Performance Forced induction, intakes, exhausts, torque converters, transmissions, etc.

PPE Headers + exhaust on IS350

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-17-10, 11:40 AM
  #1  
andrewshu3
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
andrewshu3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Socal
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default PPE Headers + exhaust on IS350

Hi everyone,
So I just finished installing the PPE headers and true dual exhaust on my IS350.
Installation of the headers was pretty straightforward. It just took a long time.

Some tips to those who want to tackle it on your own:
-get a 1/4 inch ratcheting socket wrench and a deep 12mm socket to get the header bolts off (I got mine from sears)
-on the passenger side, you absolutely need to remove the lower three studs with a 6mm socket in order to fit the header on.
-get new header gaskets
-have a few spare header bolts
-you don't need a lift to install the headers, but having someone else help you will save you lots of time
-try to remove as many header bolts from above, before you jack the car up: I was able to remove 5 on the passenger side and 3 on the driver side.
- take photos of the steering column before you remove it so you can put it back in place correctly

In total it took me about 9 hours to install the headers on my own with a jack and two jack stands. The whole time I was hoping that there wouldn't be an earthquake. (california..)

For the exhaust, I chose to spray the mufflers and resonator with flat black caliper paint, mainly because I don't like the look of shiny mufflers from behind, but also to better hide the welding marks.
The installation of the exhaust was a bit more troublesome. If I had to do it again, I'd just take it to someone with a lift to help me out. Its near impossible to get it to fit correctly without using a lift and having a helper.
On my own with jack stands, it took me 7 hours of fiddling with the system before I gave up and just drove with the exhaust hanging really low over to Tommy's place in El Monte. He helped me fix it up in less than half an hour

The results, however, were simply amazing.

I didn't choose to spend 200 bucks just to find out how much more HP I'm putting down at the wheels. I'll save that money for other mods.
All I know is that I like the way it sounds: like a big cat purring. I do, however, feel a slight increase in power.

I was really afraid that I'd end up with fart cans shattering eardrums on the street, but the sound level is very reasonable. At idle, it's not much louder than stock, but once you open up the throttle, you get a really nice, smooth purr. I'll upload a video later on, but in the meantime, here are some photos:







I also took the time to install the lightweight lithium iron phosphate battery from Voltphreaks that I've been reviewing, but I'll have a full review later on. For now, here's a photo:



Ive added a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqBdQWKAw0Q

Last edited by andrewshu3; 06-18-10 at 08:23 AM.
The following 2 users liked this post by andrewshu3:
Jwalter (05-18-22), PPEHeaders (06-20-21)
Old 06-17-10, 12:08 PM
  #2  
montgb
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (7)
 
montgb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,196
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Nice! I was wondering who was going to post about the PPE exhaust first. More pics, if you please.

Also, how are you securing your new battery? It's hard to tell from the pic.
Old 06-17-10, 12:39 PM
  #3  
JoshIS408
- - G T V I P - -
iTrader: (11)
 
JoshIS408's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Bay Area CA
Posts: 4,680
Received 117 Likes on 44 Posts
Default

Nice bro. get a sound clip
Old 06-17-10, 01:07 PM
  #4  
Lexus@17
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
Lexus@17's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Sound clip asap!!!! =d
Old 06-17-10, 01:31 PM
  #5  
MiiK350
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
 
MiiK350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Sound clip and DYNO please!!

Where in CA are you located?
Old 06-17-10, 01:39 PM
  #6  
Hoovey689
Moderator
iTrader: (16)
 
Hoovey689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California
Posts: 42,284
Received 122 Likes on 82 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MiiK350
Sound clip and DYNO please!!
+1 on that
Old 06-17-10, 01:51 PM
  #7  
iSuxeL
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (21)
 
iSuxeL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: FL
Posts: 9,302
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Any pics of the exhaust from the back? Looks good! I see PPE even added a badge damn it! haha
Old 06-17-10, 01:55 PM
  #8  
mdgrwl
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (7)
 
mdgrwl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by andrewshu3
I do, however, feel a slight increase in power.
Nice review & thanks for keeping it real

probably sounds amazing!
Old 06-17-10, 02:46 PM
  #9  
Gaugster
Advanced
 
Gaugster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Great DIY'r............Enjoy it.

The second picture shows the O2 sensor connections way out of the pipe. Interesting.....
Old 06-17-10, 03:16 PM
  #10  
montgb
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (7)
 
montgb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,196
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Gaugster
The second picture shows the O2 sensor connections way out of the pipe. Interesting.....
I had heard that the PPE midpipe/exhaust would come "O2 sensor extension"-enabled.
Old 06-17-10, 04:41 PM
  #11  
uz07lex
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (14)
 
uz07lex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NY
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Really want to hear how it sounds with the mods that you have. Looks good man
Old 06-17-10, 05:20 PM
  #12  
andrewshu3
Pole Position
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
andrewshu3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Socal
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

thanks for the comments guys! I didn't do a before after dyno because I don't really care if it's an additional 25hp or 29 hp, and frankly dont think 200 dollars is worth it to find out. I'm gonna be on a trip to Taiwan so I'll post more pics when I get back. I'm bringing a boatload of parts back heh. jun tw, tom's, carbon fiber stuff, and an alcantara steering wheel. I'm gonna try and upload a video I took on my phone. the sound quality osnt great though.
the battery is being held on with 3m mounting tape on the bottom of the battery for now. it seems to be holding on just fine since its so light. I took 80 lbs off my car with battery, no spare, and headers+exhaust, and added some 25-30 hp. so yea, it handles better now.
Old 06-17-10, 07:42 PM
  #13  
nmpeter
Pole Position
iTrader: (15)
 
nmpeter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,443
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

mmmmmm


I WANT!
Old 06-17-10, 08:20 PM
  #14  
cupid0210
Lead Lap
iTrader: (10)
 
cupid0210's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Sugar Land,Texas
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Wow, looks good. Any problems or lights popping up? Engine light etc. Also, which brand of dual exhaust did you get?
Old 06-17-10, 11:07 PM
  #15  
KeepGoing
Driver
iTrader: (4)
 
KeepGoing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Seattle
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Just curious, why remove the steering column?


Quick Reply: PPE Headers + exhaust on IS350



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:27 AM.