View Full Version : I tried (but failed) to install APR exhaust...


Andy Hedin
08-23-1999, 12:32 PM
...my APR/Borla exhaust arrived on Friday and I set out to install it on Saturday. I have previously installed one exhaust, on my '90 VW Corrado so I'm not a "newbie" when it comes to installing exhaust. But, the APR exhaust is a bit more involved as it bolts to the catalytic converter instead of underneath the car. I knew that I'd need extensions to reach the bolts, but I wasn't sure if I had enough on hand or if I'd need to purchase additional ones.

Anyway, so I jack the car up on Saturday morning and piece about 4 various length extensions together. I think I had about 10-14 inches worth of extensions pieced together and it was long enough to reach the bolts. However, due to the positioning of the stock exhaust pipe and the narrow passage where the exhaust comes down off the engine, it looked like I'd need a swivel socket to loosen the bolts. So I get out my swivel socket and place that on the end of the extensions. Still no dice...looks like I really need an extension with just a "wobble" end on it...the swivel keeps binding up and jamming against the exhaust pipe. Plus with 40,000 miles on the car, the bolt seems to be somewhat frozen in place. To make a long story short, I couldn't get the three bolts off so I gave up :-( Perhaps if I had a different brand of swivel (I was using a Craftsman) or if I had an extension with a "wobble" end on it I would have been able to get the bolts off. But I decided to give up and I setup an appointment to have it installed on Thursday at Air & Water Enterprises. I'm also going to have Todd flush my brake fluid and install ATE SuperBlue fluid while I'm there.

I'll take pics of the install and post my impressions at that time.

<A HREF="Mailto:andy_hedin@hotmail.com">Andy Hedin</A>
'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Wett 1.0 Bar, ABT Filter, Euro Headlights, APR/Borla Exhaust (coming soon!)...

markbradford
08-23-1999, 01:03 PM

E-Rock
08-23-1999, 01:07 PM

Paul
08-23-1999, 01:08 PM
nt

Audiboy
08-23-1999, 01:11 PM
My tool box contains u-joint and constant velocity swivels. I have extensions that can go as long as 4 feet. Plus I have impact wrenches if all else fails. Thanks for the warning. Cat bolts tend to get frozen as the cat is the hottest piece in the exhaust - unless of course if the turbo was made to run at full capacity and glows red.

Andy Hedin
08-23-1999, 04:32 PM
nt

Andy Hedin
08-23-1999, 04:33 PM
nt

pdw
08-23-1999, 06:16 PM

Jeff K
08-23-1999, 08:53 PM
Andy -

I should receive my APR/Borla exhaust on Wednesday or Thursday. I realize you haven't installed yours yet, but how's it look in person? Fit and finish? Tips? Just wondering . . . I guess I should try to be a little more patient!

Thanks.

Jeff K
'99 1.8TQM APR 1.0 Bar, Exhaust this weekend!