RJC Downpipe Install

[CGASTON]

Am need some help here. I have a brand new RJC 3" DP and it is giving me some issues. What the problem is that the DP Fits awesome except the it barely lays on my frame. And oh yes, my knock detector will live me. Before you ask, I have ATR headers and yes HR Motor mounts. So if anyone could please assist me in why this is happening and what/how to fix it, I plan calling Jason tomorrow as well.



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[tonys87]

I just installed mine a month ago. And it fits perfect! I also have HR mounts, eibach lowering springs and I also have all brand new body bushings. Maybe new bushings might help.

 

[CGASTON]

I have new body bushings as well..

 

[coach]

Call Jason and ask, or send him some pics.
I just did mine and it clears the passenger side A-arm way better then the old pipe, but is pretty close to the frame where it comes down to the test pipe. I bought the RJC rear engine brace to keep the motor from twisting. I also have HR mounts on engine and tranny.

Coach

 

[1KWIKSIX]

Am need some help here. I have a brand new RJC 3" DP and it is giving me some issues. What the problem is that the DP Fits awesome except the it barely lays on my frame. And oh yes, my knock detector will live me. Before you ask, I have ATR headers and yes HR Motor mounts. So if anyone could please assist me in why this is happening and what/how to fix it, I plan calling Jason tomorrow as well.

View attachment 160677

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Think your problem could be due to the ATR headers you are running?
Don't think this pipe will fit with ATR's ?
I believe RJC's DP is designed to fit with stock style or TA headers as the ATR & Kenne Bell Headers require a longer sweep coming off the turbo exh hsg to be able to fit with clearance to be able to clear the cross over pipe.
Another possibility could be the angle and orientation of the triangular turbo mounting flange on your exhause header......it could be causing this issue for you?

Don't know for sure, just passing this along from my personal experience.

Good Luck!
Let us know how you make out .


dave

 

[Nick Micale]

There are 2 possible ways to solve your issue.

One method is to open up up the holes in the DP flange so it can be rotated up to clear the frame.

The other is to elongate the 3 holes in the turbo header flange so the turbo can be slightly rotated which will raise the DP for clearance.

The reason some cars have fitment issues is because aftermarket parts vary from the original stock parts. This includes the headers and turbo exhaust housing.

In the newRJC DP, the holes in the mouting flange will be elongated to help relieve this issue. The TA headers now have elongated holes in the turbo flange to also correct for proper fitment.

 

[coach]

There are 2 possible ways to solve your issue.

One method is to open up up the holes in the DP flange so it can be rotated up to clear the frame.

The other is to elongate the 3 holes in the turbo header flange so the turbo can be slightly rotated which will raise the DP for clearance.

The reason some cars have fitment issues is because aftermarket parts vary from the original stock parts. This includes the headers and turbo exhaust housing.

In the newRJC DP, the holes in the mouting flange will be elongated to help relieve this issue. The TA headers now have elongated holes in the turbo flange to also correct for proper fitment.

Thank you Nick,
After reading that quote, I was worried. I got a really nice set of Kenne Bell headers for my new stroker, which will have my new RJC 3 inch pipe on it. I will machine the holes as you are saying before I have them coated. Wow, I thought I was going to need different headers.

You just cant replace the knowledge some of you guys bring to this board.
Thanks
Coach

 

[CGASTON]

There are 2 possible ways to solve your issue.

One method is to open up up the holes in the DP flange so it can be rotated up to clear the frame.

The other is to elongate the 3 holes in the turbo header flange so the turbo can be slightly rotated which will raise the DP for clearance.

The reason some cars have fitment issues is because aftermarket parts vary from the original stock parts. This includes the headers and turbo exhaust housing.

In the newRJC DP, the holes in the mouting flange will be elongated to help relieve this issue. The TA headers now have elongated holes in the turbo flange to also correct for proper fitment.

Nick,

Are you home yet from TB Nationals? If so, I like to give you a call sometime today. Let me know.

Clint

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[Nick Micale]

I am still in the "damp" East, but will be home in the "dry" and warm desert on Friday!

 

[CGASTON]

Nick,

I will probably try to elongate the header flange. Question is, how much do you open it up? I was thinking an 1/8". An 1/8" at the turbo could be a 1/4" at the frame. And I think a 1/4" will work great. But what is your suggestion?

I will be in Phoenix on Saturday, so if everything works out...... I may try to stop by to say hello.

 

[CGASTON]

OOPSS.

 

[Nick Micale]

Nick,....................I was thinking an 1/8". An 1/8" at the turbo could be a 1/4" at the frame. And I think a 1/4" will work great. But what is your suggestion?................

An 1/8" at the turbo will be more than 1/4" at the frame, so you should be good there.

 

[jlat]

hello; Hijack. Nick when you get back to your dry climate could you find out what's happening with TA headers. I've had some on order for too long.
thanks
IBBY

 

[pacecarta]

theres also another tweak point ,
the hr mounts have elongated holes to allow you to position the engine clocked so to speak ,
you can loosen the long mounting bolts and rotate the engine clockwise on the perches to raise the passenger side , let it sit on perches then re tighten the bolts

 

[coach]

theres also another tweak point ,
the hr mounts have elongated holes to allow you to position the engine clocked so to speak ,
you can loosen the long mounting bolts and rotate the engine clockwise on the perches to raise the passenger side , let it sit on perches then re tighten the bolts

Well isnt that special. Im learning a ton today about parts I have on the car, or will soon be on the car. This is handy info.

Thanks a ton,
Coach

 

[CGASTON]

theres also another tweak point ,
the hr mounts have elongated holes to allow you to position the engine clocked so to speak ,
you can loosen the long mounting bolts and rotate the engine clockwise on the perches to raise the passenger side , let it sit on perches then re tighten the bolts

PACECARTA

How do you read my mind? I was wondering how much room/play I would have in the mounts..... Now what makes me hesitant in doing this is that since the torque rocks the motor to the passenger side, eventually that adjustment will go away and have to be redone again. Agree? Unless you do that and add Jason's frame brace... Any thoughts?

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[TurboDave]

Before I say something that might embarass me, I have to ask......The picture in the first post. What angle is that?? IOW, is that taken from below the frame looking upward??

 

[pacecarta]

simplest fix is as Nick posted , overdrill the hole one size larger , install bolts.. lift the pipe and tighten
and loosening turbo to header and rotate clockwise will not only move pipe away from frame it will raise it

and no the mounts wont move if you bother to torque them to the specs they should be

shimming the trans mount could also fix it ,

cant expect things to just bolt in without tweaking
but sometimes the BFH has to come out ,

 

[coach]

The BFH or the "Heat Wrench" usually makes most anything "Universal"!!!
Another fix that is super easy is to mark that area on the pipe. Tape off the area to the top of the clearance problem and the bottom and lay the pipe in an arbor press. Place a block of wood on both sides and gently press it into an oval shape in that area. It will not affect the bottom of the pipe where it connects into the rest of the exhaust. We made a jig years ago to build the "swedged" exhaust for Pro Street cars with low ground clearance. It still carries the same volume of air, and its a nice neat way to get the extra clearance without the BFH.

 

[CGASTON]

Before I say something that might embarass me, I have to ask......The picture in the first post. What angle is that?? IOW, is that taken from below the frame looking upward??

Yes... I have one picture of both sides.

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