How close should Stillen CBE be to crossmember?
 

I had my Stillen CBE installed today. I watched the guy do the work and he followed the instructions including holding it up in the middle with a screw jack. He did a good job and the tips are straight and no further out than the original ones, but it still looks really close to the cross member to me. Maybe about 3/16" clearance. I don't like having it that close, but don't see much that can be done about it and it's not a problem as long as it doesn't get close enough to rattle as the rubber mounts get older. Is this the way these normally fit?

The exhaust simply needs to clear the crossmember, and you shouldn't experience any rattling.

Thoughts on the car after the installation? It will change slightly as the exhaust burns in.

Thanks, Josh. I was a bit concerned because it was fine when I left the shop but there was a slight rattle when I got home. I took it back and he said it had shifted down a bit and re-adjusted it. The rattle hasn't come back, but I wanted to check about the clearance so I could take it back Monday if it was too close. I was going to call Chuck on Monday, but I won't worry about it now.

I'm really happy with the sound. I didn't want anything too loud since it's a roadster and I listen to music while drving so I had a Nismo installed. It was too quiet. The Stillen is just right for me. It's quiet when just driving along and sounds great under load. The Nismo is for sale over in the other section. I should have bought this one to start with! (That comment probably won't help me sell the Nismo.)

There is some flexibility in the system to accomodate the rear, and give you the ability to ensure the tips are aligned and the length is correct (unfortunately Nissan doesn't build each Z to exacting specs), so some adjustment can be necessary.

I'm sure you will sell the Nismo, there are guys who like the brand, and want an OEM sound.. to each his own. We build the exhaust to have an agressive tone when pushed, retain the overal factory sound, perform exceptionally well, and have zero drone.

Always feel free to call us with any concerns.

Josh,

I am purchasing a 2009 Z ...

I would like to ask u a couple of questions ...

I am interested in purchasing a STILLEN CBE, STILLEN/INJEN LONG TUBE CAI & HIGH FLOW CATS ...

I heard that the stillen CBE does not fit perfectly during installation, since i have read a couple of comments on the CBE ... i have a 2005 Z and i had the stillen CBE and it fits perfectly ...
whats the story behind all this ?!

My second question is, what would the total price be on those parts ?!

I am also considering headers ... would u recommend ?!

And i am shipping them overseas ... how is the procedure done ?!

Appreciate ur help ...

thx

The STILLEN Cat-Back Exhaust, Generation 3 Intake and High Flow Cats are a very common upgrade path for enthusiasts, and the results have been documented several times on the boards (and you'll see some additional independing major magazine testing coming out shortly as well).

I'd be happy to put together a quote for you, which would include all shipping door-to-door. We have a special starting next week, your timing is perfect.

In regards to the CBE fitment, if the instructions are followed, installation isn't a problem. We do utilize slip joints to ensure fitment, so the key is making sure everything is in the correct position before tightening everything down. All of this is outlined in the instructions, and we have hundreds of happy customers that have had no issues on install.

If you can PM me with your details and email address, I'll get working on that quote for you.

Thanks!

Issam,

I'm the guy who started this thread and just in case I caused any confusion I wanted to say that my Stillen CBE fits perfectly. I'm one of those people who worries about little stuff, and I wanted to check and make sure it was installed properly and wasn't too close to the crossmember. I did have to go back and have it adjusted after driving a few miles, but that was an installation issue, not a problem with the exhaust system. I've driven it a lot since Friday and there are no rattles or problems of any kind. One of the reasons I've driven it so much is because it sounds SO good. I want to make sure my question about the clearance doesn't discourage you, or anyone else, from buying the Stillen CBE because I am extremely happy with mine.

Lee123,

hahaha, thx 4 the update man ... appreciate it ...

Hope ur enjoying ur stillen upgrade ... anyways, send me some vedios ;-)

drive safe buddy

I decided I owe a further explanation to Issam and any others who read my comments above about how the exhaust was perfect now that it had been adjusted. Tuesday, the day after I posted that, the rattle returned. It was a very small rattle and couldn't heard if the radio was loud, but it was there. Yesterday I called Stillen and Chuck told me what should be done if it proved that the rattle was from the pipe hitting the crossmember. This morning I took it back to the shop. We got it on the lift and found that the pipe had once again settled down and was no more than 1/16" from the crossmember. We loosened all the bolts and clamps and the piece between the cats and held the pipe up as high as possible with a screw jack, but no matter what we tried the pipe ended up no more than 1/8 - 3/16" from the crossmember when everything was tightened. I don't really see how that could be changed since the front of the y-pipe is bolted to the cats which are solidly attached to the engine. We ended up putting washers between the crossmember and the frame to increase the space to about 1/2" That should take care of it, but I'm not real happy with that solution.

It seems that some people have this problem and others don't. Perhaps it's due to manufacturing tolerances on the frame? I saw that another member who had this problem owns a roadster that looks just like mine. Perhaps the crossmember sits a bit higher or further forward on the roadster? Maybe that's why the OEM and Nismo pipes have the flexible sections in the front.

whats the asking price for the nismo exhaust?

Sorry, the Nismo is long gone. If you're interested in a used Stillen, send me a pm.

Lee,

Y did u sell ur STILLEN CBE ?!

How am i supposed 2 know if the STILLEN CBE would perfectly fot on my car ?!!!

Issam,

I sold it because I didn't like putting washers between the crossmember and the frame to create enough clearance that it wouldn't rattle. After 3 trips to the shop that's what we had to do. I posted a question in the exhaust section asking if the washers were OK and got a couple responses saying they were no problem. I also got a couple of comments from people who put stainless hose clamps around the rubber hangers to lift the pipe up away from the crossmember. I just didn't like either choice for a new (1,500 miles) car, so I decided I'd have a better chance with a system that has two smaller pipes side by side. That seems to be working out fine.

Regrettably, I have no suggestions on how to tell if one would fit in your car. It seems to fit well for some people while others have resorted to washers and hose clamps to avoid the rattle but are still very happy with the CBE. I just didn't have the patience to mess with it any more.

Good luck with your decision.