What downpipe?

[dave_H]

Having a 2.5" stainless exhaust from the CAT back on my 2.0 CSE (LPT) . I now find the system is blowing around the flexible section. Now, is this the time to consider adding a little bit of interest in the form of slightly better performance when the flexible bit is replaced along with the downpipe? As I understand it the down pipe is the key feature here.

Any recommendations on what to fit & best source would be appreciated.
I don't want "boy racer" noise, nor a big jump in the insurance, lets say a little improvement in efficiency.

I am advised it's not a good idea to have a stainless section from the manifold due to the high temperature gradients involved.

[zeke]

Dave, I'd highly recommend the JT, which is a 3" downpipe, but means you'd have to replace the cat', too. The JT is aluminised steel. There are cat's available, here in the states, that have a 3" inlet and 2.5" outlet - they're relatively inexpensive, under $100, but I'm not sure if they're available where you are. The other alternative is to use a reducer (3" down to 2.5") at the end of the downpipe, before it enters your present cat'. It's my opinion that the JT, at about £150, is a great value and will not only improve your performance, but significantly lowers both the exhaust gas temperatures and the intake temperatures.

[mark e]

Stainless can have problems with heat stress fracture- but in my experience only at extremes of tuning. My car has had the Abbott SS downpipe fitted for about 5 years, running 250-280hp, but failed comparatively recently as I pushed the power beyond 300hp. It was repaired without question under warranty.

Being a 94 it's just possible your car might not have the cat integrated into the downpipe- and indeed form your descrition it sounds like that is the case.

I now use the JT downpipe. Build quality is not as good, and it's obviously going to corrode quicker but I have to have it because of the performance levels I am running. If you buy it just as a downpipe, then IIRC it comes with an adaptor. You have to cut about 2" off the length opf the downpipe to fit the adaptor, and then you might also need to re-work the support bracket. If you speak to the guys at Elkparts they will be able to help you.

IMO heat stress fracture will not be an issue for you, so you have a choice- the cheaper JT route which needs a bit of extra work, or the more expensive Abbott route which is a direct drop in replacement and comes with a lifetime warranty.

[DaveS]

Dave, depending on whether the flexipipe split through rust or stress, it may be worth looking at your engine mounts while you're underneath.

I understand that dodgy mounts can cause stress fractures in the flexible pipe.

[dave_H]

Thanks for your responses,
Good point DaveS, I have read that somewhere but had forgotten.
Elkparts supply the pipe + reducer at about £160.00, which is much the same as a, supply & fit, from the local exhaust "specialists" for the standard after market kit.
I'll see how it goes with the "slow" one (LPT) , & consider the same for my 2.3 turbo CDS.

[mark e]

DaveS- good point- I forgot to include that