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Exhaust Leak - Car sounds like a jet engine when accelerating
I have had this 2003 TL-S with Comptech headers which has been on the car for at least 9 years if not 10. Never had an issue but recently I started noticing when accelerating the car sounds like a jet engine especially around 2000rpm to 4000rpm which is very noticable in garages and local streets but could barely hear it on the highway.
I dont have much experience with exhaust leaks but it sounds like one and sounds if it is coming from the front from the bottom. So I decided to jack it up and take a look to see if some parts rusted to the point there are holes. I didnt see any up front and placed my hand around the pipe all the way towrds the CAT and I could feel some pressure around the flex (mesh) section. I assume this means that is the point of the leak correct? All the joints which are bolted together appear to be ok.
Can I just get this section replaced (some threads I saw here suggeted that)? If so, how to do I get a replacement part for the shop? Do I need to get this from Comptech or any shop should have an universal fit? Do they remove the down pipe and then weld a new one or or weld it in place?
Thanks. It is rather embarrasing so hopefully I can get this fixed soon.
What would also be great if someone has a shop they could recommend in the Northen Jersey area. I live in Bergen county but willing to travel if you guys recommend a shop that will do the job right. Thanks in advance!
If the flex pipe leaks, just replace the flex pipe. It is a bolt on replacement. There are some nice aftermarket flex pipes that our members here have used. Try to search on here and you should find them.
If the flex pipe leaks, just replace the flex pipe. It is a bolt on replacement. There are some nice aftermarket flex pipes that our members here have used. Try to search on here and you should find them.
I didn't see any where the replacement could be bolted onto though. Is the pipe of the comptech the same diameter as the TL-S stock?
Most decent exhaust shops keep flex pipes in stock. If you can get one that's got stainless braid on the inside as well as the outside, get it. It's not a deal-breaker, though, as the pipe nipples or the welds will usually rust out first. It is a fairly straight-forward weld in.
Most decent exhaust shops keep flex pipes in stock. If you can get one that's got stainless braid on the inside as well as the outside, get it. It's not a deal-breaker, though, as the pipe nipples or the welds will usually rust out first. It is a fairly straight-forward weld in.
that's a great idea
you now have a few options - you should be good to go.
dont forget to check your local auto wrecker if they have a spare downpipe
Like above, any exhaust shop can cut off and weld on a new flex pipe. Get a quality one though. They arent all the same. I recommend the Vibrant brand.
Like above, any exhaust shop can cut off and weld on a new flex pipe. Get a quality one though. They arent all the same. I recommend the Vibrant brand.
Thanks. I will take some measurements and hopefully get it right and buy a flexpipe you recommended.
Do you happen to know what size would be right for the comptech headers for the 2003 TL?
Sorry for my inexperience, but besides dimenions, is there a difference between these two?
- TurboFlex Coupling w/ Interlock Liner, 1.75" dia. x 4" long
- Turbo Flex with Interlock Liner, 2" dia. x 6" long
let a muffler shop put in in the air and do all the measuring- grab right part off the shelf and install for you
Sometimes a shop is there to help!
Would love to do that but need a trusted shop. Had other shops cut corners and use zip ties instead of a the correct clamp.
If anyone knows a trusted place in North Jersey let me know. Thanks. Only place I know by me is Midas but I assume I would be better off with a mom and pop that takes pride in their work.
that is correct- corporate shops have quotas and need to sell you a bunch of extra stuff
a smaller ad in phone book, a place that advertises on race cars at local track
would be good places to look
When its the owner standing there with a torch in hand- they can show you whats needed and how they do it
Your job is a fairly simple one compared to some request
Thanks. I will take some measurements and hopefully get it right and buy a flexpipe you recommended.
Do you happen to know what size would be right for the comptech headers for the 2003 TL?
Sorry for my inexperience, but besides dimenions, is there a difference between these two?
- TurboFlex Coupling w/ Interlock Liner, 1.75" dia. x 4" long
- Turbo Flex with Interlock Liner, 2" dia. x 6" long
I honestly dont know. I dont have comptech headers. I would try to find one with the closest length as possible. You will want the correct size dia.
the difference in the above is the dia and length. Try to measure the dia of the pipe as close to the flex pipe and get one that has the same dia.
03-12-2015, 02:17 PM
