Does the flex section really help out on DPs like on the Megan Racing compared to the Espelir? Both are 3", very similar in price around $170 and have no fitment problems.
Which would you guys recommend? Thx

Megan Racing?


Espelir

 

It's not necessary on our cars because we use spring bolts to hold the DP to the O2 housing; which allow for flex. But the flex section won't hurt anything either.

Hope that helps!

 

I wonder about this myself. I'm sure the flex section doesn't help flow but, I can't imagine having the pipe rigid and the motor moving around being good for the life of the exhaust.

 

Must have been typing while you were posting. That makes sense

 

i have had the megan dp on my car for 12,000 miles with no problems. excellent value.

 

I want to point out that the Espelir down pipe is 2.7" and not 3" like some vendors are advertising. I bought this downpipe to replace my rattling 3" Helix and verified the measurements myself.

 

Downpipes with the flex section don't accomodate the donut gasket. If you look at the differences in the end that attaches to the o2 housing between the two pictures you will see what I mean. You will see the Espelir has a wider bell shaped mouth. The flex section tends to cause a weak link in the downpipe.

 

My Megan downpipe has been great!

 

I agree about the pipe diameter. When I received my Espelir down pipe, I measured it also and came up with a 2 3/4" diameter. It still helped me make power, but it should not be advertised as a 3" down pipe.

 

We offer our downpipes both ways for guys that want the flex section. Someone pointed out that the lower downpipe pictured is not a true 3", looking at the top picture of the Meagan it must not be either as I can see TWO reducers in it, one at the flange and one at the back of the flex.

David Buschur
www.buschurracing.com

 

That picture is not accurate, the actual Evo Megan downpipe has no steps or reducers (I run it)... however, the flex sections themselves are restrictions. If I were doing it again, I would get one without. I'm of the opinion right now that the Espelir and others like it are probably the best bang for the buck right now... spring gasket fit to allow for flex, but no flex section turbulence. Helix being at the upper end of that "bang for the buck" line up.

David, does your non-flex section downpipe use the OE spring bolt/gasket design?

 

We run braided stainless flex sections in all the downpipes we currently build for the DSM,EVO,SRT-4 and WRX. I don't feel they are a restriction at all. I do have a lot more piece of mind that the downpipe with a true flex section will last longer without cracking at the welds. Here is a pic of our set up.

 

A pic of the inside of one of your un-assembled flex sections would be more telling...

 

The only benefit of using Flex section would be that you can remove the donut gasket which some feel is a flow restriction. Ultimate Racing also uses a flex section in their downpipes.

 

I posted a pic above. The flex we use is double braided for strength. I respect your opinion Zeus, but I just think the real flex section is a more reliable solution. I have seen many well known companies that get rid of the factory dounut and they do use a flex section either. I think this is just asking for trouble.