PPE Headers + exhaust on IS350
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
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; Jun 18, 2010 at 08:23 AM.
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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.
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.
