Going to fit my scorpion decat downpipe tomorrow just waiting for a new v clamp to arrive as its rusted on and needs breaking off! iv got the top heat shield of and the bolts off the top of the downpipe but was just wondering if you can remove the downpipe without taking the lower heat shield off to save some time and hassle trying to get to the bolts from underneath?

Thanks!!

 

It's will be tough getting the OEM downpipe out without loosen the heat shield. You don't have to pull the heat shield out just let it flop around. The diameter of the cat makes it difficult.

 

Ok thanks, il loosen it if I can get to the bolts and give it a go! Thanks

 

I took the whole front lower heat shield out when I did mine. It rattles now so I have to fix that, but your will need to at least loosen it. Also good call replacing the clamp. The original is a ***** to put back on if you re-use it.

 

First time I pulled the cat it was tough because I didn't pull the front end into service mode. This time I did and it was a snap!

 

As Sstrickstein said, putting it into service mode will help a lot. If you need help, we have a tech article that goes over the removal step by step. It's in our Turbocharged Engine Catalytic Converter Replacement under MINI > tech info (tab at top) > R56 articles > and then scroll to the bottom and it's under exhaust.

 

Thanks guys, going to losen the bolts and see if I can fit my hand in there to unscrew them the rest of the way and just take the lower heat sheild out completely! I tried getting the v clamp off but it was rusted on and started bending so thought I'd better get a new one! Going to take the grinder to the old one to get it off!

 

Wow! Where was all this info when I was doing my downpipe. No wonder I couldn't get the heatshield out. But I did manage to get it done without removing anything.

 

Ive done a down pipe removal both ways, in FES mode and laying on my back with my arms jammed into the meat grinder that is your cramped engine bay.
Going into FES mode is really not that bad. After doing it a couple of times you will be amazed how quick you can do it! Make sure to have plenty of replacement fasteners on hand to reattach the fender flares though.
One last thing, PB Blaster is your friend for this job. If you break/strip a stud on the turbo housing, you will enter a world of misery and frustration...

 

So installed it today! New gasket and v clamp were definintly needed!! Took three bolts of lower heat sheild and wiggled it out! All I Can say is wow! Dam it's loud With the jcw back box! Put a spacer on lower 02 sensor and driven 90 miles and so far no light so fingers crossed😁

 

Do you still have the resonator?

 

Iv got one silencer in the middle and that's it

 

I also have the jcw exhaust w/ resonator and i was planning to install a decat downpipe but i was concern that it was going to be too loud.

 

Congrates on the install. I removed my lower heat shield and just header wrapped my header. hate to rain on your parade but the spacer doesnt help on the 08-later mini s from throwing a code. I tried everything from, spacers to $100 o2 simulators. The only thing I know that will keep the secondary o2 sensor from throwing a check engine light is the accessport. or just clear the code every time it comes on.

 

After several days I agree. If I drive easy the emulator keeps the light off. As soon as I get on it hard it stores codes.