Use/don't use stainless flex pipe-Modding Pypes down pipes

[pagrunt]

I got time to try a mock up of the Pypes kit & down pipes to see what all I'll need to do with mods for the cats. The passenger side went together pretty nice with a little adjustment at the manifold. The drivers side didn't work at as easy, the down pipe didn't connect to the X pipe (some adjusting from the rear should help) & doesn't quite sit/seal with the manifold (has the cast in donut flange.) As I adjust it to work, the end of the pipe comes up & hits the crossmember. I know I have to cut the down pipes for the cats but I'm not sure to use a stainless flex pipe due to the limited amount of pipe in that area. Now if there is a gasket donut or something of the like the give me more adjustment play at the manifold & flange could give me some adjustment needed. Maybe the Pypes 30 degree pipe might even be close to make things fit. For a reference I was thinking of putting the cats in the openings of the crossmember as they fit in that spot.

 

[565bbchevy]

It's kind of hard to visualize exactly what you are attempting to do but if you are talking about a "flex connector" that could solve your issue but if you are referring to the cheap flexible pipe at your local autoparts store I would pass to me that is strictly an emergency temporary fix.

 

[565bbchevy]

A flex connector like this.

 

[pagrunt]

I should of had the camera to show what I came across doing the mock up. I saw this on Ebay for the stainless flex pipe.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-1-2-Stai...ash=item3d57a64c08:g:oFoAAOSwLgNabcKB&vxp=mtr

 

[383_GrandPrix]

I should of had the camera to show what I came across doing the mock up. I saw this on Ebay for the stainless flex pipe.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=263463521288

I would not use that. As 565bbchevy stated, those are only meant to be used for temporary fixes. If a flex pipe is needed, I would invest in a proper one.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aph-8851

 

[fleming442]

Also, flex connectors are for vibration isolation, not for angle correction

 

[64nailhead]

Also, flex connectors are for vibration isolation, not for angle correction

But they can be used for that. Alignment issues can be resolved easily with a flex joint. I weld them in rather than using clamps. An alignment issue of a less than an inch can be resolved easily. Especially if a longer joint is used than what 565 linked.

But I do agree that you cannot have the flex joint looking like a snake inorder to get it hooked up.

 

[565bbchevy]

I personally wouldn't use any kind of flex joint I would instead source the same diameter pipe with what ever bend I needed to correct the issue and cut and weld it in.

 

[81cutlass]

Might want one of these. They are basically ball collectors that allow 15 degrees of rotation, easy connection, and have a small clamp.

Not cheap however for what it is.

https://www.mufflermonster.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=2434

 

[vanrah]

Greetings Guys; Over the years every time I went to the drags, like so many we would unbolt the collectors & push the tail pipe to the side & put one bolt back in, off setting tail pipe section. Sometimes your tail pipe would rub the track. Not an ideal set up Plus no way could you run an auto-X with hanging tail pipes. So by using isolation bushings (not much flex) on everything from the cross member back, "near ridge back half", no shake or klang or bang. The removable piece is between the header flange to V-band in front of flex coupling. Forward from flex everything can shake & shimmy on the motor (Ok engine) mounts. Their are other ways to utilize flex joints but I find having most of the system near ridge is a plus. Ole' Bob.