ATP turbo Downpipe (A1) hits driveshaft. Ideas?

1079 Views 19 Replies 10 Participants Last post by tyrone27, Oct 11, 2002

Stephen Webb

Discussion Starter · Nov 26, 2001

I was trying to install my turbo this weekend, and the ATP A1 downpipe that I bought hits the driveshaft. Before I call and bug them about it, I figured I would post to see if anyone has any ideas. (maybe I'm overlooking something; doing something wrong)
It barely hits the driveshaft, (I can actually install the pipe, but it does contact the shaft)
-Steve

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

TheSpilDog

· #2 · Nov 26, 2001

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (A1) hits driveshaft. Ideas? (Stephen Webb)

do you get a loud rubbing sound when you press full throttle? I had the same problem and the only solution was to change my dogbone inserts to polyurethane. I don't know how the A1 works since I have an mk3.
Let us know what happens.

Stephen Webb

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 26, 2001

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (TheSpilDog)

quote:[HR][/HR]do you get a loud rubbing sound when you press full throttle? I had the same problem and the only solution was to change my dogbone inserts to polyurethane.[HR][/HR]

I haven't run the car yet, but I imagine it would make a good amount of noise at cruise speeds. I am already using upgraded motor mounts. Since the downpipe hits the driveshaft at rest, I would expect severe bumps / turns / accelerations could make things worse.
I think that it' s possible that they just welded the flange on wrong, and I need a new pipe.
?
-Steve

XSiVE

· #4 · Nov 26, 2001

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (Stephen Webb)

i got my pipe from them in pieces, and i fit it in there myself.. you can call them up and ask for one that isnt pre-welded and it might be the solution you are looking for.. then all you will have to do it line it up, mark it, and take it to a shop to have them weld the mofo.

Stephen Webb

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 26, 2001

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (XSiVE)

Thanks for the input. That's what I will do.
-Steve

Stephen Webb

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 27, 2001

They are sending me a new one, I will weld it myself.

I called ATP, they said they would ship me a new one without the flange welded on. I will position the pipe, and tack it in place, and weld it off the car.
Not sure I have ever welded stainless to mild steel. I'm wondering if my little mig welder can handle it. Should I do it myself, or take it somewhere?
Anyone?
-Steve

dUbL2RbL

· #7 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: They are sending me a new one, I will weld it myself. (Stephen Webb)

How did you mount the Exhaust manifold?
According to ATP there is only one way to mount it...You can actually mount it 2 ways but the way they describe is correct...anyways this is what I did. I installed the manifold the correct way first but the turbo hit various parts in the engine bay...a/c piping, firewall, electrical etc...
so I tried flipping the manifold over and installing it that way...the holes line up and the manifold bolts up but ATP said it was the wrong way...all my problems previous problems didnt exist with the exhaust manifold mounted this way except that the downpipe hit the axle.
try and check that...maybe im just dumb but hey I had to try something to make it fit good.

Stephen Webb

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 27, 2001

2

Re: They are sending me a new one, I will weld it myself. (dUbL2RbL)

I called ATP, and talked with them.
They tell me that the manifold must go with the flange offset toward the passanger side of the car. When installed this way, the downpipe actually hits *worse* in my setup (I can't even put a third bolt in the flange). The turbo is way more cramped in this setup as well.

(for instance, I can't put the downpipe on with studs because there isn't enough room to fit it in. Instead I have to use bolts. Bummer)
Anyway, ATP is treating me fairly and sending me another unit without the flange welded on. Hopefully this will give me the freedom to make it perfect

(Thanks again XSiVE)
-Steve

See less See more

BUNNYLOVE

· #9 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: They are sending me a new one, I will weld it myself. (Stephen Webb)

Stephen, I've used their downpipe on my A1 and mine is nowhere near hitting the driveshaft, I also used studs. Is your downpipe oriented on the passenger side of the car?

89turbrio

· #10 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (A1) hits driveshaft. Ideas? (Stephen Webb)

You are going to use their down pipe? I hope it worked. YOu could have a shop make you one with the braided stainless to the flange on your cat.
Sorry to hear about your hassle.

speed51133

· #11 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (89turbrio)

hey, welding stainless to mild steel is easy. just zap it on with the mig elder using mild steel wire.
do you use wire with the "flux core"?? if so, it may not work as well, not 100% sure.

