JTso

iTrader: (2)

I have completed the custom high flow cat and the engine seems to breath a little better. However, since the cat is 2.25" in/out and most aftermarket exhaust systems come in 2.25", I decided to modify the header A-pipe to match. The pipe is not completed yet but I thought I'd share the progress.

Here are some pics of the un-finished project.

A-pipe comparison: The header A-pipe is cut at the 2 to 1 collector. Note the size of the original DC pipe.


Flex pipe compare: The new flex pipe has an additional inner mesh lining to reduce hissing sound. Note the difference in pipe dia, and the 2 in 1 merge collector.


Merge collector:




Flange gasket: Since the pipe dia is larger, the original O-ring seal can't be used. I had to make the flange gasket with Mr.Gasket material. Note the two center circles. The smaller one is the original size, and the larger one is the new pipe size. The gasket has a metal inner layer for durability.

PrecyseStylez

Seems to be going well....Can't wait until its done to see the results!

iamhomin

Are you planning to run the dyno after?

leftride

iTrader: (1)

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Yes, that's the plan. Too bad I didn't get a chance to dyno the cat. I usually like to see what adds HP and how much. So the next dyno will be for the A-pipe and cat together.

tsxondubs

damn i guess imma have to lock into all of your post now to learn what helps and dont. You are like acurazines own dyno chart man .you need to go ahead and spray it so i can see what will work the best for out cars , david

kangjin

any thought of making your own race (long runner / no cat) header? all roads lead to it....

keep up the great work!

kurt_bradley

Brilliant. I want one.

mg7726

should i place orders thru you JTso?!?!

Dan Martin

Looks cool. I assume you've checked this, but are there any clearance issues going with the larger flex pipe?

JTso

iTrader: (2)

I haven't thought about it, but I could if K-Pro is available for tuning and the ability to disable the 2nd O2 sensor.

The upper clearance is good but I will need to double check the lower clearance as I now have a Cusco lower brace right below the flex pipe area. If the dyno shows gain, then I might have to remove the lower brace in favor of power.

TinkySD

iamhomin

That looks good. Anyways, sorry to be offtopic, but what are those wheels on your car? They don't look stock to me.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Do you mean the wheels on my car or the wheels in the pictures above? My TSX has TL wheels and the wheels in the picture above are Enkei RF1 (there is another car parked next to the TSX).

Tsx536

Wow....looks great Jtso!

Props to you man, for always coming up new ideas for mods, going out and doing them, and then posting dynos for all of us

Can't wait to see your next dyno!

drkangel348

I see you're putting those headers you got from me to good use, nice work.
I'm looking forward to the dyno numbers.

kurt_bradley

You can send it to me.

rmpage

How are you going to remove the ceramic coating before welding the new A-pipe to the collector?

I'm also curious as to where you got the larger flex pipe and such. I'm assuming you're going to provide further detail when this is complete, which I can resolve to wait for, but just so you know I'm curious to know about the specifics if possible.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Thanks! modding cars is one of my favorite hobbies and this is just a small way to give back to the Acurazine community. If everything goes smoothly, I should have some dyno results by next weekend.

Thanks for parting your old header. This project wouldn't be possible without the A-pipe.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Kurt, I think you are out of luck. The new flex pipe is about 16mm larger in dia than the old flex pipe, which means I only need approx. 8-10mm of bottom clearance. So I get to keep the bottom brace after all.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

I'd probably use a wire brush to clean the area around the pipe before welding. I didn't have any problems when welding the flex pipe to the flange to prevent it from coming apart. The inside is also ceramic coated.

I got the flex pipe from Performance Curve. They also sell on ebay but you pay more for shipping. The pipe I got is this one in 2.25" x 6" . The flex pipe itself is 6" plus 2" extension on each side = 10" OAL. I don't think you want to go larger than 2.25" ID for NA application.

The inside of the flex pipe with the inner mesh is 2.25" ID. However, the extension inlet/outlet ID is expanded to slightly over 2.5". But the pipe that I used for collector is 2.5" OD with a 2.25" ID (thick exhaust pipe). Therefore, the entire flow path remains 2.25" and the pipe slips right on to the extension.

I also found another place that carries the similar stainless quality flex pipes but with even more options. http://www.epiflex.com/epi_flex.html

They can put together any combination of length and size of flex pipe you want. I got a quote for $50 in custom length with flex pipe. Call the listed number and speak to Rich.

If the custom A-pipe actually provides gain, then I might consider coating the header assembly. This is the same place where I coated my intake manifold. But I'd probably coat the header with a different coating.

http://www.performancecoatings.com/benefitdata.htm

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Just an update on the custom A-pipe. All the pieces are welded together and it seems to work fine. The flex section is a much better design than the DC flex pipe with an additional stainless mesh inside layer. The outlet dia. is also larger to mate with a larger CAT if necessary. I'm thinking the larger merge section and outlet might be good for FI setup.

TSX559

Now hurry up and put it on. Then go get it dyno. Cant wait to see the results on this. Great job man.

If it produce good gains, are you thinking of making more?

moda_way

Yeah JTso, what the hell???? You tease us with the pretty pics and we all want to see what you handy work has created HP wise. GEESH

feuss2

iTrader: (1)

Anything yet?

hyunk24a2

i wish you lived next door to me so i can bug you with tsx questions all day.