So i installed my test pipes, and the resonators touch the cat heat shields... Not bad, but enough to where I can already tell that they will rattle...They are Ichiba test pipes.

Can I remove the heat shields?
I mean, i know they come off, but.. Can i remove them as i dont have cats anymore? I doubt the resonators will get hot enough to warant them...

Would like to do this while the car is still on the jack stands...

 

take them off. /thread

 

If EVERYONE who installs test pipes get the rattle, then take them off. /thread

HOWEVER, there's only a select few that actually get it.

What does this say? The order of torquing down all the exhaust bolts are wrong and/or the Y pipe is hanging a little low, causing stress on the test pipes.

I wouldn't take off the heat shields. If others managed to not have problems with test pipes, then you can too. One less component from car taken off = one less problem to worry about putting back on later...


Edit:

Solution: Take off your catback, torque down the Y pipe first with even force at opposite flanges, then tighten. NOW, get a wooden shim or another floor jack or whatever you have and hold up the Y pipe since right now, your Y pipe is hanging down from not bolting up to midpipe. Then put on the midpipe, torque down with even force, then tighten etc... Basically, what you want to do is torque down the Y pipe to Mid pipe bolts at level height. You don't want either one hanging as it will cause uneven stress on the bolts. Last, put on muffler.

Should take about 30 mins. Keep us updated!

 

so did you fix the problem??

 

I took the heat shilds off.. But with my RS*R Exhaust, the car is way too loud in the interior... Cat's going back on...