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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHFabspped X/Cat Pipe Install
Reported repair
Use oem sleeve
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1
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0
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1
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Reported fix · Original poster
LINKED ACTION
Is the end that you cut off go over the Fabspeed mufflers instead of using the OEM sleeve that goes over both ends?
A sawzall and ~2 minutes later and the issue was resolved, just slightly irritating to have to do it in the first place when I had different expectations based on the ad that was posted.
Leading evidence: 'Use oem sleeve' (1 discussions report resolution; 0 report an unsuccessful attempt). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Use oem sleeve' (1 discussions). For that action, 1 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. The most frequently reported fix is 'Use oem sleeve', supported by resolution reports in 1 discussions. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Replace mufflers so i have an idea what goes where
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I have been under the car and changed my mufflers so I have an idea what goes where, but my confusion is to why you had to adjust them.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Alex told me to do this; the system is designed to be used with their mufflers; so the ad is not
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Suggestion · Original poster
IDK � maybe they have a setup for stock muffler and a set for aftermarket � I wasn�t asked before my purchase, so I needed to do the modification after I got them.
A sawzall and ~2 minutes later and the issue was resolved, just slightly irritating to have to do it in the first place when I had different expectations based on the ad that was posted.
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Suggestion · Original poster
IDK � maybe they have a setup for stock muffler and a set for aftermarket � I wasn�t asked before my purchase, so I needed to do the modification after I got them.
A sawzall and ~2 minutes later and the issue was resolved, just slightly irritating to have to do it in the first place when I had different expectations based on the ad that was posted.
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Edit: Also,
HERE
is the link to my Install / Write Up page. There are more pictures and commentary.
==============
This thread will capture my install problems and what I find to be the solutions. Hopefully it will serve others later on.
I'm back from a local muffler shop after taking 2" off of each slip joint side of the system.
I am now back under the car, and I still cannot get the system to fit. I've inserted one of the shortened slip joint side into the stock slip joint pipe end, but now the xpipe flange doesn't have clearance at the opposite muffler side.
I am loosening that muffler so I can wiggle the xpipe flange upwards and into place and hopefully get me closer to the actual
install
.
pics along the way are always helpful and sound clips at the end or it "never happened"
hahhaha
good job and keeping it moving, I hate those type of jobs where things dont go as planned and take 5x longer than expected
OK. I have the xpipe at least in the cavity where the OEM set up existed; nothing is bolted up.
I had to remove the forward most bolt on each muffler to they could both swivel while I was manhandling the xpipe into place
Still frustrated, but better
the fabspeed x-pipe is 1-piece while the other aftermarket and OEM cats are separate pieces.
You will probably have much better luck by removing the mufflers completely, mount the 1-piece x-pipe to the headers first, let it hang, then mount each muffler afterwards.
Of course, don't tighten the header bolts until everything is lined up correctly.
I think I am done. Everything is bolted up and as tight as I can get it with hand tools.
The 02 sensors are plugged back in. I got a little anti-seize on them, so I cleaned them off with MAF cleaner figuring if it is gentle enough to work on the MAF then it should be OK on the 02s. We'll see shortly.
I took plenty of pics. Will post later tonight if I am successful and after a few celebratory brews.
So these are the most informative I think.
Took me about 1/2 a day * 2. Obviously taking my time, taking pictures, and the F/S instructions aren't that detailed.
PB Blaster and a breaker bar is a must have
power tools help but are not absolutely required
I disconnected my battery
don't forget anti-seize
remove your mufflers, trust me
Great Job! I also bought one for my C4S and planning to install in early Sep. Can you let me know the exact length that I need to take off on each slip joint?
Thanks
We measured and removed 2". Did Fabspeed not ask you whether or not you had a stock system either before they shipped?
Also,
HERE
is the link to my Install / Write Up page. There are more pictures and commentary.
Wow, thanks for taking the plunge for all of us! Great photos too.
I am just a little confused on the fit. I have been under the car and changed my mufflers so I have an idea what goes where, but my confusion is to why you had to adjust them. I thought each replacement part (for example, Fabspeed header, cat, muffler) was a direct exchange for stock fit. So I am still a little confused on why these would need adjustment for some mufflers and not for others. Sorry if I misunderstood.
