Crack in my APEX Downpipe (NO 56K)

[03.5MSP]

After I bought my msp about 2 months ago I noticed it sounded wierd, like it had an exhaust leak. After a couple of days I decided to look under the car and see wats was happening, and I was not too happy with what I found, a crack in my DP.

So now I found the problem, but I didnt know what to do about it. Should I take it off and have a local muffler shop re-weld it, or take it off and send it back to APEX. After sending my pics to Dale, who was relly cool about it, he told me that it was covered by warranty, and all I needed to do was send it back to him, and we would re-coat it and fix it. So I decided to send it back to Apex, and have them take care of it. I am glad Dale didnt give me bull about the warranty and was really cool about it, and the customer service was great, definitely a thumbs up for APEX. So here are some pics of the APEX DP.

 

[EnjoyMinuteMaid]

Is it stainless or aluminized steel?

 

[Stormtrooper77]

With all these "crack in exhaust" threads going on, it looks more and more like a flex pipe is a must.

 

[AFaceInTheCrowd]

there is a flex pipe on that...

 

[NeverSober]

Motor mounts are a must. I think that is the reason why everyones exhausts are breaking there is to much movement from the motor.


Chris

 

[akProtege5]

Motor mounts are a must. I think that is the reason why everyones exhausts are breaking there is to much movement from the motor.


Chris

yup, i agree with you, I was the first to get my OBX header crack.

 

[Hughes412]

Motor mounts are a must. I think that is the reason why everyones exhausts are breaking there is to much movement from the motor.


Chris

Thats what I was gona say, that looks more like a stress crack. Motor mounts would keep that from happening again.

 

[Spooled]

Yep, that's why I need my AWR mounts ASAP. Not sure if I can wait for the GB to go through...

Also, I totally agree that a flex pipe is necessary with after market exhaust. In fact, I think the stock "spring" section on the downpipe isn't good enough. I have a feeling that my stocker is cracked.

 

[CasopoliS]

I just installed AWR 88 Durometers. Is that better or worse for the exhaust? Vibrations in the car are a bit more.

 

[FSDET]

better

 

[ChopstickHero]

damn, maybe that can be repaired at a shop. but it won't be as strong as before and may crack again.

anybody have the RR Racing motor mount inserts?

 

[CasopoliS]

anybody have the RR Racing motor mount inserts?

there is a thread around here where people just used inserts. I would search for "mount inserts" or something of that nature.

 

[CasopoliS]

sure enough.... that search pulled it up

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107073&highlight=mount+inserts

 

[03.5MSP]

I guess it's time I replace the motor mounts. I'll eather go with awr 70 durometer mount, or the rr-racing inserts.

 

[ChopstickHero]

sure enough.... that search pulled it up

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107073&highlight=mount+inserts

thanks, that is helpful.

i want to do these little mods before stuff like this happens when i eventually start piecing together my exhaust system.

 

[03.5MSP]

OK, after reading all of the input you guys gave. I decided to go with rr-racing front and rear inserts, and awr side inserts. What do you guys think about that, good??

 

[Hughes412]

Only do the front and back. I've heard that the viberation is sucks with all of them. Plus you only need to keep it from move front to back. Save you a few bucks. I've gona do the same here in a bit. I don't have a turbo but I do have the wagner shorty header and I've heard they can crack from the same thing because of the weight of the header.

 

[03.5MSP]

Only do the front and back. I've heard that the viberation is sucks with all of them. Plus you only need to keep it from move front to back. Save you a few bucks. I've gona do the same here in a bit. I don't have a turbo but I do have the wagner shorty header and I've heard they can crack from the same thing because of the weight of the header.

Very good point, thanks for the input. Then Ill go with the rr-racing front and rear mount inserts. Hopefully this will help with the wheelhop and exhaust movement. I also have kartboy exhaust hander and they helped.

 

[EnjoyMinuteMaid]

what's the difference between the mounts and the inserts...mounts replace whole thing?? whats the advantage of that or rather, what's wrong with the stock mounts (bushings not aside)?

 

[Hughes412]

whats the difference between the mounts and the inserts...mounts replace whole thing?? whats the advantage of that?

good question, and i would like to add to that. How hard is it to install an insert V full mount?