Magnaflow clearance issues?

[tezz]

Couple weeks ago I put in the cat back Magnaflow system. A few issues I had with the install: both clamps looked nice and beefy but snapped when I tightened them. The slot for the factory stud was on the wrong side so I had to cut one on the opposite side. When I contacted Magnaflow about these issues their reply was 1) that happens, 2) the system wasn't designed for the turbo - they are still working on a turbo GT design. Also there's no place to mount the ground wire. I clamped mine to the hanger stud.
The whole set up was a little saggy so I took it to a muffler shop where they welded the joints. I noticed a problem right away but didn't have time to get back to the shop until today - the turn over the real axle puts it too close to the axle and it hits on bumps - really badly if you have rear passengers. The muffler shop thought the bend wasn't adequate for clearance and thought maybe it was a defective part. Being stainless he can't simply re-bend it. Waiting to hear back from Magnaflow on this. I do have Eibach springs, so this may compound the clearance problem.
Performance wise - it's a bit louder than I originally wanted but not objectionable. The massive 4" tip looks gnarly and probably gave me a few h.p.
Bottom line=If you're looking into a Magnaflow, I'd wait for a Turbo specific model - and buy some decent clamps.

[Cal Cruzer]

I don't think you should have welded the joints. Now adjustment is out of the question without a torch. It took me a couple of weekends to get my Borla setup adjusted right. Trial and error. There was more adjustment in the system than I orignaly thought. I just jammed all the pipes together as far as they would go, but that was not right. You really have to set it up.

The slot being in the wrong place is inexcusable. From what I understand, the exhaust systems for the NA and Turbo and interchangable so their excuse does not hold up.

[PTGT Redman]

I used a Magnaflow transverse and removed my spare from under the car. Plenty of clearance and the muffler is now out of view. If you don't mind doing that it is an option. I had a boot made for my spare which is in the back. The rear shelf can be lowered to the lowest bracket still.
When I had my bassani (and even my Borla onmy 01) that piece that goes around the rear axle would slam into either the axle, frame or the left arm of the Watts linkage. I had to have that piece cut and a replacement that was steeper placed. It helped on my 01, but with my turbo I had a custom system done and it is solid as a rock.

[Gary04GT]

quote:Originally posted by tezz

Couple weeks ago I put in the cat back Magnaflow system. A few issues I had with the install: both clamps looked nice and beefy but snapped when I tightened them. The slot for the factory stud was on the wrong side so I had to cut one on the opposite side. When I contacted Magnaflow about these issues their reply was 1) that happens, 2) the system wasn't designed for the turbo - they are still working on a turbo GT design. Also there's no place to mount the ground wire...

The issues were EXACTLY THE SAME when the Magnaflow was installed on my 2003 Inferno Red GT. I had the work professionally done by a muffler specialty shop and the final product/result was outstanding--no problems whatsoever and it looked/fit and worked fine even if wasn't designed for the GT Turbo. [8D]

[Cal Cruzer]

quote:When I had my bassani (and even my Borla onmy 01) that piece that goes around the rear axle would slam into either the axle, frame or the left arm of the Watts linkage. I had to have that piece cut and a replacement that was steeper placed.

I had the same problem on the Borla until I got the over the axle part completely seated into the piece ahead of it. That was my main problem. I ended up making a cross cut with a hacksaw on the piece that slips over the other just to give it a little more expandability, coated it with anti-seize and was finally able to get it to bottom out in the seat of the expansion area. Now it is fine. It was just a very tight fit to get it in there working over the axle.

[tezz]

Finally got to the muffler shop today. They cut out the section over the rear axle and rotated the piece to give me more clearance. The first guy who welded it up could have done a better job but I think it ended up more rotated than the original set up could have been (does that make sense?). So now with the Eibachs installed I have maybe 3 inches between the pipe and the axle. The banging is gone, but I haven't driven with back passengers yet. Firmer shocks would help.Yet another reason to buy the Koni's I've been lusting for....all I need is the $$$$$!!!!
[8)]

[mcruz]

Should have gotten BTG, mine fit like a glove, didn't have to change a thing.