DIY Clear Image off road downpipes ~no cats~

[LS3SSRS]

I finally got around to installing my off road downpipes from Dan Ferraro @ clearimageautomotive.com. There's no links on his site for camaro goodies but he does off road pipes, and headers.

Install took a while but it wasn't too difficult. it was all done in the garage on ramps & jackstands.

-shipped quick, although customs held them for a week
-well packaged with bubble wrap
-downpipes came with new gaskets but i had to go out and buy new bolts
-grade 8-
-(4) 7/16x1-1/2" (5/8" open end wrench used on these)
-(8) 7/16 lockwashers
-(4) 7/16 nuts (11/16" socket used on these)

Tools needed:
-1/2" ratchet
-1/2" swivel socket
-1/2" extensions (i used 2x6" and 1x12" to get at the exhaust manifold nuts)
-15mm socket
-5/8" open end wrench(for new bolts)
-11/16" socket(for new nuts)
-7/8"/22mm o2 sensor socket
-impact wrench (don't need but helps)
-needle nose pliers
-electrical tape
-anti-seize compound(i used permatex but i think kopr-kote by jet lube is better)
-pb blaster or liquid wrench..wd40 works but not as well
-optional- cold beer

Install:
-disconnect battery
-take off oil cap and engine cover
-disconnect (2) plug wires on both sides nearest firewall
-spray some pb blaster on the exhaust bolts right now to let soak/penetrate
-disconnect rear/lower o2 sensor plugs using needle nose pliers
-disconnect upper o2 sensor plugs
-these were difficult to remove at first. i broke the drivers side plug mount that's secured to the head off...oops lol. best way is to squish the end of the green lock tab with the needle nose. you can then push the green lock tab out of the connector.




-next, get your extensions together, swivel socket, and 15mm socket ready on either a 1/2" ratchet or impact wrench
-remove 4 nuts off the exhaust manifold (impact really helped because i twisted a stud out of the drivers side stock downpipe)
-undo 15mm exhaust clamps under car and slide pipes forward, down, and out
-tape up o2 connectors to prevent dirt/dust getting in
-spray all 4 o2 sensor threads and let sit. i actually let mine sit overnight and sprayed some more the next day before attempting to remove



-using the o2 sensor socket, remove o2 sensors. mine came out easily with the 1/2" ratchet as they all just 'broke' loose. i then threaded out the o2 sensors by hand. none were cross-threaded


-clean up o2 sensor threads, apply anti-seize, thread into new downpipes and tighten




-apply anti-seize to ends of 7/16" bolts
-test fit new pipes into factory exhaust clamps and finger tighten 11/16" nuts to hold pipes up
-place new gasket on flange
-insert 7/16" bolt from underneath, remembering lockwashers, and start nut on threads. tighten as much as possible by hand.
-with a helper, hold the bolt in place underneath using your open end wrench, and tighten nuts from above using socket/extension combo



-line up exhaust tips. in my case, they were offset, one higher, one lower. so we used a floor jack and piece of wood to lift the lower side, and wedged the other side.
-tighten 15mm nuts on exhaust clamps and remove jack. you may have to re-align again by adjusting jack until they sit evenly
-remove tape on o2 sensors and plug in


-re-connect battery

You're done! Start the car and enjoy
It sounds awesome! real loud and deep.

Side notes:
-my CEL came on after 100km. which sucks but it doesn't affect the way the car runs.
-this install is probably close to the ADM offroad pipes instructions, im just not sure how their flanges bolt up.

[olblue75]

NO codes????????????????????

[LS3SSRS]

Still has a check engine light... It wasn't on for the first 100km

[olblue75]

Can you use a tuner t make it go away or no

[LS3SSRS]

Originally Posted by olblue75

Can you use a tuner t make it go away or no

Definitely.

[ron10]

very nice.

[JEFF2010SSMANUAL]

Without cats won't that poison the air more?

[bahrainSS]

After u fixed it dose check engine light showed up ?