Looking forward to your review of the sound too!
Jon
Jon, it all
fits
, but just getting it into position was the challenge. I tried every imaginable way to get the pipe up there without moving the mufflers, but there was no way that was happening.
Oh - the 2" is purely so it will fit with the stock exhaust setup. Alex told me to do this; the system is designed to be used with their mufflers; so the ad is not
totally
accurate; this was the first disappointment, but not one without a resolution. Thanks for the compliments
Ha. Just got back.
Um, yeah. Daddy like.
I can't comment on just the xpipe because I also installed the
RSS Plenum
and the
Evo Intake
this weekend as well.
The sound from the exhaust is like the PSE +2 or +3, except when you get above 4k, and then its like +8; it is a glorious, mechanical howl that is still smooth and Porsche-like.
Driving around the neighborhood, at below 2k, its your standard PSE when it is 'On'. On the street, there is more volume when you put your foot in it, but its not raucous; its smooth and a little deeper.
When on the street and the PSE is 'Off' there is just a little bit of hum now to the exhaust , whereas before it was
sewing-machine
quiet.
On ramps and anything above 4k = the secks
What I am really impressed with, and this could be all 3 mods coming together, is how smooth the delivery it is; the RPMs just climb faster.
No torque loss down low, but in 5th or 6th, there might be a little less; not an issue honestly - I'm not looking for torque in those gears.
Idle is still rock solid; no hunting; no misses; no drama.
These are my first drive perceptions - they can change as I get more seat time, but let there be no mistake - it was worth it. Softronic is on the way.
Nice write-up, Whitey. I'm interested in your comment about not having to take the bumper off. It's only 4 bolts. If you are referring to the fascia and heat shields, I've always found it faster and easier to just remove them, especially if you want to get at the mufflers.
My car has the 996 Fabspeed exhaust (headers, cats, and mufflers), and I agree with your assessment. Good stuff.
Thanks for the write-up!
Whitey - Thanks again for posting all the pics so we can all see the new Fab cross pipe. I'm also confused like Jon996. When you had to cut to 2" off the end that connects to the muffler, and they said it was because you had OEM mufflers - don't all aftermarket mufflers fit the same as the OEM including Fabspeed? I've had both GHL and now Tubi mufflers - they all fit with the OEM cat pipes. Is the end that you cut off go over the Fabspeed mufflers instead of using the OEM sleeve that goes over both ends? Still trying to figure out why 100% of the people buying the x pipes won't have to do the same as you....Thanks,Will
Yeah, I took off the bumper only to then remember about all that damn shielding
I started to investigate taking that off, but decided against it. It certainly would have been easier, I just didn't know how much more work it would have been and a that point I was already tired of removing stuff.
The ends that I cut off on the F/S xpipe
slide into the slip joint on both ends
. The OEM and xpipe are the same diameter � the slip joint simply connects them.
If they have Fabspeed mufflers, I don�t think they will; this is what Alex told me. IDK � maybe they have a setup for stock muffler and a set for aftermarket � I wasn�t asked before my purchase, so I needed to do the modification after I got them. A sawzall and ~2 minutes later and the issue was resolved, just slightly irritating to have to do it in the first place when I had different expectations based on the ad that was posted.
All in all, the install wasn't that big of a deal - I just don't like surprises, especially when the car is up on jackstands, and its frustrating as you're lying on your back trying to figure out a way to make this work because you can't simply just drive it somewhere to get it fixed - I gotta make this happen of its gonna
stay
on jackstands. I don't like those situations.
Just did measurement from both ends of the mufflers slip joints. It is 26.25" and the X-pipe cats is 26". So, I do not need to cut! Mine is 03 C4S with PSE. Whitey's C4S is 04, perhaps the 04 muffler has longer slip joint.
FYI
Good to hear you got it all installed. The Fabspeed X Pipe will fit directly up to our Maxflo Mufflers without needing to cut anything. When used with the stock mufflers, we cut 2" off the ends to mate up the pipes correctly. We ask what mufflers you will be using prior to shipping so we cut the pipes before they go out the door. We had one that slipped by, I apoligize for that Whitey.
Feel free to PM or email me if you have any questions.
Thanks,
