SU test pipe issues

[Circle9]

So I got my SU test pipe in today and excitedly went and installed it. Only to find out that there is not enough thread on the bolts (provided by SU) to properly tighten the pipe to the exhaust. The bolts remain loose after tightened down as far as possible.

I suppose I simply need to go purchase some bolts with more thread on them?

 

[derspi]

Would it be possible that they gave you the wrong length bolts? I had no issues with mine at all.

 

[phillyb]

put the springs back on

 

[mo08ms3]

put the springs back on

+1, reuse the springs and it should tighten down fine.

 

[Circle9]

Thanks for the spring suggestions, but this not being my first test pipe install, I knew well enough to reuses those. I guess SU simply sent me the incorrect bolts, so instead of crying to them about it, I'm just going to pick some up of my own tomorrow.

Hope no drunks hit me, have to go to work at 5:00am.

 

[08cosmic3]

Put my SU pipe on a couple months ago with no issues.

 

[MSMS3]

Thanks for the spring suggestions, but this not being my first test pipe install, I knew well enough to reuses those. I guess SU simply sent me the incorrect bolts, so instead of crying to them about it, I'm just going to pick some up of my own tomorrow.

Hope no drunks hit me, have to go to work at 5:00am.

If you can't find bolts the same length but with more threads, you might just want to stack a few washers on each. That should take up the slack and let you get them tight.

 

[Circle9]

Yea, I thought of that, but I'm changing the bolts because I will literally need about 4 - 5 more washers per bolt in order to snug it up properly.

Just a little peeve of mine, but I don't like using excessive amounts of washers to true something up.

 

[fred114]

Thanks for the spring suggestions, but this not being my first test pipe install, I knew well enough to reuses those. I guess SU simply sent me the incorrect bolts, so instead of crying to them about it, I'm just going to pick some up of my own tomorrow.

Hope no drunks hit me, have to go to work at 5:00am.

I just installed mine yesterday. Had the same problem, bolts were way to long. Bought new ones.

Another question for the more experienced with this pipe. The instruction said to put the stock donut gasket on the down pipe side. Well the stock down pipe is flared on the end and seemingly swallowed up the gasket. Then when I placed the test pipe in position, it look like it would eventually just pushed the gasket into the test pipe, or at the very least tear it up with movement. Needless to say, I left the gasket off for now. Let the car warm up while on the ramp, could not detect any leaks. Drove it for about 40 miles, and so far can not hear a leak. Will put it back on the jack stands tomorrow and inspect.
Anyone else have any issues or similar observations with the gasket?

BTW, sound is fantastic now. Already had the MS CBE installed and with the test pipe it just amazing sounding now.

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

 

[Circle9]

You only need to reuse the gasket located between the two cats, the cat-back gasket is not needed. The shape of the end of the test pipe works as a "gasket".

The bolts they sent me are 4 inches in length, It looks like it could use a 3 1/2 or even a 3 3/4 would work.

I'm curious to know where you got your replacement bolts from.

 

[fred114]

You only need to reuse the gasket located between the two cats, the cat-back gasket is not needed. The shape of the end of the test pipe works as a "gasket".

The bolts they sent me are 4 inches in length, It looks like it could use a 3 1/2 or even a 3 3/4 would work.

I'm curious to know where you got your replacement bolts from.

Just picked them up at Advanced Auto, only thing open on New Years Day. I believe they were 3 1/2"

If there was a gasket between the two cats, then I am reusing it. Maybe should have shined a light up there a little better. Nothing came out with the cat, and nothing fell from the DP. Anyway, still no leaking going on.

 

[Circle9]

Ok, I'll try Autozone today. None of the other stores I tried seemed to have a 3 1/2 size.

The gasket for the two cats just stayed on when I removed my second cat, probably did the same to yours.

 

[fred114]

Thanks,

BTW, when I got the new bolts, they were US standard, so bought the corresponding nuts as well. I think the supplied bolts were metric. Can't really remember the size, but thinking 3/8ths x 3.5. Don't hold me to that. (dunno)

 

[Bonafide_Spd3]

Hopefully I have no fitment issues next month with this. I'll be getting my SU test pipe. Good advice though, can you let me know what size bolts you ended up with so I'm prepared

 

[Circle9]

Do us a favor when you put yours on, tell us the length of the bolts you get. I think I and Fred are some of the only ones with SU test pipe fitment issues. I'm curious to know whether its just our cars, or an improper bolt size.

 

[coyfish]

Did you try tightening both parts of the bolt? AKA one side with a wrench and the other with a socket?

Im trying to intall my friends test pipe and were having trouble too. Without the catback gasket its leaking and we cant manage the line up the gasket and slide the catback part of the exhaust without moving the gasket.

Im going to check autozone and see if they have a gasket.

 

[Circle9]

Haha, yes, I know to tighten both sides. I ended up using a couple 3 inch bolts with a washer at each end of the spring, plus the washer for the bolt head. The 3 1/2 bolts were still a little too long for my liking.

If you are installing a test pipe on a MS3, then you do not reuse the cat-back gasket, just the one located between the two cats. If its not an MS3, I can't really help you. I know on my Si I had to purchase a gasket in order for it to work properly.

 

[coyfish]

I've got a speed 6 and its leaking with and without the gasket. Autozone / pepboys didn't have any replacement. Guess ill have to pay a shop to fix it for me 30 min install turning into a real pita. I think su sent me a bad flange.

 

[Circle9]

How about the bolts they sent you? When you tighten down the nut, are you able to turn it all the way down to the end of the thread?

 

[coyfish]

Yeah I had plenty of space to tigthen the bolt. The stock gasket was just rusted and wasn't sealing. Checked the SU website and found the gasket. Man wish I would have fount it earlier before I wasted so much time going to autozone / pepboys. Was a bit funny because I took it to pepboys and they didn't have the gasket in the store but they had it in the shop . . . I had them lift my car and they wanted 75 bucks to stick the gasket in there. They wouldn't sell me the gasket. Glad I didn't take that offer.