DIY for downpipe removal on AR/A6/S6 WITH TIP

[da9b16]

I have searched and searched and googled and searched..... maybe I dont have the right key words???

I am looking for a DIY for installing aftermarket downpipes....or even a nice write up on downpipe removal WITH TIP. I can find TONS of them for all the other chasis and for manual /6spd, but NOTHING definitive for allroad or a6/s6.... VERY VERY frustrated.

I have new downpipes and I just had shoulder surgery. I have limited mobility. I need to know if this is something I can tackle on my own and a write up would help A LOT.

OH and FYI- I have completed over 300 engine and trans swaps in my life and I at one time was part owner of a small repair shop. I am not new to anything under any hood. I am not scared.... or any of that. Just need to know if I can do this with my jacks and jack stands and my plethora of tools or do I need to call in the crew and get some modelo's. LOL.

Sometimes having the right information is all the tools you need.

[8520]

I've heard it's near impossible without dropping the backside of the motor or subframe on a tip.

[da9b16]

Heard the same thing.... but I need a full write up to see if I can conquer this thing.... and if not I will make one myself and post it up.

[pohsib]

I just did it recently. You must cut the OEM heatshields out if you don't want to mess with anything else. I just used some metal snips and cut the shield in half and took the pieces out but maybe some sort of dremel would be quickest. Heatshields aren't needed anyways if you don't have pre-cats. Then the rest of the removal can be done in 15 minutes.

[DCandDGK]

Did mine a couple months back. Rear part of sub frame MUST be lowered.

[DCandDGK]

DIY I followed. Just lower the subframe to get them out. http://s4biturbo.ruserios.com/?p=287

[troyguitar]

Heatshields aren't needed anyways if you don't have pre-cats. Then the rest of the removal can be done in 15 minutes.

Is this true?

[pohsib]

Is this true?

What part? Heatshield is there because the pre-cats get really hot. There was a thread somewhere that found that the engine bay temp went down quite a bit after gutting the pre-cats. As for removing the downpipes, I can take them off now without lowering the subframe in about 15 mins a side on my tiptronic. (without heat shields)

[8520]

What part? Heatshield is there because the pre-cats get really hot. There was a thread somewhere that found that the engine bay temp went down quite a bit after gutting the pre-cats. As for removing the downpipes, I can take them off now without lowering the subframe in about 15 mins a side on my tiptronic. (without heat shields)

This is awesome info.

[da9b16]

What part? Heatshield is there because the pre-cats get really hot. There was a thread somewhere that found that the engine bay temp went down quite a bit after gutting the pre-cats. As for removing the downpipes, I can take them off now without lowering the subframe in about 15 mins a side on my tiptronic. (without heat shields)

Man I wish you were close....I would pay you some modelo especial and some dinero for coming to help....Did you have to remove axle? WOULD you be willing to me a brief tutorial on this (best way and easiest/ fastest)..... I want to get this done in a night. According to what you are telling me it can be done.

Also you said cut the heatshields.... are you referring to the cat heatshields up top or the axle heat shields down low?

This is GREAT info for me though.

[blkrhyno]

He's talking about the cat heatshields. I'll be doing this come spring.

[da9b16]

I figured he was, but all the write ups I have seen involve removing the axle heatshields as well??? I just want to know if BOTH heatshields need to be removed or can we do it without removing them both.... 15 mins is great time. I am sure getting the shields off is part of that initial setup.... and is time consuming. I am ok with that.

[pohsib]

Both need to be removed but the axle shields are simple compared to the cat heat shields...

[blkrhyno]

From what I've read most people don't re-use the cat heatshields so they rip them out knowing they are not going back in.

[mtek]

From what I've read most people don't re-use the cat heatshields so they rip them out knowing they are not going back in.

As an experienced European auto service tech (I've had my own shop servicing Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volvo for 32 years), I can say with certainty there is a LOT of MISINFORMATION about the dreaded downpipe removal for 2.7t Audis. YOU DON'T need to lower the transmission, cut the cat shields, or anything drastic to remove and reinstall the downpipes. The fastest and most intelligent way of removing and reinstalling the pipes is to remove the combi valves on both sides of the engine, remove the upper O2 sensors and exhaust temperature sensor on the passenger side, remove the transmission mount on the passenger side, remove the spring loaded downpipe hangers, remove the cv shields, remove the bolts and clamps that retain the cat shields, and most importantly -BEND THE SHIELDS SLIGHTLY TO A FLATTENED STATE SO THEY CAN BE PULLED UP TOWARDS THE OPENINGS IN THE ENGINE BAY BEHIND EACH CYLINDER HEAD. With the shields in this upper position and slightly flattened, the downpipes can be removed from below after removing the turbo exit bolts. Reinstallation is just a reversal of the above procedure starting with mounting of the downpipes when the shields are in the upper position. Once the bolts are tightened to the turbo exit housing, the shield can be slid down over the pipe, bent back into its natural curved shape, clamped and bolted. These shields, while a PITA, are necessary for vehicle safety. Cats in close proximity to wiring and the firewall are an inherent danger. IT IS HIGHLY UNADVISABLE TO PERMANENTLY REMOVE OR DELETE CAT SHIELDS WITHOUT AN ALTERNATIVE SHIELDING MECHANISM DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE HAZARD. If you don't want your car to burn to the ground -DO NOT DO IT!

[TheMysticWizard]

As an experienced European auto service tech (I've had my own shop servicing Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volvo for 32 years), I can say with certainty there is a LOT of MISINFORMATION about the dreaded downpipe removal for 2.7t Audis. YOU DON'T need to lower the transmission, cut the cat shields, or anything drastic to remove and reinstall the downpipes. The fastest and most intelligent way of removing and reinstalling the pipes is to remove the combi valves on both sides of the engine, remove the upper O2 sensors and exhaust temperature sensor on the passenger side, remove the transmission mount on the passenger side, remove the spring loaded downpipe hangers, remove the cv shields, remove the bolts and clamps that retain the cat shields, and most importantly -BEND THE SHIELDS SLIGHTLY TO A FLATTENED STATE SO THEY CAN BE PULLED UP TOWARDS THE OPENINGS IN THE ENGINE BAY BEHIND EACH CYLINDER HEAD. With the shields in this upper position and slightly flattened, the downpipes can be removed from below after removing the turbo exit bolts. Reinstallation is just a reversal of the above procedure starting with mounting of the downpipes when the shields are in the upper position. Once the bolts are tightened to the turbo exit housing, the shield can be slid down over the pipe, bent back into its natural curved shape, clamped and bolted. These shields, while a PITA, are necessary for vehicle safety. Cats in close proximity to wiring and the firewall are an inherent danger. IT IS HIGHLY UNADVISABLE TO PERMANENTLY REMOVE OR DELETE CAT SHIELDS WITHOUT AN ALTERNATIVE SHIELDING MECHANISM DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE HAZARD. If you don't want your car to burn to the ground -DO NOT DO IT!

5 Year bumb FTW!

[mtek]

5 Year bumb FTW!

Amazing it took 5 years for someone to warn people in this thread not to discard important components that are meant to prevent vehicles from burning up. The issue of downpipe removal/installation has been an ongoing agony for many people and for many years. As to the "5 year bumb For the win" - better late than never. And if people weren't so rude with snide comments to those who share accurate information based on professional experience, there might be more of us participating on forums such as this and you wouldn't have to wait 5 years for a knowledgeable person to contribute. Put that in your "for the win" pipe and smoke it.

[CtS4Driver]

Any idea thoughts on whether this method would work on an 03-05 BEL engine Allroad?