Stephen Webb

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: They are sending me a new one, I will weld it myself. (BUNNYLOVE)

quote:[HR][/HR]Stephen, I've used their downpipe on my A1 and mine is nowhere near hitting the driveshaft, I also used studs. Is your downpipe oriented on the passenger side of the car? [HR][/HR]

I think it's just a matter of manufacturing variations, on their part - not sure. I could almost squeeze the pipe on to the studs (maybe yours were shorter?) but couldn't get it on with all 3 studs in place. I could believe that a different downpipe would have slightly different clearnances and would fit better (or that in a Scirocco, say, the clearances are slightly different)
The manifold is oriented so the outlet is shifted toward the passanger side (if it's on the other way I can easily put the downpipe on to the studs)
-Steve

Stephen Webb

Discussion Starter · #13 · Nov 27, 2001

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (speed51133)

quote:[HR][/HR]hey, welding stainless to mild steel is easy. just zap it on with the mig elder using mild steel wire.
do you use wire with the "flux core"?? if so, it may not work as well, not 100% sure.[HR][/HR]

I will practice on some stainless first

For some reason I thought it was harder to weld.
The welder is a little ****box "Matco" 110v welder. It has only 4 "heat" settings, but so far has actually worked very well. I did spend the extra $100 or so on the tank and gas regulator - I too have heard some bad things about the flux core setups. Hopefully it is up to the task.
-Steve

See less See more

sirhc

· #14 · Oct 11, 2002

3

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (Stephen Webb)

Back to the top.

I just received my atp downpipe today, and it hits the side of the engine bay. I know everyone says that it should be mounted with the flange towards the passenger side, but I can't even mount it because its too close to the car. Perhaps its my turbo?
If I flip the manifold over, the downpipe fits ok, but it gives me a lot less room to work with on the cold side.
Here's what I'm talking about...

Thanks in advance. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

See less See more

Stephen Webb

Discussion Starter · #15 · Oct 11, 2002

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (sirhc)

ATP said it had to be mounted with the offset toward the pass side -- something about how it would bolt up, but the ports wouldn't line up. I spent a fair amount of time convincing myself that they were wrong, and I have been running it with the offset toward the drivers side the whole time. (we are talking thousands of miles, not tens of thousands...)
It's the only way I could reasonably make it fit. I did have to bend one of my brake lines out of the way, and I had to use a wire-tie to keep the heater hoses close to each other (And away from something...)
It is a tight fit, but it's doable. And the results will bring a smile to your face...
-Steve

sirhc

· #16 · Oct 11, 2002

2

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (Stephen Webb)

Thanks Steve, thats exactly what I wanted to hear.

Hopefully I'll be able to get this thing buttened up with weekend. I can't wait!
One more thing, and pics of your cold side? I'd like to see what you did with your intake boot and coolant lines. Thanks! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

See less See more

Stephen Webb

Discussion Starter · #17 · Oct 11, 2002

2

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (sirhc)

quote:[HR][/HR]One more thing, and pics of your cold side? I'd like to see what you did with your intake boot and coolant lines. Thanks! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif[HR][/HR]

That's the best I can do.
I'm not sure which way the manifold is in this picture (probably offset toward the pass. side), but the hose routing is still pretty much identical.
I used the Volvo "cobra head" intake boot, and two 45 degree silicone connections. Note also that I am using the Volvo 240 fuel distributor which has a larger diameter air cone at the top, necessitating a larger boot (or a stock boot soaked in hot water, I'm told) Audi 5 cylinder air boots should fit directly as well.
The nice thing (for me, on an A1 at least) about the Volvo boot (aside from it being very sturdy) is that it is shaped very close to what you need, and is flexible too. The volvo piece + the two 45 degree hoses is nearly optimal. I never worry about that part of the install.
Also note that the clearance between outlet hose and manifold (throttle body) is fairly tight. Wastegate actuator needed custom bracket and rod arm to clear firewall, turbo outlet, and turbo outlet hose.
-Steve

See less See more

AdidasCU

· #18 · Oct 11, 2002

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (Stephen Webb)

I have a callaway kit, and the turbo should be offset to the DRIVERS side... At least that's how it works on my car....
Good luck

sirhc

· #19 · Oct 11, 2002

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (AdidasCU)

Wow, I really like that volvo intake boot Steve... what cars did those come with? I've been planning to run my euro injection, but I might be persuaded to go with the volvo setup. Does that setup run a freq. valve? I might need to go junkyard hopping this weekend. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
Thanks Steve...

See less See more

tyrone27

· #20 · Oct 11, 2002

Re: ATP turbo Downpipe (sirhc)

can the ATP downpipe be used on a 16v A1

1 - 20 of 20 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.