So, about 10k miles ago I had a Hard Pipe kit installed. Not going to mention names, but it was one of the "good" ones. They started out as a tight squeeze at stock ride height, but after lowering the car and installed KW V3's + Tarret Drop links, they actually started making contact with the suspension.

End result: (click for big)



So I called Markski to get a set of his bendable pipes. Install was a son-of-a-*****. Took basically all weekend, but I got them installed and even fixed a couple of boost leaks I found along the way.

Final edition:




Cliff notes:

Hard pipes rubbed on drop links and burned a hole in there. There were at least 3 other rubbing spots, too. Replaced with bendable kit and it clears everything now.

Get in there and check for rubbing!!!

 

well good thing you caught it in time.

 

good job...
Ive had a set of hard pipes on a hard go thru my hands... and they rubbed as well...
I always tell everyone to consider the soft version... less drama ... I do sell the hard pipes as well..

 

Thanks for posting, good info to know. Do you think all hard pipe kits would have the same problem, or just the set you have?

 

I think it depends on a lot of factors -- it didn't rub much when I was stock height. After lowering, I moved them around (adjusting clamps and couplers) to make it fit better. Was a no-go for me in the end, your results may vary.

What I do know, is that I wish I just bought the bendable kit like Markski told me to a year ago. I don't think he even sold them at the time, just didn't want me to have to redo it later. That is the right bunch of equipment for the job, hands down, it doesn't look fancy but it works.

 

Actually the hole is already worn through, just a bad picture.

 

Were you able to install them without dropping the motor?

 

How long to install the flexible pipes?

Considering as one of my next upgrades.

 

I left the engine and trans in place (lowered the motor mounts though)

I think the only reason I was able to do the swap, was that I *didn't* have stock pipes in there. The hard pipe upgrade kit was in enough pieces that I was able to snake them out. I'm pretty sure you have to remove the trans to get the stock inlet setup out. I could be wrong though.

I'm not a mechanic, and I did this in my driveway with basic hand tools. It was not fun.
Probably took me 4-5hrs to get them out, and another 4-5 to get the new ones in. I also took the time to make sure all the vacuum lines were zip tied, pressure tested a couple times, etc, etc. So, pairing this upgrade along with an engine drop event would certainly be your best bang for buck.

 

Did the "end result" pic stop working? Sounds like a fun day! Glad you got it taken care of at least.

 

Yep, sorry -- fixed now.

 

Nice review thanks henry

 

ot question. the pic of your coilovers have the tenders on the bottom. the jrz that are on my car have them on the top. just wondering?

 

Couldnt you hear the rubbing? Didnt you know there was a issue on the initial install of the hard pipes?

 

doubt you could hear it over the exhaust road noise... and probaly the music.(i always music when driving lol)