Any tips on installing O/R x-pipe? Help.

[NicksBullitt]

I have an O/R xpipe on the way and I will be installing it off jackstands in my garage.

Anyone have any tips that will make my life any easier.

Question: I have looked at the 02 sensors on the front, and they seem hard to get to. The plugs are way up at the top and it looks pretty hard to get a wrench on the sensor while still attatched to the car.

Give me all your problems and help me beat the learning curve!

 

[ShadowGT]

I did mine the same way you plan to, on jackstands.

1. Make sure you have a long extension (at least 10" and a couple of swivels.
2. Go to Ford and buy a replacement gasket for the passenger side. You might as well put a new one on while you're under there.
3. A can of PB Blaster will help a lot.
4. Some mechanics gloves will save your knuckles. If you don't have any, have some band-aids near by and plenty of your favorite alcoholic beverage to ease the pain.
5. Take your time. If you start to get frustrated, walk away for awhile, then go back to it.
6. Have a buddy help you.

I think mine took about 2 1/2 hours start to finish and that included a quick trip to the parts store for another swivel, and time to wire in my mil eliminators for the rear 02 sensors.

As far as the front 02 sensors go, I don't remember having to mess with them much.

 

[rustang04]

you need 1 12" 3/8 extension, one 3/8 ratchet, one 9/16 deep socket one swivel, and one 7/8 open end wrench for 02 sensors all four. and a drop light. should take no longer than one hour start to finnish. real easy.
1.unbolt exhaust from stock h-pipe.
2.losen and remove 02 sensors make sure to unclip them first as to not hurt the wires.
3.undo h-pipe to manifold bolts 4 of them
4.put on new pipe in reverse order of removal.
5.drink beer an smile cause its gonna be loud

 

[lazerred02]

You make it seem to be a difficult job, just climb underneath the car and look at what you are doing, it is a very elementary job. I am a mechanic by trade so maybe its easier for me but I doubt it, very simple job. Forget the gloves and forget the band-aids, just get out there and do it! Later bro.

 

[ShadowGT]

Regardless of what others have said, count on at least 2 hours if this is your first time installing an "X" unless you are a trained mechanic (I'm not).

Once you've done your first, it's much easier the second time (for whatever that's worth).

 

[Yellow01GT]

Regardless of what others have said, count on at least 2 hours if this is your first time installing an "X" unless you are a trained mechanic (I'm not).

Once you've done your first, it's much easier the second time (for whatever that's worth).

Agreed. I like to take my time the first time I ever do anything, just to make sure I do it right. It might be extremely easy for you mechanics, but for someone that's never installed an X-pipe, take your time and make sure it's done right (not that there's much to screw up).

 

[rustang04]

8 bolts 4 02s you'll get it

 

[2blue4u]

Um, Its been a while since i did my x-pipe, but arent you guys forgetting about the stud on the drivers side manifold that needs to be replaced or maybe that was just a crappy bbk xpipe thing ? Also, mine is a '03 so maybe it was different on the bullit ?

 

[sacstoy02gt]

Um, Its been a while since i did my x-pipe, but arent you guys forgetting about the stud on the drivers side manifold that needs to be replaced or maybe that was just a crappy bbk xpipe thing ? Also, mine is a '03 so maybe it was different on the bullit ?

Napa Part # 600-1819

Get them for the driver's side == no leaks

 

[YtnGT]

Like others have said... It can be done by a shadetree mechanic. I installed mine yesterday. It was a PITA because the dealership partially stripped the passenger side top manifold bolt. I didn't think I would ever get enough penetrating oil in there to break it loose. Also the top O2 sensor connectors are a real PITA. If I did not have small hands I don't know how it would be possible to disconnect and reconnect the connectors.

When you get frustrated just take a break. It took me 5 hours to install the MAC H pipe and wideband commander.

Oh yea I forgot to mention I have air tools.

 

[rustang04]

you can just thread the nut to the front side of the stud and put it in backwards. use it as a bolt thats what i did!

 

[COBRA90GT]

FWIW, in case you need pics, here's a "how-to" guide (as taken from fnsweet.com):

http://www.fnsweet.com/pics/kevsS3/x_install.shtml

 

[sacstoy02gt]

you can just thread the nut to the front side of the stud and put it in backwards. use it as a bolt thats what i did!

Great idea!

 

[crew_dawg16]

you dont have to remove the O2 sensors until you get the pipe out, just undo the connectors and then once the pipe is out swap the O2s.