RX8inSTL

iTrader: (7)

Ok guys so I am thinking about having a shop do this for me. Just wanted to get some peoples opinions.

In the next couple months im going to be lowering my car more. About 2 inches off the ground measuring from the front lip. Unfortuantly parts under the car hang lower than that particularly the exhaust flange going from the header to midpipe.

I want to see if I can get a shop that will remove those flanges and slip on a piece of pipe that will connect the two pieces and just have that pipe clamped over the two with a worm gear clamp or something.

1.Would it be better to weld one side of the pipe to the header and just clamp the side that connects to the midpipe?

2.Do you guys think that just these clamps will be enough to prevent exhaust leaks?

3.Is this even worthwhile?

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Are you sure you really want honest opinions?

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

lol

RX8inSTL

iTrader: (7)

From you probably not.

Truthfully though yes I would like them.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

How about.....If your exhaust flange is rubbing you are way too low

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Or....at least get a v-bolt clamp

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

1) No, it would be better to have a solid flange that is anchors all sides equally

2) No, the clamps will not be enough. There is a reason why the OEM attachment methods at each end of the midpipe have complicated anti-slip methods (thread lock would burn off)

3) No, it isn't worthwhile


A better way to make sure that the flanges clear the pavement is to lift the suspension. You can do this with larger overall diameter wheels/tires, and/or putting in shocks/springs that don't sag so absurdly low. There are usually some decent quality OEM sets around the classifieds that should work just fine for this. No need to go to extreme lengths to abuse your 8.

RX8inSTL

iTrader: (7)

I defiently expected the comments about raising the car back up so ill take that into consideration but likely am not going to. I know most of this community isnt into the low car thing so I wont argue that.
Also my springs arent sagging or anything its low because of coilovers though im sure you probably expected that.

I was reading through this thread and this is where I got the idea of using clamps to remove the flanges in the first place.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/custom-hjs-coast-fabrication-mid-pipe%3B-pics-dyno-inside-223069/
Is there something I dont understand about how the muffler is clamped into place on this set up or does his likely leak at that point?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

I'm just jealous of how insanely glass smooth your roads are. No dips, no potholes, no ripples, no expansion joints, no driveway curbs, no construction zones with milled roads or raised manhole covers, not even so much as a parking garage ramp.

RX8inSTL

iTrader: (7)

Yes yes I understand its not like most people on here to have the car this low. The roads around here actually are pretty decent though, until you get down towards the city so you should be jealous.

I guess im not going to get much more than what ive gotten as far as answers. Thanks for the insight though.

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

Move the flange to a better area with more clearance?

RX8inSTL

iTrader: (7)

Thanks for the thought, but theres not really any way to just move it. There has to be a way that the header and midpipe connect. Its either the OEM flange or something else which im not reallly sure of what yet.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Yes you are probay right since I likely have little insight to any of this. Funny you would link that thread though since I originated that many years ago to a much higher level.

Even serious racers aren't into lowering their RX8 that low. Apparently we are all ripe for the picking. Don't despair though. I'm sure the guys down at Midas can whip up something for you.

RX8inSTL

iTrader: (7)

I think you misunderstood why I said from you probably not. I have no doubt in the fact that you have quite a bit of knowledge about an exhaust set up. I never doubted that you would have little insight to this. The reason I said that is because I knew that you are a person that probably sees no reason into doing what I intend to do.

I do find it funny that since im lowering my car to this degree you assume that I would go down to Midas and have them "whip me something up." I posted a link to a thread where someone on here had a custom exhaust made that is similar to what I was planning to do. I suppose I should have just not asked the question in the first place and gone ahead with what I thought might work. Seems to be working just fine for the person in the thread I mentioned earlier.

Not every person that owns the same car is going to be into the exact same things. While the majority of the members on here are into racing/function there is a number of people that dont care as much about those things and are into different aspects of their car. I obviously dont care so much about how this would affect my lap times since I do not race my car.

I simply asked a few questions about wether or not this would work and if I should think about continuing with this. I have gotten some okay responses to my questions and ill most likely do some more research in other places to see what I can come up with.

Im just trying to prepare my car better for what I plan to do with it.

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

You can move the flange by customizing where it is. I am doing a custom exhaust and relocating the oem exhaust flange and eliminating the exhaust manifold/midpipe flange by using a long header.

RX8inSTL

iTrader: (7)

I see what you're saying. If I was going to be redoing the whole exhaust from the manifold back then thats something I would defiently look into. I plan to keep the stock header at this time though.

BRODA

iTrader: (7)

I'm not sure if what you want to do is possible, or if it is a good idea. However, if you are serious about this, the very first thing you need to do is find a reputable local exhaust fabricator. Explain your issue and ask them how to proceed before buying any parts.

Also, expect that this will cost quite a bit of money. Assuming this is possible at all, it will take time. The time of a true professional will be expensive. Also budget for new hardware. At a minimum, replace the header to engine gasket.

At the end of the day, you need to balance the risk vs. the reward. If you dump a bunch of money into this, there is a real possibility it will not work or will not withstand the test of time. Only you can decide if that risk is worth taking.