lb7 cp3 and turbo help

[boostnlb7]

hey ya'll, i installed factory direct downpipe in my lb7 while the motor was out 'easy', now i am taking turbo off for upgrade and im not seeing an easy (possible) way to get the direct downpipe off without dropping tranny down..has anyone done this or had the same problem? worthless downpipe anyway..
---next, does the thermostat housing have to come off the front of the motor to get the cp3 out? im almost there.. all help and advise is greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!

[wsmithduramax]

Can't help you much on the down pipe issue but I unbolted the t-stat housing when I did mine a few weeks ago. You need as much room as possible, and its easy to remove

[boostnlb7]

is the t-stat housing its own seperate piece ? and bolts on from the front right?

[wsmithduramax]

No sorry I missread your post. I was referring to the house that have I believe 4-5 bolt in the top where. The upper radiator hose comes into. I think your asking about the cross over pipe which the thermostats set into. I did not remove the cross over pipe it is not needed. I attached a picture of what I had removed in order to get the cp3 out. And the bolts that you need to remove to get the pump out are somewhat behind that cross over pipe but they can be accessed with a ratchet fairly easily. I did have the fan removed for some extra room and if I remember right I lessened the power steering bracket I think there is 4 bolts. Sorry for the confusion hope that helps

[boostnlb7]

perfect pic!! mine looks just like that now but i havent took intake off yet, so i dont hav far to go.. thanks alot for the help on the cp3 for sure.. still looking for downpipe help everyone, chime in...

[wsmithduramax]

What down pipe do you have just out of curiosity, I guess if it was me and you didn't need that existing down pipe unless your upgradinging to a modified IHI then I would either cut it in half through the fender well or unbolt the TRANS crossmember and use a jack to lower it a little bit instead of dropping the TRANS. I'm sure it should come out without that much work, might just take some major wiggling. As will the cp3 will take some wiggling and finess too as we'll. good luck

[boostnlb7]

i want to go with bigger downpipe, but i want a good solid strategy on changing them without ruining it everytime ya know, incase im workin on someone elses..
Wsmith: how did u clean existing lok tite out from inside the head, after u removed cups? when i look into the hole there is still old lok tite around the bottom where the cup seats to the head.. not sure the proper cleaning technique as i dont want the shit in my cyliders...
its 6:00 p.m where i am and im gonna start cleaning the inj cup ports in the a.m