I'm going to be driving from Pensacola, FL to San Francisco the 1st of November and I want to order/install a downpipe to eliminate the pre-cat and keep temps down.

Will I need to make any adjustments to fuel or is this a safe mod by itself? The car will be BONE STOCK besides the downpipe...and a possible aluminium AST (which shouldn't make a difference). I've been told that doing any mods to the intake or exhaust system require the fuel to be addressed.

The car is a 94 R2 w/ 70K miles on it. I will be traveling I-10 to I-5

The DP I am looking at is the one by M2.

Can anyone recommend a better piece?
Can anyone tell me where I can get a bra that won't cover the pop ups and how much it runs?

Thanks!

 

Will tell you that if the car is stock you wont need to do any tuning...many of the guys here are running DP on stock carz and no extra tuning...I would order an aluminum AST and install it before you go because you wouldn't want it to crack on the way...you can't exactly pick one up at autozone if you know what I mean...I bought my stoc 94 R2 in DC and drove it to Tulsa, Ok and just brought the AST with me just incase......don't know abou the prices and bra though

 

you can run a DP and catback with no fuel probs, but be weary of the 3 mod rule if you get an intake. Some say it's ok and some don't...it really just depends on your car. Def get the AST!

 

there is a nice thread on this if ya do a search..its fairly recent.

one of the mods listed was a trailer hitch mod to haul what you will need (extra engine and all necessary parts as well as tools)

hahah

just kiddin boysssss

j

 

i think your car will be 100% normal (just cooler) with the downpipe. ive got an awesome fit bra from colgan.com. $100 shipped. theyve got one with liscense hole and w/out. it also comes with the hood cover. the headlight covers are attached with an elastic nylon band. i had no problem cutting them off though. so now both my head light covers are seperate from the bra if i ever need them. you could see a pic if anybody got this damn sites photo page working again! pm me if you have any q's

 

If you are going to install it yourself be careful. My brother took his stock pipe off and broke one stud and damaged all the others. I don't know what they do to put those on but it would be worth investigating the best way to remove them.

 

Are you buying a car from Pensacola? If so, I can check it out for you. I would also be glad to help with the downpipe. Or just show you around our lame little town.

 

Put in the AST, change the coolant, replace the thermostat, replace the fuel filter. You'll be good to go.

Bring a gallon of water with you just in case. Check the antifreeze each morning while the car is cool at the filler neck. You'll want to do this because there may still be some air in the system after the antifreeze flush (incomplete burping).

Have fun.

 

No one has mentioned that the downpipe really does more to keep the car cool AFTER it has been shut down. While driving it really doesn't heat up the engine compartment, pre-cat failure isn't likely while just cruising on the freeway.

If it were my car I'd probably get the oil changed fill it up and drive it home. When you get home you can do the DP, coolant flush, etc.

Jeff

 

Jeff, When I first got my FD it was stock, and I noticed that, above 65mph, the transmission tunnel would get quite hot. After I put my DP on, it was not as hot, and after I put the MP and exhaust wrapped them both, the heat is gone. Just a point on which to think.

 

So I should definately go with an AST and Greddy radiator cap then, right?

The downpipe can safely be installed all by it's lonesome and not cause a strain on any fuel trims.

I can't find a price or pics of the Colgan bra. Anyone have a site to order or pics of it installed?

Anyone know of another company that has a decent fitting bra?

The bra doesn't hinder airflow does it?


My main goal is to keep the temps down and try to save the nose paint as much as possible.

 

You really don't NEED the AST and cap, but it certainly won't hurt anything. Likewise, the downpipe will not cause any undue strain on the fuel system.

 

On the Interstate you will hardly find any rocks to chip your paint. Don't tailgate and you'll be fine. Bras tend to do more damage than good. They get grit behind them, especially when they get wet. The grit slowly grinds into the paint as the Bra WILL move around a bit at 75-85mph.

FDs run the coolest on the freeway, hottest in town during stop and go.

You are really worrying to much. It is a 10yr old car (93's were made in 92), it hasn't died yet, a cross country trip is easier on it than stop and go traffic.

Jeff

 

Yeah, you're right. I am worrying a bit much. I think I'm a little freaked because I'm new to rotarys and FDs and I've heard horror stories.

I think I'm just looking for an excuse to justify buying the DP :P

Thanks for the help guys, I'll quit my newbie antics now.

 

If I'm not mistaken, there's a law that says you have to install a DP and AST following any long trip. Better get those items installed as soon as you get back to CA, or we'll rat you out

Rusty (Born and raised in Pensacola BTW)

 

man.. i hate to make that trip.

i did NY to San Diego in my probe gt.. by myself with the car packed to the roof with clothes.. porno mags.. and small household appliances.

cant imagine doing it in a small car like the FD..

do the DP.. AST.. and do your maintenance thingys before you leave.. i.e. oil.. coolant.. sparkplugs.. so forth so on...


arent you near pettit racing? they might help you with installing and help to other questions.

 

Speaking of long trips...

Does anyone else find the stock leather FD seats get really uncomfortable on long trips? I mean the sides of the seat up against the outside of you right leg.

Or maybe I just have a big ***.

 

Try making the trip only a month ago in a 88 CRX Si. I drove there and back last month because I had to attend some training. While I was down there I found the FD on the web and drove to Atlanta at the end of my training to look at it. I then drove from Atlanta to San Fran!!

I have to go to more training at the same location in a couple weeks and that's why I'm flyin down but drivin back.

Can't wait, can't wait!!!!

 

My problem is that my nutz get sore after about 2 or 3 hours. I guess that's why they have the little ball vent.

 

In 1997 I drove my FC from CA to VA. Lost my tranny in Winslow AZ. Some how I was able to get it in gear and limped to Albuquerque NM. I was so scared I would have to down shift going up that 9 mile hill in to Albuquerque behind a semi, I wasn't sure I could make it. The local Mazda Dealer sold me a rebuild and I was off the next day, but they over filled the tranny fluid and it started to smoke real bad so I had to go to another Mazda Dealer in Tulsa OK. After that it was right as rain. I loved the 4 day drive. There is nothing like driving though the desert at sunrise and sunset. Beautiful!!!!