio]

I haven't read through them but when I did the install I had no trouble. I did it in a few hours and I didn't have any install sheets to go by its pretty straight forward.

I assume it's straightforward and no trouble for someone relatively experienced in car maintenance. For someone like me, "remove alternator" is a pretty scary thing on its own. Hell, one of the first steps talked about the axle assembly and I was immediately like "oh fuck no".


One thing you have in your favor is your new OXY Torch. Heat the Nuts Red then let cool They should all come loose. Using penetrating oil like Aero-Kroil an hour before and letting them soak will work in your favor too.
I have a can of PB Blaster, but I also picked up the Loctite F&R stuff based on an earlier recommendation in the thread.

[Chris 16409]

Chris,

I believe my installation notes mention that I did not remove the alternator for the installation. I didn't want to mess with it either. I did however need to remove the driver side drive axle to get the crossover pipe off. The good news is that I only had to unbolt the drive axle from the hub side only. I had a friend help, but you can suspended the axle on a short bucket or something so it won't hang. Doing it that way gave me enough room to get the crossover pipe out. Just take your time and do it one step at a time. If you rely on your car, pick a time when you have no commitments or don't have to be anywhere. I like to take my time when working on the car. Taking breaks allows me to mull things over and develop a plan of attack. That's just me though.

[DMC5180]

I assume it's straightforward and no trouble for someone relatively experienced in car maintenance. For someone like me, "remove alternator" is a pretty scary thing on its own. Hell, one of the first steps talked about the axle assembly and I was immediately like "oh fuck no".


I have a can of PB Blaster, but I also picked up the Loctite F&R stuff based on an earlier recommendation in the thread.

Seriously! Perhaps you and Ron should get together for a tech weekend if your that gun shy about removing bolts.

[Dangermouse]

Yep,

schedule a tech session at your house and then start this work two or three weekends before. That way, if you get into trouble, you can get advice on the forum first, but will always have the session to fall back upon if you really run into trouble.

The first part is just unbolting stuff. Easy peasy :shhh:. Drive shafts are straightforward and you might want to look at the rubber boots beforehand in case you need to replace them while the shaft is out.

The only potential for trouble are the studs, so stock up on PB blaster and swear words. But it is more luck than anything on whether they come out cleanly. You can pay an exhaust shop $100 an hour to spray penetrant on them, or you can do it your self in the comfort of your own home.

It isn't your DD, so you have the luxury of time.

[thirdmanj]

Seriously! Perhaps you and Ron should get together for a tech weekend if your that gun shy about removing bolts.

8=====D

It's always best to approach automobile mechanics with an overcautious attitude. Especially when a car this unique is involved and one isn't well versed in it to begin with. Mistakes can be extra costly when it comes to these silly little cars.

I look forward to updates on your progress Chris. With your attention to detail, and your current attitude about going about it you should get very good results!

[Ron]

Seriously! Perhaps you and Ron should get together for a tech weekend if your that gun shy about removing bolts.
I already offered ;-)


8=====D
Porn is not allowed.

[thirdmanj]

Porn is not allowed.

It's a smiley face! ....with a big nose!

[Ron]

It's a smiley face! ....with a big nose!
Pinocchio?

[thirdmanj]

Pinocchio?

YES! That's the chap!

[DL4567]

... when it comes to these silly little cars.


Are you Bill R.?

[thirdmanj]

Are you Bill R.?

Moi? No. Whatever gave you that idea? ;)

Note: No, seriously I'm not.

Note 2: Even if it were, you think he'd be stupid enough to reply affirmatively? :rofl:

[DL4567]

Moi? No. Whatever gave you that idea? ;)

Note: No, seriously I'm not.

Note 2: Even if it were, you think he'd be stupid enough to reply affirmatively? :rofl:

Haha, j/k.... I know you're a real guy. I remember the pics from your night on the town in Atlanta with Accipiter. :thumbup:

It's just that I haven't seen that "silly little cars" phrase since Bill R., who wrote it constantly in his posts. Just wondering if you were saying that on your own, or referencing him. I've never seen it written by anyone else, ever.

[Dangermouse]

"Silly little plastic cars" was also popular :)