Audioserf

There's presently a double-braided flex piece welded in by a local muffler shop. The original flexpipe hissed since day one of installation (due to cheap single-braid construction), and, over time, began to separate from the header. Installing the double-braid flex stopped the hissing, but clearly wasn't enough to get the job done.

I should have gone Comptech in the first place. Since I've owned the TSX, the only place I've cut corners was the Topspeed header, and I'll never do it again.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Updated thread title for clarity. However, just to be fair, the replacement flex pipe seems to be the problem rather than the actual header.

I think the interlock type flex pipe would be better to avoid the butt-hole problem.

Audioserf

Thanks for updating the thread title. The Topspeed came with a lame flexpipe section but it was probably BETTER than the one I had welded in. That's surprising since it was a Vibrant piece; they have a pretty good reputation. Either Vibrant's flexpipe or Monroe Muffler's weld job screwed me over here.

Also, to update, I've ordered a brand new Comptech header from Lynwood Acura in WA, and hope to have it in my hands in around a week (not interested in a 2-3 week wait for CT-E to make one). I can't wait to take my car for a drive with the new header in place.

valeratj

JTso is right. Blame the flex pipe, not the header.

curls

That's interesting. I had a Vibrant flex pipe welded into my DC Sports (v1) header and it's been great. I can't see how the flex pipe would have caved in like that. It must have been the installer, somehow, who either crushed it or somehow welded it horribly wrong (I know nothing about welding so I can't tell if that's even a possibility).

l7h8626

i have to quote this again so its on the 2nd page....
this is unbelieveable..... looks like i cant even put my thumb thru there.....
i hope this is the problem that drag you down on power... good luck man!

super20g

That is pretty wild. I have a topspeed header with the oem flex section. Have had it on a few months, just checked it last night and still no hissing. I have a vibrant flex section to replace it when it leaks, but that pic is making me think twice. Does the outside look normal? Odd to say the least.

Excelerate

iTrader: (1)

I wasn't aware it was a different flex pipe; I thought it was the original one. Still I find it hard to believe that the Vibrant flex pipe came apart like that; I wonder if that shop used a different flex or welded over the original flex.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

I ordered a Vibrant flex pipe for my other car and it has a "made in China" label on it.

Perhaps the quality is not what it used to be.

Hoosier_Buddy

JTso,

Do you think it would be possible (or beneficial) to use the 2.5" interlock flex coupling, since there doesn't appear to be a 2"x6" pipe listed on Vibrant's website?

http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...1035_1064_1114

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Sure, you can use the 2.5 x 6 flex pipe. However, you will need to add extensions to each end and enlarge the flange opening to take advantage of the larger size. I did the exactly that to my Prelude with a 2.2L engine and it works great.

Here's a thread to give you an idea what needs to be done. I used a 2.25" flex pipe for the TSX but it also applies to a 2.5".

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-performance-parts-modifications-126/custom-exhaust-pipe-659966/