I installed the XLR8 j pipe and test pipe about a week ago and I noticed that whenever I initially step on it, it makes a rubbing sound. I went back under and checked everything today and I didnt see anything. Nothing seems to be hitting. The only thing I can think that rubs is the flex pipe section against the underbrace. There is very little clearance right there and it could be the initial thrust causing the j pipe to slightly move and rub against the brace. Idk though. Just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this?

 

Every Honda/Acura I've put headers onto has this issue.

On the accords and 2G cars, the bend around the oilpan, or the clearance between the front pipe and the crossmember was always the issue. You're potentially putting strain on the pipe / Pre-cats that wasn't there before and probably reducing the vibration dampening because of the "not quite perfect" fit of the aftermarket part. Remember that engine is going to rock a little bit under throttle, so you're not seeing the true position of things as they are under power.

Heat shields are always a PITA too....

 

I figured as much.. Thanks man. I bent the heat shield out the way and made sure it wasnt touching anything. Im curious if I should take that cross member/brace off and grind down in the area w the flex pipe is. It literally has about a fingers width gap in between it. So it wouldnt surprise me if thats what it is..

 

I suppose no one else had this issue

 

I haven't noticed anything, but i'll listen closely tomorrow and see if I hear anything. Normally i just hear the roar of the full exhaust.

 

Thanks.. Yeah like I mentioned, its only when I initially step on it. I wonder if over torquing the bolts could case anything.. I was too lazy to pull out the torque wrench and just tightened them to strength

 

What kind of gaskets did you use when you reassembled - maybe you're just getting pipe / metal on metal vibration at the joints? I know in the past they've used those funky ring in ring designs with the lead slip-over that never fits quite right without bashing the hell out of it. I've gotten rid of noise just by replacing that lead ring with a proper sized one for the new pipe.

 

Ok - tried it today, didn't hear anything. The only other thing I could think of is what psudo said - maybe a gasket or something?

 

Ekkk, I used the gaskets that came with it.. They fit rather nicely and I used high temp silicone as well in between the two..

 

Sounds like you did it right then B.G.

On the plus side, if something is rubbing metal on metal, after a few hundred miles, you can probably see where it's happening - but not what you wanted to hear I'm sure.

Rechecking the bolts might not be a bad idea after a few miles anyway - sometimes a bump with the air ratchet or impact lets you know it wasn't quite so tight after all.

I've not seen how the J Pipe joins up to the Pre-Cats yet first hand - is the heat shield around the pre-cat hanging down far enough where it overlaps the flange on the J Pipe, or maybe one of the new bolts/nuts/washers is hitting the heat shield just enough to buzz when vibrated? It's chansing ghosts of course...until you catch one. Good luck!

 

I appreciate your help man! I gonna try to get back up under there sometime in the next couple of days. I will check for all the things that you mentioned and report back

 

So I finally got around to getting under the car again this morning. I took off the cross brace and drove around.. Not to my surprise it was the problem. The flex section of the j pipe had such little clearance that it rubbed against it whenever to stomped on it. Sooo, instead of taking off the cross brace completely and loosing that protection underneath, I put two lock washers in between the brace and mounting holes to gain about 3/4 of an inch... And wholah, no more annoying buzzing sound

Hope this helps any future or existing j pipe owners

 

My ATLP pipe is also hitting something when I am turning and step on he gas pretty good. I got under the car today and I think I have the same problem. I am going to bring some washers home from work and install them.

 

My pipe was also hitting this brace. Used the washers like you did and the noise is gone.

 

NEED PHOTOS!

About to put the Longtube J Pipe on and would prefer to only crawl under there once.

 

That would require me crawling under there AGAIN! Its simple really. Go out and get 15 1/2 zinc plated or stainless steel washers (I used fender washers.) You will have to take off the brace to install the J-Pipe. There are 3 bolts on one side and two on the other. When you install the brace back on install three washer per a bolt between the brace and the body of the car.

 

Not seeing anyone saying this about the longtube RV6 pipe - just the XLR8 ?

 

llooking for rooff spoyler

 

2011 acura tl

 

wrong thread broooooooooooooooooo