A couple weeks ago, I picked up a Pypes O/R X-pipe used. The only problem was that 2 of the 3 o2 sensor bungs had damaged threads. I got the threads retapped and the sensors screwed in perfectly after that. The installation went fine, no problems at all. No for the problems... Ever since I installed the midpipe, I''ve been hearing this clunking/chirping/gurgling sounds coming from the passenger side footwell. The sound starts once the motor warms up. I reached under the car and tried to see if there was any play/movement with the midpipe, but it didn''t budge at all. Also, there seems to more more noise coming from the right side of the motor. I''m getting really frustrated with this midpipe and I''m considering just putting the stock one back on. If I can''t find where these annoying *** noises are coming from within the next few weeks I may just end up putting the stock one bak on.

 

Get it warm, put it up on 4 stands so it is completely off the ground and level, start the car and try to track down the sound. Remember your exhaust pipes are now HOT! At the very least wear a long sleeve clothes and leather work gloves and be very careful where you stick your face. Sounds like you have a small exhaust leak.

 

Its probably coming from the header/manifold flange if is sounds like its under the footwell.

 

If it is a leak near the manifold flange what can be done to fix it?

 

Re-tighten them evenly. If you tighten one side too much before tightening the other side, the flange wont seal properly.

 

Ok, I'm fairly certain that I didn't tighten the bolts evenly. This weekend I'll put it back up and loosen and retighten all the bolts. So a exhaust leak at the flange would explain all the sounds I've been hearing? I was under the impression that an exhaust leak would sound more like a hissing of the gasses leaking out.

 

Thats just what I think it is, It could be any one of the clamps, or not an exaust leak at all. The best thing to do is exactly what shotokan said any narrow it down while running on jack stands.

 

An exhaust leak at the flange could sound like you are running underwater it so burbbaly (is that a word?)

 

Burblely:
Burble is the correct root word.
The addition of "ly" is awkward, but suits your particular need.
Oh and yeah, it can sound that way for sure.

 

Exactly. I know from experiance. I acually probably re-installed my exhaust twice before I worked out the bugs. Then I ended up doing it again because I didnt like the sound. Im running the Factory H-pipe with the Bassani high flow cats and so far so good.

 

That's definetly one of the sounds I've been hearing. Cool, now I got something to work off of. Hopefully I'll have time to get under the car tomorrow and check out all the connections.

 

I found the problem, I think...

The problem was that the exhaust hanger post was rubbing against the exhaust hanger on the transmission cross member. I tried to adjust it to put a gap between the two and it eliminated the vibration that I was hearing, but unfortunately it still hits the hanger when the engine is torquing under load. I need to make more adjustments.