SSAC Downpipe preparation and installation, Making the cheapo work properly - 56k not welcome Options

[CilverSeliST205]

Today i started taking my car apart for some maintenance work, and to hopefully resolve few common issues with cheap ssac downpipes. So here is my DP with spiderweb welded as advised per Jeff:



I believe I have read somewhere that these pipes are not 100% stainless, so now im worried about rusting of the welds should I be worried? should I powdercoat it ? Is there something else I can do to keep this DP from falling apart?

Another issue people experience with this DP is boost creep related to the wastegate getting stuck half way open:



What i am going to do is copycat this guy from mr2oc who used some ink+vaseline combo on the WG flapper and messed with actuator while the DP was bolted on so he can see where the gate is getting stuck on the DP. Then I am going to grind the hell out the DP wherever I see ink marks.

I also ordered KO racing support bracket because ssac did not send me mine even after multiple requests...
Should i use ssac gaskets or reuse toyota gaskets?
Any tips on DP installation are welcome!

EDIT - topic changed for search purposes

This post has been edited by CilverSeliST205: Jun 19, 2006 - 8:04 PM

[Defgeph]

1. its not 100% stainless, its coated
2. You can go to autozone and buy header paint. I used it and its holding up very well.
3. see above. You'll only need to paint the outside of the pipe
4. use OEM gaskets only
5. Change the hose from hell located directly behind the down pipe.


DEF

[CilverSeliST205]

1. its not 100% stainless, its coated
2. You can go to autozone and buy header paint. I used it and its holding up very well.
3. see above. You'll only need to paint the outside of the pipe
4. use OEM gaskets only
5. Change the hose from hell located directly behind the down pipe.


DEF

Thank You Sir !

Few more questions

Should I reuse old OEM gaskets or order them new from the dealer ? Whats wrong with xs performance gaskets?

Did you ever check for WG clerance ?

[Defgeph]

Should I reuse old OEM gaskets or order them new from the dealer ? Whats wrong with xs performance gaskets?

Did you ever check for WG clerance ?

I like OEM gaskets better. OEM is metal, the XS is paper. I reused my stock gasket it was in good shape.

I forgot to mention that, grind out the flange for wastegate clearance !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do it now or you'll be kicking yourself in the rear later. The gate WILL get stuck.

[CilverSeliST205]

Should I reuse old OEM gaskets or order them new from the dealer ? Whats wrong with xs performance gaskets?

Did you ever check for WG clerance ?

I like OEM gaskets better. OEM is metal, the XS is paper. I reused my stock gasket it was in good shape.

I forgot to mention that, grind out the flange for wastegate clearance !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do it now or you'll be kicking yourself in the rear later. The gate WILL get stuck.

i assume that i need to grind in the red area and not the blue correct? do you know how much do i need to take off ?