Some people say that the flex sections will burn up and screw your motor up... although ive yet to hear of an actual case of this happening.

If you go with a non-flex be sure its a good brand, many of them have had leaking issues

 

I've never heard of them messing up a motor. Rob (mantra1) had an uppipe give out on him so I know they can break, but I'm not sure about messing anything up.

 

Make sure you use good gaskets for the uppipe. The crosspipe/manifold to uppipe joint is an area that is prone to leaks with a solid pipe. I used copper gaskets in my latest project, but you don't have to go that far. I would recommend some of that copper gasket spray though, it helps with heat transfer. I have about half a can leftover if you want to use it, and I did all gaskets from the heads back to the DP.

BTW, if you haven't replaced your downpipe, I would recommend doing it at the same time. You have to take it off anyways to get to the uppipe bolts. Blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda. You've probably heard all that before though

Make sure you retorque the bolts too after a few days of heat cycling, then again after a few weeks. I've had them fall out. Seriously. I lost the bottom 3 nuts off the downpipe studs.

 

*shameless plug on*

Yeah and if you want to buy a good downpipe local cheap I have one for $115 here:

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/s...-downpipe.html

*shameless plug off*

 

I am selling my down pipe and up pipe incase you want to de-cat them...

 

If you were going to gut anything, I'd say do the UP or the 3rd cat. The DP is a waste of time, since its still a flat plate. Granted, the cat inside it is restrictive, but the flat plate by the wastegate is too. Go with aftermarket, either long or short. If you go with a shorty (i.e. Stromung DP, very nice and some sell it ceramic coated) and need a catpipe to replace the 3rd cat, I have one. 2.5" and mates to stock DP/catback flanges.

 

Make sure the UP you purchase does not have a "Flex" section....be wary of some of the lower end parts on EBAY....You get what you pay for

 

I have an erz ebay uppipe and it's quality is on par with the helix flex pipe. I have dealt with the same vendor on multiple occasions. I cant speak for other ebay brands but with erz your not paying for the name.

Install was quick and easy. Only minor fitment issue with 2 studs being a bit too long.