Advice on installing JDL 4 2 1

[ihavefat]

I’m relatively new to the platform so I’d appreciate any advice :P

This is the guide I plan on using as a reference:

https://www.partsdocs.com/Guide/How+...+Subaru+BRZ/39

-renting the o2 sensor from autozone
-ordered the Grimmspeed gaskets for the header side. Will be reusing stock ones for the FP side or source one locally if available at the dealer
-my understanding is that I need to bang on the skid plate a little bit to conform to the header shape
-my torque wrench recently crapped out. Any recommendation on one?
-do I need bolts or can I just reuse the stock ones ?

Anything else I’m missing?

[x808drifter]

Do you have a way to tune the car?
If not then don't install till you do have a way and a base tune.

[Code Monkey]

Should have told me when you picked up the header; I am always happy to help with installs!

[Turdinator]

That is a pretty comprehensive write up, you should be fine.

I didn't need to massage the skid plate for my install YMMV.

From memory one or two of the nuts where the header meets the heads won't be accessible easily with a torque wrench. Getting the exact torque isn't critical though.

I was able to re-use existing hardware with my installation but I live somewhere that never snows so again YMMV.

As mentioned above you will need a tune with this header. I haven't seen an OFT optimised tune floating around so a reputable Ecutek tuner will be the way to go. If you are getting an E-tune make sure your tuner has tuned a car with this header before as the cam timing needed for it to run well is unique to this header.

[Teseo]

Originally Posted by Turdinator

That is a pretty comprehensive write up, you should be fine.

I didn't need to massage the skid plate for my install YMMV.

From memory one or two of the nuts where the header meets the heads won't be accessible easily with a torque wrench. Getting the exact torque isn't critical though.

I was able to re-use existing hardware with my installation but I live somewhere that never snows so again YMMV.

As mentioned above you will need a tune with this header. I haven't seen an OFT optimised tune floating around so a reputable Ecutek tuner will be the way to go. If you are getting an E-tune make sure your tuner has tuned a car with this header before as the cam timing needed for it to run well is unique to this header.

Shiv have "optimized " tune for JDL but was for UEL... don't know if that tune could work on EL though

[PulsarBeeerz]

Originally Posted by Teseo

Shiv have "optimized " tune for JDL but was for UEL... don't know if that tune could work on EL though

It will not.

[ihavefat]

Originally Posted by x808drifter

Do you have a way to tune the car?
If not then don't install till you do have a way and a base tune.

Yes, ordered the Ecutek yesterday from CSG and arrived today. I just sent over the car info to Zach.

Originally Posted by Code Monkey

Should have told me when you picked up the header; I am always happy to help with installs!

Hahah, I appreciate the offer :P. You seemed busy with the track prep.

Originally Posted by Turdinator

That is a pretty comprehensive write up, you should be fine.

I didn't need to massage the skid plate for my install YMMV.

From memory one or two of the nuts where the header meets the heads won't be accessible easily with a torque wrench. Getting the exact torque isn't critical though.

I was able to re-use existing hardware with my installation but I live somewhere that never snows so again YMMV.

As mentioned above you will need a tune with this header. I haven't seen an OFT optimised tune floating around so a reputable Ecutek tuner will be the way to go. If you are getting an E-tune make sure your tuner has tuned a car with this header before as the cam timing needed for it to run well is unique to this header.

ah. Yeah..just wanted to make sure the nuts didn't back out lol.



QQ: Do people leave their OBD2 Ecutek bluetooth adapter plugged in? or take it out after using it?

[Turdinator]

Originally Posted by Teseo

Shiv have "optimized " tune for JDL but was for UEL... don't know if that tune could work on EL though

It wont. Totally different header.

[Turdinator]

Originally Posted by ihavefat

QQ: Do people leave their OBD2 Ecutek bluetooth adapter plugged in? or take it out after using it?

I do. I got used to monitoring my trims etc so i use the app and Bluetooth functions.

[ihavefat]

Originally Posted by Turdinator

I do. I got used to monitoring my trims etc so i use the app and Bluetooth functions.

Ah I see. Right, unless the car is in Ignition or On with the engine running, my phone can’t find the Ecutek via Bluetooth so I’d think it’s not draining the battery



So I got the header installed:



Got the base map loaded on and sent Zach the first datalog. I was able to torque down all the nuts except for the one on the passenger side, mostly because I couldn’t quite get the socket fitted. Ended up just using a ratcheting wrench to tighten it down. Let me know if anyone has a recommendation on fitting a socket somehow so I can use my torque wrench to torque it down.

[PulsarBeeerz]

Originally Posted by ihavefat

Ah I see. Right, unless the car is in Ignition or On with the engine running, my phone can’t find the Ecutek via Bluetooth so I’d think it’s not draining the battery



So I got the header installed:

Attachment 211942

Got the base map loaded on and sent Zach the first datalog. I was able to torque down all the nuts except for the one on the passenger side, mostly because I couldn’t quite get the socket fitted. Ended up just using a ratcheting wrench to tighten it down. Let me know if anyone has a recommendation on fitting a socket somehow so I can use my torque wrench to torque it down.

I was able to get a deep well 14mm and 6"(?) 3/8" extension on. First the socket on the nut, then slide the extension on between the runners.

[Wally86]

Originally Posted by ihavefat

I was able to torque down all the nuts except for the one on the passenger side, mostly because I couldn’t quite get the socket fitted. Ended up just using a ratcheting wrench to tighten it down. Let me know if anyone has a recommendation on fitting a socket somehow so I can use my torque wrench to torque it down.

Crows foot + extension maybe? (I'm just spitballing what I *think* I would do)

[Code Monkey]

Assuming a 3/8" torque wrench, use a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter and you can sneak in a 1/4" extension between the runners, then put a 1/4" 14mm from the top.

[ihavefat]

I appreciate the help everyone !! I was able to properly torque it down.

I finished tuning with Zach and the car feels amazing. However, I haven’t modified the skid plate so I do hear a rattle sometimes. And I may or may not look for a catback as the car doesn’t sound that great with just the headers lol