Stillen exhaust alignment issues

[kyle@stillen]

So we have recently received a few phone calls in regards to possible alignment issues with our exhaust system. I wanted to clear the issues up really quick.

There is absolutely no problem with the exhaust. Each of the systems that we have test fit on vehicles in our shop are perfect. The jigs are perfect, and the prototypes are perfect.

However, some people still seem to be having some problems. Recently I noticed that the exhaust on our car was a bit off. It wasn't perfectly straight. So our engineers evaluated the exhaust and came to the conclusion that it was simply misaligned. After some minor adjustments the exhaust was 100% perfect.

If you are experiencing some alignment issues simply make some adjustments at the clamps. Sometimes you just need to twist a pipe in a different direction then when you initially installed it. And here is one very important piece of information...

NEVER FULLY TIGHTEN A SINGLE BOLT/NUT, UNTIL YOU HAVE THE EXHAUST IN THE EXACT POSITION YOU WANT!!! If you tighten down one spot too early it can mess up the rest of the install.

[shift_mikey]

Kyle, do you mind if a reinforce your statement with one of my previous posts in a different thread?

So my stillen developed a little bit of a squeak due to it slightly rubbing on the rear black molded piece on the rear bumper, so i decided i'd make my final adjustments (which i hadn't done yet)

I just pulled into the shop at work, loosened all the clamps, and went to work. I tapped on the Y pipe (hitting towards the engine) and drove all the pipes a little bit further together. That gave me the clearance i needed on the rear bumper.

I then twisted and moved the long rear section and the y pipe along with the mufflers to position the rear flange a little better. I realized that the left muffler would not sit straight in the bumper cut out unless i moved it in a fashion that made it crooked. The pipe was a little too long. I removed the Y pipe, i cut 1/2" off of it, and reassembled.

With my new adjustments, and lining everything back up, i achieved a PERFECT setting. My pipes are even (from the back, both cans are tilted ever so slightly to the outsides of the car), my tips are even, and are centered in the bumper outlets.

Perfecto!!!!

[alphapig]

Maybe this is why it is best to have a shop do the install for you?

That way, if they are not aligned, they are liable to tweek it...

I had mine installed at a shop because I'm tremendously lazy, it the setup came out ideal. No misalignment, to rubbing.

Just a thought

[shift_mikey]

I might be willing to help out anybody in the NY area willing to drive out to me on long island and bring a 6-pack of heineken

[johnny_d]

after 6 pack of heineken it wouldn't really matter now, would it?

[shift_mikey]

NO NO its for the AFTERWORK celebration!

Besides, I perform some of my finest craftsmanship under the influence

[windhaven]

Kyle,

Just to add/enhance/support your comments: My advice ........ Take your time installing.

Installed my Stillen Cat-Back today, took my time, mounted everything, didn't tighten a thing, slowly, but surely tightened each point starting at the front, working my way back.

Lined up really nicely, first try.

Two cents,-- Wind

P.S. - Send me those Eibachs ASAP! (J/K)