Bassani X-pipe Install

[Szlachcic]

I just recieved my X-pipes and was wondering if anyone had some tips for installation. This is the biggest thing I have installed myself so I am just trying to get some pointers. I was looking under the car the other day to check out what I have to do and I found one problem. I was looking at where the headers meet the downpipe/y-pipe (i don't know what it is called, the part that goes to the cats) since I have to disconnect those in order to put Bassani's on. The one on the driver side looks like it will be pretty easy to get to, but the passanger side is a whole different story. One of the bolts is covered by a 02 sensors's wire and some other stuff. I know I can get the 02 sensor off put I still don't see how I can get a rachet or something up there. Any tips for this would be great since I really don't want to have to pay a shop to install it.

 

[RedFireStang05]

i have heard from a few people that the bassani x pipe pushes your mufflers tips out about an inch and a half, so you may want to watch out for that, and if you dont have anything to cut the pipes with, send it to a muffler shop and have them do it. Just thought id give you a heads up on that!

 

[Szlachcic]

i have heard from a few people that the bassani x pipe pushes your mufflers tips out about an inch and a half, so you may want to watch out for that, and if you dont have anything to cut the pipes with, send it to a muffler shop and have them do it. Just thought id give you a heads up on that!

Thanks, I will have to see what they look like when I am done and decide if I want to cut some off. The main thing I want to know is how people disconnected the headers from the downpipe.

 

[Madhouse]

Which X-pipe are you putting on? I read about one kit where people had to cut something to install it, but I didn't.

I put on the BX 5-piece kit and it was all bolt-on. You're right though, the passengers side was a real bear to get to. I think I used an extension and a knuckle, and a whole lot of elbow grease - it was one stubborn piece of work.

I also had to loosen the rear hangers on one side in order to fit the pieces together before bolting the clamps down.

I don't think the tips got pushed out at all though, I don't know what that's about.

 

[Szlachcic]

Which X-pipe are you putting on? I read about one kit where people had to cut something to install it, but I didn't.

I put on the BX 5-piece kit and it was all bolt-on. You're right though, the passengers side was a real bear to get to. I think I used an extension and a knuckle, and a whole lot of elbow grease - it was one stubborn piece of work.

I also had to loosen the rear hangers on one side in order to fit the pieces together before bolting the clamps down.

I don't think the tips got pushed out at all though, I don't know what that's about.

It is the 5-piece stainless steel kit (i believe the BX is alumminized steel) and yes it is all bolt-on. I will try it with an extension and knuckle and see what I can do. Thanks for the tip . When you say you loosened the rear hangers what do you mean exactly. I am guessing you loosened where they are bolted too, but I am not sure.

 

[Madhouse]

Yeah, sorry, I meant I loosened the bolts of the hangers, where they attach to the car. That was just for wiggle room. You'll need some play in the whole system so you can wrist-n-fit the pieces all together before bolting it all up.

The tips lined up real well, I was real pleased with the way it came out, since it was just me and a friend working on our backs under the car in my garage.

Keep a can of WD-40 handy, it might help to bring some of the pipes apart when you're unbolting everything.

The downpipe on the pass. side - you almost have to get that one off without seeing it. That's why I used a knuckle to get to it. It WILL come off though - don't get too frustrated too quickly.

Good luck man - - let us know how you made out!


Oh yeah, mine is the stainless steel as well, not the aluminized.

 

[REDFIRE 05 GT]

I had a local shop do mine, the did have to cut about 1 1/2 inches off the x-pipe. I have the JBA's and the tips stick out far enough all ready. You have to rotate the passanger side cat inward so the O2 sensor does not touch the floor boards. Did you get the off road pipes too? Would love to know what they sound like.

 

[Madhouse]

Did you get the off road pipes too? Would love to know what they sound like.

I did - I got the 7-piece kit that includes the o/r legs. I never put the comp cats on - they're sitting in my storage unit.

 

[Szlachcic]

I am using the compcats since I don't feel like switching out the pipes when inspection time comes rolling along. I imagine it sounds quite nasty w/o the cats but since I already have the SLPs I think it would be a little much. But then again my brother drives an RX7 that sounds like a freakn' airplane so my neighbors are probably use to it by now.

 

[REDFIRE 05 GT]

I did - I got the 7-piece kit that includes the o/r legs. I never put the comp cats on - they're sitting in my storage unit.

I have the pipes too, are you using MIL Eliminators?

 

[audionut]

I didn't use anything but 3/8 ratchet and a few extensions plus an open end wrench for the O2's to get everything off and back on. Everything came off pretty easily and the tips didnt stick out any further. Only thing I had to redo was I had one of the clamps turned too far up towards the floorboard and it would hit under hard acceleration. Good luck, you will be very happy with it-at least I am.

 

[Madhouse]

I am using the compcats since I don't feel like switching out the pipes when inspection time comes rolling along. I imagine it sounds quite nasty w/o the cats but since I already have the SLPs I think it would be a little much. But then again my brother drives an RX7 that sounds like a freakn' airplane so my neighbors are probably use to it by now.

It's pretty sick sounding - I really like it. In Texas a new car has 2 years before the first inspection, so I ain't too worried about that. Hopefully this car will be replaced with a Shelby before the first inspection is due.

I have the pipes too, are you using MIL Eliminators?

No sir.

 

[REDFIRE 05 GT]

It's pretty sick sounding - I really like it. In Texas a new car has 2 years before the first inspection, so I ain't too worried about that. Hopefully this car will be replaced with a Shelby before the first inspection is due.




No sir.

No SES lights?

 

[Madhouse]

No SES lights?

Yeah, not right away, but it finally came on after a while.

 

[REDFIRE 05 GT]

I thought that hindered the performance of the car, Ive even heard of these cars going into a "Limp" mode if the light stays on to long.

 

[Madhouse]

I thought that hindered the performance of the car, Ive even heard of these cars going into a "Limp" mode if the light stays on to long.

I'm not sure about that, but I know my car's not currently in limp mode.

I plan on getting a tune and having the rear O2's turned off, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[I8URVTEC]

I installed the Bassani cats, x pipe and axle back myself. If you are going to install just the x pipe with or without the axle back you will need to cut after the stock cats and then clamp the X pipe on. If you are putting the Bassani cats on no cutting is required.
The whole thing took me about 6 hours using jack stands and hand tools...just don't rush anything and you will be fine. One BIG tip...get a swivel extender to get the socket on the exhaust manifold bolts easily. It saved me lots of time. Other than that there were just four bolts and a clamp holding each muffler on and two bolts holding each cat to the manifold.
Here are some pics of my install. I will post more later.
http://franksperformance.com/Forums...gallery&cmd=user&user=3&op=view_album&album=4
Take a look at the pic that shows the factory H pipe and cats laying next to the Bassani X pipe and cats...it shows you the huge difference in flow.
P.S.
All installed...I LOVE THEM, sound and response is great.