DDM Dominator Torque Pipe Install
The FG Monster Truck ships with a plain jane “Heli” muffler which is nothing more than a can with an extra long stinger pointing out the back of the truck. In other words a very inefficient exhaust for this truck. After running about 3-4 tanks of colemen camp fuel through the FG Truck I decided it was time to upgrade to a bigger, better, more efficient tuned pipe. After researching my options that was available for the FG Monster Truck I decided on the DDM Dominator torque pipe from Daves Motors. I liked how the DDM Dominator pipe didn’t wrap around the entire truck or turn colors after it got hot. Then there is the point that I’ve heard the DDM Dominator pipe can possibly open up to another 1.5HP to your stock engine!
Parts Needed:
Tools Needed:
- Dremel
- Round Bastard Cut File
Time:
30 - 45 minutes
Skill level:
Easy
Installing the DDM Dominator torque pipe #fd140!
The DDM Dominator pipe was shipped in a plain brown box with the pipe wrapped in bubble wrap, also included is a DDM decal to stick on your truck somewhere. First impression I couldn’t believe how big the box was, then when I took out the pipe I couldn’t believe how big the pipe was - pictures do little justice to the size of it nor the beauty.
Once out of the box and the stock “Heli” exhaust removed I lined up the DDM Dominator pipe to prep for install. Immediately I realized that we had a problem, when I set a screw in the back mounting bracket I noticed that the exhaust port wasn’t lining up at all:
The problem was the support brace on the FG Monster Truck for the roll cage, or more so the hump within the support brace. I tried removing the back bracket screw and lining up the pipe with the engine first. No luck, the pipe was still hitting that middle support brace and wasn’t lining up with the engine. The middle roll cage support brace had to go and in came the dremel. Using a cut-off wheel the support brace was removed in no time at all. The cut-off wheel also makes a nice flat surface so going back and making your own support brace becomes very easy.
With the support brace gone this opened up a lot of room for the DDM Dominator pipe (#fd140) to move round and to be mounted correctly and flush with the engine.
After lining it up with the engine I found a second problem. Now the back bracket was lining up with the mounting hole.
A few quick passes with a round bastard cut file quickly made the round bracket hole an oval hole which then allows the screw to be installed. I’d also suggest using a washer as well due to the larger hole, though this “might” not be needed.
After that the DDM Dominator torque pipe was ready to roll!
Thoughts about the DDM Dominator Torque Pipe
Man where to begin? The pipe for one is beautiful, the chrome on this pipe just sparkles. I’ve already ran through mud puddles, dirt and gravel and the pipe still manages to shine through. The sound of this pipe is unbelievable - my FG monster truck went from sounding like a small weed eater to sounding like a chain saw! Power increase? Let me say I’ve been in the nitro world for some time now and with all the pipes I’ve installed I’ve never been able to tell much if any difference from pipe to pipe, but going from my heli exhaust to the DDM Dominator torque pipe I was able to notice a huge difference right off the line. The FG monster truck wants to wheelie as soon as I get going and will even wheelie at mid range. While this is a torque pipe I also noticed the FG seemed to be a bit faster on the high end as well.
All in all I am very pleased with the DDM Dominator pipe and would recommend this to anyone wanting to upgrade their own exhaust.
Discuss the DDM Dominator torque pipe in the FG Monster Truck forum!