hi all,

re: 2003 CLS6

i was planning on doing a full write up of a bunch of mods I am have just completed and results (p2r test pipe, option pulley, CT headers, custom cat-back, etc) but i have a small issue that my mechanic just advised me of.

I just (a few hours ago) received my new CT headers. This batch was just completed a few days ago and I purchased direct from CT. My mechanic just pulled off my factory j-pipe and called to tell me the new CT j-pipe is 4-5 inches shorter than the original j pipe. This is really odd considering CT's reputation.

I will call them in the morning but I just really doubt they would manufacture a batch with this major issue. The CT box says they are for the 2003 CL 6 speed (in fact, i think all their V6 headers except for the NSX are the same ones with the kink).

Has anyone else had this issue?

My solution:
I am doing a full mandrel cat back immediately after the header install just like nupe's on the advice of P2R. With that being the case, my work around will be to simply bolt my test pipe to the CT j pipe and then build my cat back from the rear of the test pipe and all will be well except for the embarrassing drive to the exhaust shop from the mechanic.

I am still having trouble believing the CT j pipe could be that much off in length... could it be they made it too short.

I will post a follow up when this is resolved...

 

just a follow up...

when you lay the factory j-pipe next to the stock one, are they different lengths? I think when its all bolted up, perhaps the difference in mounting locations accounts for the difference between the two... at any rate, I will have answers tomorrow...

 

i think the mechanic was trying to tell u that its shorter where the a pipe meets teh header. its supposed to be like that.

 

u can see how much longer the headers are compared to stock. these are my old dc sports. comptech, and others are the same

 

^

I did comparisons too before I put headers on my CL. The aftermarket headers are definitely longer and noticeable too.

The J-Pipe is supposed to hook up to the OEM cat with no problems.

 

it seems the mechanic was implying that the overall length of the j-pipe (rear most flange that bolts up to cat <---> front of j-pipe) is not the same length as the stock j-pipe. In other words, the CT unit wont make it all the way to the front of the cat....

i'll post the outcome soon....

 

What's the outcome?

 

im confused. it looks like the aftermarket, i.e. CT headers are longer in the picture yet you say that it wont reach the cat? I installed CT headers on my 01 CL-S with no problems. but my version of CTs didnt have the bend for the 6spds.

 

HELLO... he said the J pipe is 4-5 inches shorter because the HEADERS are 4-5 inches longer than the stock ones.

Obviously the j-pipe standing on it's own will have shorter pipes running to the motor.

Mechanic must of had a serious brain fart


Why do you have a PIC of DC sport headers??? why did you to comptech if you don't mind me asking.

I've been trying to see the pros and cons between the two for some time now, I'd appreciate some insight.

Thanks