is it easy / possible to replace the downpipe on a vrs when it's not on a proper ramp?

Yeap

Not too bad to do at all really

car will be on axle stands, and the downpipe has never been off before. still doable?

cheers!

Doable, yes. Spray some antirust or something before(a day before) loosening flange bolts... Spare studbolts might be good to have if youre doing it at weekends..

This happened to me:

Edited 29 April, 201115 yr by tuplavee

Downpipe is easy to change.

I did mine last weekend replaced with high flow downpipe.

I got some wobbly ratchet spanners they came in handy.

Probably easier to remove whole exhaust, only a few bolts tbh

my downpip has snapped at the flexi so no point removing whole system, it's just the getting it off at the turbo end. I guess it's an under the car only job?

cheers!

my downpip has snapped at the flexi so no point removing whole system, it's just the getting it off at the turbo end. I guess it's an under the car only job?

cheers!

yes, if you have never removed the downpipe it will be on very tight as the heat "welds" the pipe to the turbo. A good 17mm ratchet spanner is what you will need, i have replaced 2 turbos in a month!!!

is there enough room with the car on axle stands to get underneath it?

cheers!

Yes plenty mate

thanks mate! will be giving this a go over the weekend

There is plenty of room with axle stands as i have done it a few times.

I have also done it on ramps.

Here are some helpful pics of when i fitted my decat downpipe

Note: Tip, I would suggest you spray the downpipe to turbo bolts with loads of WD40 and leave overnight or for as long as possible to help with removing them cleanly.

Pic of first sensor to remove

Pic of second sensor to remove

Remove the drive shaft heat shield to give better access to the downpipe nuts.

Centre section nut / bracket to remove

Cable tie back sensors out the way(tip leave the sensor wires twisted when cable tying them as it help when refitting to keep cable straight)

Centre section bracing undone and supposed by trolley jack. And downpipe pulled out from it

Downpipe shown removed from section

Undo / remove upper turbo manifold nuts/bolts

Downpipe removed

New Decat pipe ready to fit (can see the 2 sensor holes)

Showing front of downpipe that is not as restrictive as the std downpipe

New decat bolted up to turbo manifold

Sensors refitted

Pipe in place

thanks Bowders, thats brilliant!

well sadly the bolts are literally welded on! so bodged the downpipe for now until I can get it to a garage!

new downpipe arrived today, should be fitted tomorrow!

BOWDSER, Any chance you could post those photos again please? Or zip them up and email me?

Thanks