Originally Posted by XwChriswX (Post 2341290)

Because the kit is built to fit perfectly from the start. Flex pipes account for inadequacies of designs.

Originally Posted by forza370z (Post 2341387)

The flex pipes give more room to adjust for the fitment, but when the car moves all the moving force is applied to the flex pipes thus it's easy to sag and broken after the time. I think Tony explained this somewhere. Just can't find it now.

Originally Posted by synolimit (Post 2342345)

Really? Proof of this? Seems to me like it would take off stress of things. Yes the CBE is supported by rubber hangers so it can move but to me it still seems like major stress at the header to head location. Probably why race applications require your to safety wire those nuts.

Originally Posted by synolimit (Post 2342345)

Edit, quick google turned this up first. Seems I'm not alone

Question about exhaust without flex pipe - G35Driver

Originally Posted by XwChriswX (Post 2342362)

Read any of the dozens of FI customer reviews. This exhaust is constantly complimented on it's ease of install and borderline Better than OEM fitment. Tony and his crew did an outstanding job making sure you could literally pull this out of the box having little or no technical expertise at all, and install it with Zero problems.


Flex pipes account for vibrations, and motions from the engine/header/cbe, yes. However, typically they are not made from the same grade of steel as the rest of the exhaust, so they will rust out. 2ndly, they are typically lower at their point under the body than the rest of the system so they have a potential to scrape easier. 3rdly, a lot of companies use them so that their system doesn't quite have to fit exactly right, there is room for error. Tony doesn't operate like this, nor should anyone else. You make it fit, or you scrap it and start over.

Originally Posted by XwChriswX (Post 2342370)

So they're willing to install a part they know will eventually fail? Over installing a part that could possibly fail??


:ugh2:

I've got one of the earlier systems, LTHs + CBE. I have zero cracks, leaks, or noticed any weakening of the system. 3 years and counting.

Originally Posted by F.I. Inc. (Post 2195170)

So I just wanted to chime in on this one a little bit. Believe it or not, I have been asked this question many times over the past 9 years ever since we started making exhaust systems for the 350Z/G35 Coupe. Here is why we do not use "Flex Joints" within our 2.5" cat back exhaust system. Please try and keep an open mind when reading my reasons because some of them are facts a few are opinions and some of them are based off of experiences.

-Flex joints are designed to give you more adjustability in the exhaust fitment, yes. However they are there to soak up in consistency in slight alignment issues. If an exhaust system is not produced to the exact spec of what it is bolting up to, the flex joint will allow you to fudge it and make it fit. This is not the correct way to do things. Sure it will take the bind off of the exhaust system and in turn shift the bind into the flex joint.

-In the case of this specific car the first rubber hangers that hold the exhaust up are located right in front of the rear sway bar. That is physically far away from either the transmission brace on the catalytic converters or the head of the engine. Now if you put flex joints directly in the front of the exhaust system everything behind them will (weigh) on them. This puts a lot of stress on them and after time they will deteriorate and eventually sag or worse yet, blow out and create an exhaust leak.

-They will decrease ground clearance.

-They add material cost and production time to the build process.

-The list goes on and on but in the grand scheme of things, your engine sits in rubber motor mounts. Your exhaust system sits in rubber hangers. Your exhaust system is indirectly bolted to your engine through your cats and manifolds. Nothing is solid mounted to the car and as the engine torques, the exhaust torques with it.

Thats all I have for now. Thank you for your time.

Tony

Originally Posted by SS_Firehawk (Post 2342640)

This is the same guy who bought a Top Speed exhaust... Just sayin.

Originally Posted by Blake@F.I. Inc. (Post 2342630)

From page 121. Hope this clears everything up

Originally Posted by JC671 (Post 2342605)

Synolimit if that is what your use to and feel comfortable (having a flex pipe) for your ease of mind then by all means go buy an exhaust or header that has one. After Chris explained the reason behind F.I. part of not having one and the countless of reviews and support. If you still don't like the answer or the exhaust then look elsewhere.

As far as your TQ comment, I'm guess your basing your opinion because or your two WRX's you have. That is a bad comparison. You are comparing a turboed boxer engine vs a N/A V6. Not exactly the closest thing to compare to.

Please save your opinions war for PMs and if you have further questions I suggest calling F.I. directly.:tup:

Originally Posted by Baer383 (Post 2342647)

I think it is funny as hell to see people come on this fourm and want to (or already know how) reinvent the wheel,and think they know more than the manufacturer that made the exhaust. :shakes head:

Originally Posted by synolimit (Post 2342693)

It's FI doing something different so pardon my questioning when I see something out of the major norm!

Originally Posted by synolimit (Post 2342685)

Umm wrong as usual. Go ship more broken boxes with parts to people and let the men talk.