AWE Touring exhaust feedback wanted

[nismo95tt]

Tools I'd suggest:

• 3/8" ratchet
• 1/2" ratchet
• various extensions
• 11/12/14/15mm sockets (standard and deep)
• 14mm wrench
• exhaust hanger removal tool
• PB Blaster
• shop rags
• mechanics gloves

I just did the AWE Track install last weekend and had trouble with the 14mm factory nuts connecting the AWE catback to the factory lower downpipe. I wasn't able to get a socket on the nut due to the size of the AWE piping/welds. I used an open ended 14mm wrench but couldn't torque it properly.

How did you get around this? Thin walled socket (spark plug socket)?

Also having clearance issues with the resonators after torquing down the clamps. They had enough clearance before the final tightening, but afterwards they must have moved/tweaked slightly b/c the clearance is like 1cm now, and they are rubbing under load....

Gonna have to revisit the install, but hoping to get some tips so I don't have to do it THREE times.

 

[nismo95tt]

Tools I'd suggest:

• 3/8" ratchet
• 1/2" ratchet
• various extensions
• 11/12/14/15mm sockets (standard and deep)
• 14mm wrench
• exhaust hanger removal tool
• PB Blaster
• shop rags
• mechanics gloves

wish I saw your post last week lol.

here's my notes as well from the installation of Stillen Sway Bars and AWE Track catback:

Splash guard 10mm

Front Sway bar bushing / bracket 13mm, 41-49 (45) foot pounds
Front Sway bar end link 17/19mm, 59-70 (66) foot pounds

Y pipe flange bolt 14 mm
Exhaust hanger bolts 14 mm
Rear Cross Brace bar 12 mm, 10-14 (25*) foot pounds

Rear Sway bar bushing / bracket 14 mm, 20-29 (29) foot pounds
Rear sway bar end link 14/16 mm, 37-44 (41) foot pounds

AWE exhaust clamp 15 mm 55-61+ foot pounds
AWE Tips 11mm

Notes:
*25 ft/lbs b/c that's the lowest my torque wrench goes...
-Numbers in parentheses is what I used which was often the average of the given range or slightly higher
-Some of these might be off as I relayed info verbally to my GF/safety manager who recorded the info

 

[kevinbonds]

I haven't place my AWE sticker on any thing yet. I did place my Spool Performance sticker on my window. Its so cool!! 1 HP! Gained!

Are you happy with the spool downpipes? I am about to pull the trigger, have them in my cart. I have been thinking about getting tuned, and two tuners told me, it's best to install LDP's before a tune, it helps keep the EGT's down given the extra boost, so im looking to do the LDP's.

 

[Christian/AWE]

I just did the AWE Track install last weekend and had trouble with the 14mm factory nuts connecting the AWE catback to the factory lower downpipe. [...] hoping to get some tips so I don't have to do it THREE times.

Hey there!

We have a support team that can offer up some helpful tips and tricks. We also have some FAQs about common installation techniques.

Our fitment is guaranteed, so when installed properly these concerns and instances should not manifest.

 

[Bumflik]

Are you happy with the spool downpipes? I am about to pull the trigger, have them in my cart. I have been thinking about getting tuned, and two tuners told me, it's best to install LDP's before a tune, it helps keep the EGT's down given the extra boost, so im looking to do the LDP's.

Hell Yea!!!! Do it!!!!

 

[kevinbonds]

Hell Yea!!!! Do it!!!!

Order placed!

 

[Bumflik]

Order placed!

You will be very Happy!!!!!! 6HP + Sounds now that you upgraded the LDP. That factory downpipe has to come off for better gains.

 

[kevinbonds]

You will be very Happy!!!!!! 6HP + Sounds now that you upgraded the LDP. That factory downpipe has to come off for better gains.

The LDP is really best when paired with a tune. Mark and Sonictuned says you are leaving 40-50 HP on the table if you don't remove the restrictive cat and go with a LDP and exhaust prior to tunning.

 

[Bumflik]

The LDP is really best when paired with a tune. Mark and Sonictuned says you are leaving 40-50 HP on the table if you don't remove the restrictive cat and go with a LDP and exhaust prior to tunning.

I'll be getting a tune in a month. Did you get No Cat or resonated?

 

[kevinbonds]

I'll be getting a tune in a month. Did you get No Cat or resonated?

Resonated.

 

[Bumflik]

Gotcha, gonna enjoy the difference. Let me know when you get a tune.

 

[KrackaC8]

I just did the AWE Track install last weekend and had trouble with the 14mm factory nuts connecting the AWE catback to the factory lower downpipe. I wasn't able to get a socket on the nut due to the size of the AWE piping/welds. I used an open ended 14mm wrench but couldn't torque it properly.

How did you get around this? Thin walled socket (spark plug socket)?

Also having clearance issues with the resonators after torquing down the clamps. They had enough clearance before the final tightening, but afterwards they must have moved/tweaked slightly b/c the clearance is like 1cm now, and they are rubbing under load....

Gonna have to revisit the install, but hoping to get some tips so I don't have to do it THREE times.

I also used an open end 14mm wrench. Snug 'em down tight...you do not need to put a torque wrench on exhaust piping bolts.

You need to hold the resonators in place with one hand/arm, after rotating them into place, while cranking down the 15mm band clamp bolts with the other hand. I did mine alone, but if you can get someone to crawl under there with you it'll be that much easier. I followed the AWE instructions very closely, tightening front to back, and had great success. Fitment is flawless, but it does take time to get everything aligned just right as each slip-fit connection is an adjustment point that can be tweaked.

It was not one of the easiest exhaust system installations I've ever done...but it is honestly one of the best exhaust systems I've ever installed! I would say the C8 Corsa catback is very similar in this regard. Your patience and efforts are rewarded.

 

[nismo95tt]

I also used an open end 14mm wrench. Snug 'em down tight...you do not need to put a torque wrench on exhaust piping bolts.

You need to hold the resonators in place with one hand/arm, after rotating them into place, while cranking down the 15mm band clamp bolts with the other hand. I did mine alone, but if you can get someone to crawl under there with you it'll be that much easier. I followed the AWE instructions very closely, tightening front to back, and had great success. Fitment is flawless, but it does take time to get everything aligned just right as each slip-fit connection is an adjustment point that can be tweaked.

It was not one of the easiest exhaust system installations I've ever done...but it is honestly one of the best exhaust systems I've ever installed! I would say the C8 Corsa catback is very similar in this regard. Your patience and efforts are rewarded.

Thanks for the tips. I do think having a second person to hold while I crank would solve the issue. And/or putting it up on a lift and having more room to maneuver…

 

[Bumflik]

 

[KrackaC8]

I saw some C8 exhaust components in that video!