I am replacing the downpipe with a M2 one. When I put the downpipe to the exhause flange, I was stucked because the frame is hitting the 3" pipe. The exhaust flange studs are still in place. Does anyone install the downpipe sucessfully with the studs in place?

 

the rear two studs on the turbo-side of the downpipe didn't come out for me, but i didn't have a problem. I installed my M2 downpipe last weekend. the only thing was the bottom rear stud, on the exhaust flange again, you have to get the nut threaded on the stud before slipping the downpipe flush with the flange. what frame are you talking about?



and i put the O2 sensor in after the downpipe was in place, that wasn't a problem either.

 

I'm not really sure what you are saying either but it sounds like you connected the wrong end of the down pipe first. Connect the down pipe to the turbo manifold first, before you connect the other end to the catalitic converter or mid pipe. You can use the crow bar/tire iron thing that is in your trunk to get over the studs of the Cat' and slip them into the rear of the down pipe.

 

My Pettit slipped right on with a little bit of work.