sbuswell

I just went to get my car inspected and it failed because my flex pipe is broken and exhaust is blowing out of it. I've had an exhaust smell during startup in the cabin of my car recently and this must be the culprit. Where is the best place to buy an inexpensive flex pipe? I have Stone(SSAutochrome) headers by the way.

fsttyms1

most exhaust shops have them and can weld them in place. Jegs sells them (like 60 bucks) You can find them cheaper on line other places but you will still need someone to weld it in.

sbuswell

Having it replaced right now for $125. Found a shop 5 miles from me that stocks flex pipes and does a shit load of exhaust work.

fsttyms1

I think a new/better one would take care of the noise and resonance issues with the XS headers as well

sbuswell

The one that has now been installed is supposed to be a better design, per the owner of the exhaust shop.

AMGala

iTrader: (4)

Did it get rid of any resonance?

sbuswell

I just picked up my car. Shop was closed, had the mechanic leave my keys in the visor. When I started the car up I immediately notice my check engine light was on and the engine did sound different. It sounded a little deeper actually. I came home and ran the code and pulled a P0141, )2 Heater Circuit(bank 1, sensor 2). Did the exhaust shop screw something up? My car also felt a little slower and less responsive and at 3k+ rpm's there is a slight whistling sound. Any thoughts?

sbuswell

Does anybody think this is a coincidence? Could the 02 sensor have been bad, but because the flex pipe was broken not enough exhaust was reaching the 02 sensor so it didn't overheat?

fsttyms1

sounds like they unhooked the 02 and either damaged it or forgot to hook it back up? Id look or bring it back

sbuswell

I spoke with the exhaust shop today and the owner said they had to remove the 02 sensor on the downpipe so they could safely cut out the bad flex pipe. He said he remembers putting it back it but wasn't 100% sure. I am sure that is the 02 sensor that must have gone bad then as it was either damaged when they were welding or wasn't put back in which would account for the whistling noise. Either way I think I'll just replaced that 02 sensor as it's original.

fsttyms1

If its whistling, get under there and check it. Even a bad one shouldnt cause that. Maybe they didnt reconnect it and install it tight?

sbuswell

I got a new 02 sensor and had that installed along with the RT Cat and some suspension upgrades. CEL is gone and after about 8-10 trips it hasn't come back on so I pretty sure that's solved now. I think the exhaust leak is still there though. I passed the inspection but I think the leak is coming from where the new flex pipe was welded. I still get a high pitched sound over 3k rpm. My car drives great and the engine is running very smooth and strong. Do you guy think the RT Cat and new flex pipe opened the exhaust up that much more to make my car sound more high pitched when accelerating hard?

fsttyms1

I would have them recheck the welds/work. Something is causing it.

Malayalee King

iTrader: (1)

if its a small leak, do you think header wrap would take care of it? btw, the RT cat is going to pass inspection?

sbuswell

I looked under the car today when I first started it up and it appears that there is a small leak near the flex pipe as I could see a small amount of exhaust coming out. I don't if header wrap will work, but I might try it. Anyone think JB weld would work?

The RT Cat was installed by the same place that gave me my inspection so I guess it passes. We don't have emissions in Maine yet though.