08.21.09 Fabspeed Cat X-Pipe

Summary:

Overall I am impressed with the setup.  The piece looks like a quality made unit, and the new hardware is also a nicety.  I am / was very frustrated during the install becasue I was having to figure out  quite a bit of info on my own when my expectation was that this would be a remove & replace / bolt-on type setup.  In technical terms, it was, but the directions weren't clear about everything that needs to be done to make it a clean remove & replace / bolt-on exercise when installing onto a stock exhaust system.

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I jumped on this deal.  Same day shipping and I had my x-pipe in only a couple days from PA to NC.

Fabspeed Product Page ; Install Instructions; pdf
 

- Fits all 996 Vehicles 1998-2005
- 996 Sports racing catalytic converters give a HORSEPOWER and TORQUE gain to all 996 cars. High Quality T304 SS C.N.C. mandrel bent tubing for maximum exhaust flow.
- High Flow imported sports racing catalytic converters for less restriction and more power and more sports car sound. Fits all cars worldwide. Porsche factory warranty
- Simple bolt-on direct replacement sports cats for the factory OEM Porsche catalytic converters.

Install

Given the statement in the ad, I was expecting that I would have some rusted bolts, but that would be all I'd have to deal with.  Woo boy I was wrong.

Tools / Consumables:

• A general assortment

• 13mm, 17, 14? ratchets

• the flat, close-ended ratcheting wrenches are great for tight places

• ratchet extensions

• PB Blaster; no doubt

• breaker bar

• hammer; helps motivate the OEM slip joints

• 02 sensor socket

• anti-seize for 02 sensor swap

• MAF/02 sensor cleaner [I got anti-seize on mine when swapping over the sensors]

Snags:

• If you have a stock factory exhaust, you need to remove < 2" from the slip joint ends on the xpipe.  Whoops; that wasn't mentioned.

• There is interference from the OEM mufflers and tips on both ends just getting the xpipe into the same cavity area after you remove the OEM cat pipes; remove your mufflers ahead of time.

General Notes:

• tag your 02 sensor leads; they are color-coded, but its easy and can prevent a goof

• install your 02 sensors after you get the xpipe into the OEM cavity; if you have to manhandle it in there, you don't want to damage them if they get knocked around

• you don't have to take the bumper off