Fed up with my exhaust cracking every *%$#ing where.
#1
Fed up with my exhaust cracking every *%$#ing where.
Since instally Berk Test Pipes, my Invidia N1 and M2 Ypipe have been constantly self detructing. It's been welded about 6 times at the mid pipe and the Y Pipe and completely severed at the collector and flexpipe on both sides all at different times. I'm at my wits END. No shop can figure it out. I thought it was engine torque, so I installed a torque damper. 3 days later BRAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! I've not had a smooth running car all summer or fall.
The car is practically undrivable because of this issue. I've taken everything all the way up to the manifolds out, had it repaired and reinstalled with the bolts all loose so things could settle into place. Now the Y-pipe has catastrophically failed at the flex. The midpipe which was the major problem before seems to be holding up. I'd really hate to lose the TPs because I love them. There has to be something else going on.. Do the TP need a flex?
CLiffs:
Exhaust cracking problems started after test pipe install
Installed engine torque damper and it didn't help
Y pipe was less than one year old and Invidia N1 is about 5 years old
Need advice on what to do outside of buying a new exhaust
The car is practically undrivable because of this issue. I've taken everything all the way up to the manifolds out, had it repaired and reinstalled with the bolts all loose so things could settle into place. Now the Y-pipe has catastrophically failed at the flex. The midpipe which was the major problem before seems to be holding up. I'd really hate to lose the TPs because I love them. There has to be something else going on.. Do the TP need a flex?
CLiffs:
Exhaust cracking problems started after test pipe install
Installed engine torque damper and it didn't help
Y pipe was less than one year old and Invidia N1 is about 5 years old
Need advice on what to do outside of buying a new exhaust
#3
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Seems like stress problems, I would buy an extra 2 bolt flange on eBay and install it between the Y pipe and the exhaust with longer bolts and that should five it 1/2 " of extra space which should prevent cracking
#5
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Get test pipes or HFCs that bolt-up to the OEM brace for the cats.
Attachment 327222
Attachment 327222
Cats, my guess is that the fitment between the Y pipe and mid pipe is super tight so when you connect both peaceable together is puts stress on both parts, if you add a flange it will give you 1/2" of play room, where both peaceable won't be pulled so tight together
#7
Is there such a thing as fake Invidia products? Maybe you have low quality knock-offs and the extra stress of the test pipes is too much. I know I had to reef on my system to get my cheapo Megan TP's in, but my stock '03 system hasn't had any issues and I've been quite hard on it.
Not what you want to hear, but I'd stop loving those TP's in a hurry.
Not what you want to hear, but I'd stop loving those TP's in a hurry.
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#9
^agreed. I think Megan makes it. The car stays outside and the 1/2 flange idea won't work because the fit is tight between the Y and mid pipes. I my just get a stock HR Y pipe and see if it all holds up. If that doesn't work I want the Fast Intentions Dominator..
#10
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I had the same problem with my Tanabe exhaust, not one crack with my Motordyne.
#17
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^ Yes, especially if the exhaust components are already stressed, as it seems to be the case.
I've had this problem for years and went through about 5 sets of test pipes myself, some of which were rewelded a few times, until I settled on the TurboXS test pipes. I also installed the engine torque damper and that seems to have helped.
My guess on what the contributing factors may be:
- improper fitment angle (poor quality) of the exhaust pieces when completely assembled.. so you're forcing them to fit at incorrect angles
- there's nothing to support the weight of the exhaust system except at the headers and toward the end of your exhaust (after the y-pipe), so there's a sag in the middle (read: added stress)
- what makes things worse is that the engine will move, even with the torque damper in place, adding even more stress
I've had this problem for years and went through about 5 sets of test pipes myself, some of which were rewelded a few times, until I settled on the TurboXS test pipes. I also installed the engine torque damper and that seems to have helped.
My guess on what the contributing factors may be:
- improper fitment angle (poor quality) of the exhaust pieces when completely assembled.. so you're forcing them to fit at incorrect angles
- there's nothing to support the weight of the exhaust system except at the headers and toward the end of your exhaust (after the y-pipe), so there's a sag in the middle (read: added stress)
- what makes things worse is that the engine will move, even with the torque damper in place, adding even more stress
#20
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I say add in some hangers and get a different Y-pipe. The flex pipes on Y-pipes are there for a reason: To help reduce stress on the exhaust. It should solve your problem.
My whole entire exhaust was made in my friend's garage and has held up fine, so it shouldn't be hard to eliminate the problem. Good luck!
My whole entire exhaust was made in my friend's garage and has held up fine, so it shouldn't be hard to eliminate the problem. Good luck!