Downpipe help please

[mread4]

Just brought a full exhaust system for my FD and having problems removing the old downpipe. Has anybody had the same problems?

[allstaruk]

How far have you got? It known to be a pain buts its easy if you take your time, you will need to undo the steering rack

[mread4]

just the downpipe to remove got 2 nuts off but think removing the steering rack will help. Is it simple to remove?

[Fish]

Drop the streering column at the knuckle. You will also need to use a deep socket for a couple of the nuts at the manifold end.

Rememed to soak them in WD40 or even poor some coke over them somehow.

Fish

[mread4]

ok will give it a go. cheers.

[meddy]

Just a quick one as I started this job myself today. How did you remove the heatshield which covers the stock downpipe bolts? Ive removed the bolts which hold it on so its free, but there doesnt appear to be enough clearance to remove it.

[chrno]

Don't remove the steering column, just another thing to fit back properly, with some will and a pair of small hands you can easily do it without. The hardest bolt is the upper back one iirc, take a very long spanner and go at it from under the clutch reservoir.
Everything works with will violence and some vasoline. ;) Push the engine to the right(is facing it) whilst you pull the heatshields out, another way is to undo the engine mount on that side and jack it up.