97 F350 Downpipe Installation

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 18, 2003 | 03:14 PM

Rob400

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 60

Likes: 0

From: Connecticut

97 F350 Downpipe Installation

I would love to know how everyone out there with a downpipe on this kind of truck got it to fit. I have a 3" downpipe ready to go in, but it does not want to. I have pushed and pryed on what I could down there and nothing seems to be working. It does not seem to be close. What has been the most successful way of bending back the firewall? All of my "massaging" does not seem to be accomplishing anything. Do I need to buy some more tools? Any help would be greatly appreciated because I think some hair is starting to fall out.

Oct 18, 2003 | 04:04 PM

bluemoose89

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 364

Likes: 0

From: nc

well i am pretty sure that you dont bend the firewall back. that would be the last thing i would do. there should be no reason to hack up your truck like that. when i run into a problem like that i just sit back go do something else for about an hour then come back to it and you will probally see what you have been missing. i wish i were there to help you on it, i need the downpipe to finish my exhaust out. so just chill out for a while and come back to it just dont scab the firewall up!

Oct 18, 2003 | 07:57 PM

BobJonesSpecial

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 233

Likes: 0

From: Silverthorne Colorado

Check to make absolutly certain you have the right downpipe. Is there a number on it? Have you called the manufacturer/supplier of the downpipe? One little error in part number or whatever could have resulted in you getting the wrong pipe for your application.

Good luck, and be safe.

BobJonesSpecial

Oct 18, 2003 | 10:14 PM

FoMoCo136

Tuned

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 303

Likes: 2

From: Kentucky

I have not done it yet but it looks to me like on my truck I will have to remove the trans, cross member. I think after that I will have plenty of room.

Oct 19, 2003 | 01:20 AM

Jozey

Junior User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 90

Likes: 0

From: AZ

I have a 96 F-250 and what i had to do is massage the firewall alittle not much, but it is a tight fit.I have about half inch from the firewall to the down pipe and less than that from the pipe that goes behind the motor.It was a pain in my a@# but i got it done.Just gotta work it.

Oct 19, 2003 | 04:37 PM

Rob400

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 60

Likes: 0

From: Connecticut

Well, after alot of "persuading," I finally got the downpipe to fit. That seem is a resistent little one, but I conquered it. I found a way to get a little more leverage on it and bent it with a cro-bar. This was definately not as easy as it has been made to sound, but probably could have been if I had some tools better than just elbow grease.
Overall, I like the downpipe, but it is quite a bit louder in the cab. The factory pipe had some insulation on it and this one obviously does not. The turbo definately spools up quicker, and it can be heard whistling constantly at highway speeds. Sounds a little like a big rig now on the highway. I am having a hard time keeping my foot out of it, so I am sure this mod will not create any improvements in gas mileage.
Now, what mod to do next...................

Oct 19, 2003 | 04:52 PM

mrcobra350

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 244

Likes: 0

From: Florida

I had to massage my firewall a little also to put my 3" downpipe on my 95 F350. It gave me fits for a while then finally it went right in. Mine came with insulation to go around it. It breathes much better. I eliminated the converter and put a flowmaster muffler on it. My never ending quest to lower exhaust temps. The original pipe was a joke. It raised the sound level in the cab some. But it was worth it. Someone asked me the other day do you hear all that noise inside the truck and I said what noise. Thats music the sound of power.