Did you have problems with CBE fit?

Lee123

Have you had to resort to putting washers between the crossmember and the frame, beating the crossmember or pipe with a hammer, or other measures like that to get your CBE to fit? Or did you get one that wouldn't fit at all? If so, what kind of CBE was it, what kind of problem did you have, which body style is your car and how did you fix it.

I bought a Stillen CBE recently and, after 3 trips to the shop and trying everything we could think of including the fix suggested by Stillen over the phone, the only way to get enough clearance from the crossmember was to put washers between the crossmember and the frame. The Stillen CBE is very well made and sounds great, but if there is only 3/16" clearance immediately after installation the pipe will settle on the rubber hangers and rattle after a few days. At least mine did. Twice. It seems OK with the washers but I'm not real happy about leaving them in my nearly new car.

I didn't post this to criticize the Stillen CBE. Maybe it's just that some cars are out of spec since others have had no problems at all with the Stillen and I've also heard of people having the same problem with other brands. I'm wondering how common these problems are, what brands have fit problems, and what people have done about them. One reason I'm asking is that I'll buy a different CBE if this one rattles again and I'll want one that fits right. Another is that I'm wondering how many people have put in put washers under their crossmember and if that causes any long term problems. I don't like the idea but maybe it's not a big deal. I'm also wondering if roadster frames or crossmembers are a bit different and have more clearance problems. Zfish had the same problem that I have and his car is exactly like mine. This information might also helpful to others thinking about buying a CBE.

Thanks for reading this and for any responses.

azn370z

I think stillen cbe is the only cbe that has problems touching the brace. I thought they fixed this problem?? My cbe tips are crooked. The berks look and sound similar to the stillen. It doesn't sound like you're happy and you should be. If I were you I would sell the cbe and buy something else.

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2010 k23
H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts