flex pipe in custom exhaust?

[Punkers7465]

Hey all.

I plan on welding together an exhaust for track use that's going to be a straight 2.5" header back setup.

The question I have is: do I need a flex pipe in the system? I have es motor mounts if that changes anything...

[Punkers7465]

no one?

[bman365]

Id say yes if your joints are mounted flush. Stock exhaust uses donut gaskets to allow movement.

[Shizuma]

Yes you need some kind of flex joint to allow for engine movement, otherwise you're just going to break it at the highest stressed area.

[Punkers7465]

if I leave the doughnut flange on the exit of the header will I still need a flex pipe?

I'm considering something like:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-BOLT-2-5-ID-EXHAUST-DOWNPIPE-TESTPIPE-DONUT-FLANGE-/150590685909?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item230fe782d5

Anyone know the distance between bolts on the header?

[Shizuma]

if I leave the doughnut flange on the exit of the header will I still need a flex pipe?

I'm considering something like:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-BOLT-2-5-ID-EXHAUST-DOWNPIPE-TESTPIPE-DONUT-FLANGE-/150590685909?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item230fe782d5

Anyone know the distance between bolts on the header?

Probably not as long as you have the appropriate flange on the exhaust as well. I can't help you on the bolt spacing though, maybe someone else will chime in.

[Punkers7465]

I'll have the mid pipe off in a few weeks when the car comes out of storage and can measure it then... but I was just wondering if anyone had the measurements off hand. I'm getting excited about spring and maybe a bit ahead of things.

Thanks everyone