Replacing 6 speed transmission. Do I really have to remove the aftermarket downpipes?

[mark001]

I need to replace my 6-speed transmission but the questions is whether or not I will have to remove my aftermarket downpipes (no cats) in order to do so. I know (or from what I've heard) is that the stock downpipes have to be removed first but does the same goes for aftermarket downpipes. The reason why I'm asking is that the downpipes are partially welded to the catback so I'd have to end up removing the whole exhaust in case I can't remove the transmission by itself.

[Boarder]

i am gunna say that you dont have to but trust me its going to be one bitch to get the trans out!. If you take the exhaust off it will make taking the trans off a cake walk. That's what i did and it was pretty easy.

[A62TURBO]

If you're going through the trouble of removing your trans, I don't see what the big deal is if you have to remove the DP's as well.

[mark001]

I think you forgot the part where I mentioned that it was welded to the catback.

[durfA4]

Saws all, then buy a 3" autozone coupler clamp and drive to Midas, have it welded. Easier and only a few bucks

[Scotty@Advanced]

Remove the whole exhaust?

[Boarder]

what is so hard about removing the exhaust. Is your exhaust one solid pipe? with nowhere where it comes apart?

[mark001]

what is so hard about removing the exhaust. Is your exhaust one solid pipe? with nowhere where it comes apart?

Yes, it's solid. Thanks, I got my answer. I can remove the transmission but it's alot easier with the exhaust off.

[getslideways]

I would say to remove the exhaust, i know when i pulled my trans it would have been near impossible to yank it out with the aftermarket downpipes still in place, and having them out of the way gives you much more room to work, and will help you get access to the trans bolts. I think the Bently lists removing the stock downpipes for the process, so if you have aftermarket downpipes that are larger, then i think you are are even less likely to get the trans out with them in place.

Any time you might save by not removing the exhaust (assuming the trans would even wiggle out past them), you will most likely just add to the process in working around them.

My advice is pull em out.