What is the advantage of flex uppipes?
11-30-2003, 04:20 PM
#1
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What is the advantage of flex uppipes?
I have been looking for an uppipe. Most of the aftermarket uppipes for the wrx seem to no have the flex joints, even though I think the stock one has it.
What are the problems associated with uppipes with no flex?
One site went as far as saying that the nonflex ones can be noisier from rattling, and that you could end up with cracked headers
What are the problems associated with uppipes with no flex?
One site went as far as saying that the nonflex ones can be noisier from rattling, and that you could end up with cracked headers
11-30-2003, 04:40 PM
#2
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The flex is to prevent anything from breaking due to the exhaust moving around. Stiffer exhaust hangers help alot also. The up-pipe doesn't really need to be 'flex' because the stock manifold doesn't move that much. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to get both flex up and down pipes though. You might want to look into the TurboXS cast-iron up pipe instead of a stainless one. It will handle the heat ALOT better. Thats why the exhaust side of the turbo is cast I would imagine.
11-30-2003, 05:39 PM
#3
I believe it has to do with the leaks that are occuring with non-flex uppipes. The leaks are due to the expansion and shrinking of some of the metal when the car is runnin' hot or not. The flex just helps the flanges out by staying where they're supposed to be hooked up against.
12-01-2003, 01:16 PM
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I had a solid perrin. Great pipe until I decided to install my EGT probe in the passenger size manifold. Little did I know at the time that when disconnecting from the uppipe on the bottom, you still need to disconnet at the top, and not just the uppipe but the turbo from the downpipe too. Then you retorque everything back down in a round-robin sort of fashion. I didn't do that work on the turbo side and within a couple of weeks after I installed my EGT probe I had a steadily growing leak at the top of my uppipe between itself and the turbine.
With the Helix flexpipe I have now, I should be able to take apart either side and not have to worry about the other side. Cuts the work down considerably. And even though the Perrin pipe is an excellent piece of hardware, with the flex pipe my chance of leaks over time just do to wear and tear are that much more greatly diminished.
Remember, the stock pipe is a flex pipe.
jason
With the Helix flexpipe I have now, I should be able to take apart either side and not have to worry about the other side. Cuts the work down considerably. And even though the Perrin pipe is an excellent piece of hardware, with the flex pipe my chance of leaks over time just do to wear and tear are that much more greatly diminished.
Remember, the stock pipe is a flex pipe.
jason
12-01-2003, 06:46 PM
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I have a non-flex gruppe-s up pipe. No problems after 12,000 miles. My buddys DSM had a flex pipe, the exhaust was old and the flex was just a big *** hole. He replaced the entire thing with 3".
Nick
Nick
12-02-2003, 10:50 AM
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Bought my car new, and put the up pipe on myself. Didnt see a flex pipe anywhere when i did it. Or was it hidden uner the sheilds that were on the stock pipe? I didnt look under em to see if it had one. Also, my Buick dosnt have a flex pipe for the up pipe or down and I have never had any probs with that exhaust. That motor flexes alot more than the subies. Guess its personal preferance, and if people wanna be extra safe. By the way, dont call me a liar.
Nick
Nick
12-02-2003, 11:42 AM
#12
Originally posted by iLoqin
I believe it has to do with the leaks that are occuring with non-flex uppipes. The leaks are due to the expansion and shrinking of some of the metal when the car is runnin' hot or not. The flex just helps the flanges out by staying where they're supposed to be hooked up against.
I believe it has to do with the leaks that are occuring with non-flex uppipes. The leaks are due to the expansion and shrinking of some of the metal when the car is runnin' hot or not. The flex just helps the flanges out by staying where they're supposed to be hooked up against.
12-02-2003, 01:20 PM
#13
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Originally posted by SuboobaruWRSEX
hidden uner the sheilds on the stock pipe.
hidden uner the sheilds on the stock pipe.
Didn't mean anything personal on the liar bit, hence the '
' - just wanted to make sure that you were aware you either had a flex joint just like everybody else, or if you were absolutely positive that you DIDN'T, that you possibly bought a previously modified car, that's all - no hostility. 
12-02-2003, 02:27 PM
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Originally posted by SuboobaruWRSEX
Bought my car new, and put the up pipe on myself. Didnt see a flex pipe anywhere when i did it. Or was it hidden uner the sheilds that were on the stock pipe? I didnt look under em to see if it had one. Also, my Buick dosnt have a flex pipe for the up pipe or down and I have never had any probs with that exhaust. That motor flexes alot more than the subies. Guess its personal preferance, and if people wanna be extra safe. By the way, dont call me a liar.
Nick
Bought my car new, and put the up pipe on myself. Didnt see a flex pipe anywhere when i did it. Or was it hidden uner the sheilds that were on the stock pipe? I didnt look under em to see if it had one. Also, my Buick dosnt have a flex pipe for the up pipe or down and I have never had any probs with that exhaust. That motor flexes alot more than the subies. Guess its personal preferance, and if people wanna be extra safe. By the way, dont call me a liar.
Nick
Also, you're buick isn't a flat four
jason