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H-pipe Install

  • Thread starter Thread starter nullsetzero
  • Start date Start date Jun 13, 2013

nullsetzero

New Member
Jun 10, 2013
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Jun 13, 2013
#1
  • Jun 13, 2013
  • #1
I've been out of the game for quite some time... had a heavily modded 87LX about 10 years ago and somehow all my tools walked away.

Just bought a 1990 Notch and will be installing a used h-pipe asap. My question is...

Does anyone have a tools list of what socket sizes, wrench sizes, universal joints, extensions etc I'll need to install the h-pipe, O2 Sensors?

I know this is basic stuff, but I'm building my toolbox back up from what it used to be and I want to get this show on the road!

Thanks
 

Mintsick

10 Year Member
Jan 6, 2007
589
39
68
West Lafayette, IN
Jun 13, 2013
#2
  • Jun 13, 2013
  • #2
Hard to say, you did not mention whether or not the exhaust is completely stock at this point or not. A typical metric/standard mix of sockets with a 3/8" ratchet, mix of wrenches, and a few extensions should serve you well though I'd say.
 

ReefBlueHatch

Active Member
Jan 12, 2010
682
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39
Central KY
Jun 14, 2013
#3
  • Jun 14, 2013
  • #3
I know the 02's are 7/8" because I just changed mine. I would highly recommend a 02 socket from the parts store for under $10. I couldn't break mine free with just a wrench and it wanted to round off, but the socket bit great and allowed me to use long handled ratchet for leverage.
 

89stang1

Stroked and Juiced
10 Year Member
Nov 5, 2008
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nj
Jun 14, 2013
#4
  • Jun 14, 2013
  • #4
ReefBlueHatch said:
I know the 02's are 7/8" because I just changed mine. I would highly recommend a 02 socket from the parts store for under $10. I could break mine free with just a wrench and it wanted to round off, but the socket bit great and allowed me to use long handled ratchet for leverage.
Click to expand...


I did my 02s last year had to use a bar over my ratchet and i sprayed wd on it a couple times the day before to get 02s off. 2 weeks ago i installed a new off road h pipe on my car what a pita, next time i find a lift to do it!. After the first nite on my back on garage floor i got the old one off, the next nite i put new h pipe up on the hangers and noticed the lineup to my headers were not even close. So after cutting the two hanger wires off h pipe i installed it total of 3 1/2 hours on my back came out good but never again without lift!
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
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Ontario, Canada
Jun 14, 2013
#5
  • Jun 14, 2013
  • #5
I needed heat to get my O2's out. Took the threads out with them unfortunately. Just ended up buying a new set. Get some anti seize on them when you put them back in...whatever you do!!!

You won't need to change U-Joints to change the H-pipe, but if you're just generally asking, you'll need a 12mm, 12-point wrench (and usually a hammer) to get the driveshaft bolts out.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,267
17,954
224
Massachusetts
Jun 14, 2013
#6
  • Jun 14, 2013
  • #6
If it's original exhaust...you might need a Sawzall
 

jcgafford

10 Year Member
Jan 7, 2012
1,114
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104
Adrian, MI
Jun 14, 2013
#7
  • Jun 14, 2013
  • #7
11/16 nuts and bolts. Get some impact tools I just messed with mi ne and it was either that or a large breaker bar. Not a ton of room unless you have access to a lift
 

Illuminator

Active Member
Nov 29, 1999
219
10
29
So. Cal
Jun 14, 2013
#8
  • Jun 14, 2013
  • #8
Gearbanger 101 said:
You won't need to change U-Joints to change the H-pipe, but if you're just generally asking, you'll need a 12mm, 12-point wrench (and usually a hammer) to get the driveshaft bolts out.
Click to expand...


Just did mine a few weeks ago...after no luck with the hammer method, I decided to take a 3ft crowbar under the car(with closed end wrench)with me. and after a few slips/skinned knuckles....managed to get the right angle down and worked like a charm....
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
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In the garage
Jun 15, 2013
#9
  • Jun 15, 2013
  • #9
If you are lucky, you can soak the O2 sensors with PB blaster for a few days and then they will come out. I had to heat them up a little and slap the air wrench and socket on them when then were hot and they finally came out. Definitely PITA without a lift.
 

toolbox samurai

Member
Jun 15, 2013
12
1
13
Phoenix Arizona
Jun 15, 2013
#10
  • Jun 15, 2013
  • #10
just out of curiosity. what are the benefits to using an H-pipe or an X-pipe. is there a difference or is it just a what fits best? what kind of gains would a person hope to see by using this? is there a point of modification where this is necessary? or is this purely for exhaust scavenging benefits?
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
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Ontario, Canada
Jun 15, 2013
#11
  • Jun 15, 2013
  • #11
toolbox samurai said:
just out of curiosity. what are the benefits to using an H-pipe or an X-pipe. is there a difference or is it just a what fits best? what kind of gains would a person hope to see by using this? is there a point of modification where this is necessary? or is this purely for exhaust scavenging benefits?
Click to expand...

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0Va3sDhqwI
 

ReefBlueHatch

Active Member
Jan 12, 2010
682
96
39
Central KY
Jun 16, 2013
#12
  • Jun 16, 2013
  • #12
Illuminator said:
Just did mine a few weeks ago...after no luck with the hammer method, I decided to take a 3ft crowbar under the car(with closed end wrench)with me. and after a few slips/skinned knuckles....managed to get the right angle down and worked like a charm....
Click to expand...

I put the box end of my 12mm wrench on the driveshaft bolt at the 4-5 o'clock position and use my floor jack to push up on the wrench - loosens bolts free in a second without breaking a sweat!
 

ReefBlueHatch

Active Member
Jan 12, 2010
682
96
39
Central KY
Jun 16, 2013
#13
  • Jun 16, 2013
  • #13
mikestang63 said:
If you are lucky, you can soak the O2 sensors with PB blaster for a few days and then they will come out. I had to heat them up a little and slap the air wrench and socket on them when then were hot and they finally came out. Definitely PITA without a lift.
Click to expand...

Yup, I forgot to mention that. I sprayed mine every time I walked through the garage for few days. I also let the car idle for 3-4 minutes right before I took them out so the pipes had some heat in them when I loosened the sensors - wear gloves for this!
 
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