[kellenf123]

Hey all, I’m just going to get straight to the point. I’m unable to get the rear catless downpipe in. The v-band clamp is just too difficult for me to get around the turbo and the downpipe. I’ve tried searching the forums/youtube for any sort of advice or tips on getting this v-band clamp seated but I haven’t found much. Car has been on jack stands for 2 weeks now, and I’m worried that my car won’t be up and running for BMW Invasion which is happening in my home town. If anybody has anything they can share to guide me in the right direction I would much appreciate it.

[R3dLeader]

Remove the downpipe or just back it away from the turbo an inch or two.
Place the v-band clamp loosely on the turbo.
Then mate the downpipe to the turbo and gently rock the clamp back and forth to get it over the downpipe flange. You may have to spread the clamp open a bit to pop it over the downpipe flange. Don't over-do it as you do not want it to come off the turbo side.

Have you watched any of the million YouTube videos on downpipe install?

Honestly, it is not that difficult. You can do it!

[BSM n54iS]

I thought you put the rear turbo on first right?

But ya I put the clamp on the turbo snout then mate the dp up with it, bolt out, hold the dp with 1 hand and spread the clamp apart with 2 fingers with the other. If you really need I've seen reverse tongs that may help you spread the clamp apart enough, and have the bolt portion on top obviously. O2 sensors loose if not out.

[Mustafa.e92]

If ur using aftermarket clamps it'll be a nightmare too their to thick

[kellenf123]

Originally Posted by R3dLeader

Remove the downpipe or just back it away from the turbo an inch or two.
Place the v-band clamp loosely on the turbo.
Then mate the downpipe to the turbo and gently rock the clamp back and forth to get it over the downpipe flange. You may have to spread the clamp open a bit to pop it over the downpipe flange. Don't over-do it as you do not want it to come off the turbo side.

Have you watched any of the million YouTube videos on downpipe install?

Honestly, it is not that difficult. You can do it!

Yeah I've sifted through YouTube pretty vigorously. Every video pretty much just says "ok guys put the v-band around the turbo and the downpipe" and then the video just cuts to the downpipes in place. My left arm eventually cramps up after holding the downpipe up for 30 minutes straight, but I'll try this approach.

[kellenf123]

Originally Posted by BdSM n54iS

I thought you put the rear turbo on first right?

But ya I put the clamp on the turbo snout then mate the dp up with it, bolt out, hold the dp with 1 hand and spread the clamp apart with 2 fingers with the other. If you really need I've seen reverse tongs that may help you spread the clamp apart enough, and have the bolt portion on top obviously. O2 sensors loose if not out.

I've had trouble with getting a decently flush connection between the downpipe and the turbo, the best I got was the left and right part of the clamp on but I couldn't get the bottom part of the clamp seated in place. I'm gonna try and take the pre-cat O2 sensor out and see if that gives me more room for my hands to work with.

[kellenf123]

Originally Posted by Mustafa.e92

If ur using aftermarket clamps it'll be a nightmare too their to thick

I bought some replacement clamps from VRSF, they look pretty similar to the stock ones. I thought I'd buy new clamps since I figured it wouldn't be the best idea to re-use clamps that were manufactured when I was literally 4 years old.

[IllSic_Design]

yeah dont put the o2 sensor in until after you have the DP bolted up with the clamp, no need for that to be in the way. Also, you have the bolt fully removed from the clamp right?

Also, some off-brands have thicker than OEM flanges on the downpipes which makes them a pain in the ass, if you haver VSRF you should be fine on that front.

[kellenf123]

Originally Posted by IllSic_Design

yeah dont put the o2 sensor in until after you have the DP bolted up with the clamp, no need for that to be in the way. Also, you have the bolt fully removed from the clamp right?

Also, some off-brands have thicker than OEM flanges on the downpipes which makes them a pain in the ass, if you haver VSRF you should be fine on that front.

Yeah the bolt isn't in the clamp but idk. Hopefully the front dp is easier to put on.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Wait so I think you are doing it wrong. IIRC you are supposed to put the v band on the turbo outlet first, then mate the downpipe to it. Like do not try and wiggle the V band around DP and turbo after they are isntalled/mated.

[Chapperss]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Wait so I think you are doing it wrong. IIRC you are supposed to put the v band on the turbo outlet first, then mate the downpipe to it. Like do not try and wiggle the V band around DP and turbo after they are isntalled/mated.

This - put clamp on rear turbo, in the correct orientation, then slot the dp in and wangle it about back and forth. I was quite mean with it as like you had been messing with it for ages. You can hold it a bit wider at the same time with your fingers where the bolt goes to, but just the viscous wangling should do it. It may pop in in 5 or 30 seconds, keep at it.

Additionally, If you really want to just get it done, you could also take a pair of pliers to the clamps and go all the way round widening them by a very small amount.

[dmckmc]

First time I did this I placed the clamp facing the 'wrong' direction and could not access the bolt! What a rookie move but I did get to put it on twice for practice. I set the band on the turbo in a sort of ready to spring or loaded/spread position. When the downpipe was in place the v band sort of snapped in place. Keep trying.