Z06pack

For all of you that want to install your own headers and H pipe in your garage on jack stands.....take my word for it.....it is no picnic.
Anyhow, after 8 hours and two bloody stumps for hands, the job was done and the sound and performance is fabulous HOWEVER.....the H pipe appears to be cut too long and I now have a very anoying rattle of the right muffler banging the body of the car. I have tryed to adjust it, but it appears that welding and cutting will be required.
Anyone else with a similar issue?

Katech_Zach

No cutting is required. The exhaust system just needs to be adjusted. When we install these systems we put it back up on the hoist after it has been chassis dyno tested and heat cycled. We then adjust the exhaust again and tack weld the joints so they don't move.

Z06pack

I have had it back up on the rack and was not able to find enough play. There is really no adjustment as far as I can see. If it is tight and the inserts are fully seated, what else can be done?
Thank you for the reply

Katech_Zach

Pry the over-the-axle pipe away from the chassis with a prybar and tighten the clamp on the x pipe at the same time.

Z06pack

Do you mean away as in "down" towards the ground or away as in "sideways" away from the trans.
Thank you once again

0MR Z

I had the same problem. Like Jason says it just needs some adjustment. You really have to loosen everything a little and then start adjusting from there. Don't unbolt it all..Just loosen. It took me and a friend to get it just right.

vegasdude

I would get a big honking hammer and start to work..........................or not............!

Katech_Zach

The over the axle pipe is probably touching the chassis. If so, pry it toward the center of the car.

427CPE

On my 03Z, I could not get the tailpipes aligned for nothing after installing Kooks 1-3/4, catless X. So, what do I do? I use a new set on my 02Z. This time with catted X pipe. They lined up great. I wonder if the XPipe is the problem? I did hear a minor amount of clanking though that I want to look for and stop but oinly at idle.

VetteRobbie

Katech is right. Don't get frustrated. You can adjust the pipes. I had similar issues, but if you work at the alignment you can get the pipes to fit (no problemo). I used some old country boy tricks, which I would probably get a lot of ribbing from the members on the forum that talk a big game but don't really wrench. You know, of all the parts on a car, I hate the exhaust system, that is everything but the headers. Don't cut the pipes, just work with what you've got.

If you have to, tie the pipes to the position you want. Drive the car. The heat will cause the pipes to "relax" to the tied up position. That's only if you just can't get the alignment. I know you said you don't have a rack, but it's much easier on a car lift. I know that doesn't help you, but if you could get access to one it might make the job easier. Good luck and don't give up.

VetteRobbie
www.robs427.com
check out my install on the site.

thumperZ06

ThumperZ06

VetteVinnie

Okay, found your thread. DIY definitely can have its challenges. I did a lot of my own work on my Trans Am back in the day. But if I do this, it would most definitely get done by a reputable shop and have a full wideband tune.

Sorry you had a bad experience. Been there.

redzone

Color me impressed.......and I'm not being a smarta$$....most shops shoo you out the door the second the cars off the lift & they have your money.

You guys need to open a shop in the southeast

camaross621

weird.. I did my Kooks 1 7/8 in 3 hours start to finish no problems. Was a little but of a B*tch getting the cats off but nothing a propane tourch and breaker bar couldnt handle with ease.. the rest was cake.

Zip Corvettes

Jason is right on, once the system is hot for the first time, it might need to be re-adjusted. Same on any of the systems out there. We have never had any fit issues what so ever with any of the Kooks products.