Best downpipe on a IX??? Fitment/quality/craftsmanship/performance
EvoM Guru
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From: Tri-Cities, WA // Portland, OR
Finally installed my Helix v2 DP this morning. Even with the entire DP wrapped with exhaust wrap, fitment is excellent with > 3/8" clearance from the oil pan and 1/4" clearance from the ACD. It clears the Cusco LAB #1 brace (ties the two A arm bars together), but it does not clear the Cusco LAB #2 brace (the one that replaces the two stock tie bars). I'll probably need to install 1/2" spacers there. Would have been nice if it cleared the LAB #2 brace, but its worth it for the otherwise excellent quality and fitment. BTW, if you have a LAB #1 and #2 brace installed, plan on having to remove them to get the DP on there. No way around it.
Finally installed my Helix v2 DP this morning. Even with the entire DP wrapped with exhaust wrap, fitment is excellent with > 3/8" clearance from the oil pan and 1/4" clearance from the ACD. It clears the Cusco LAB #1 brace (ties the two A arm bars together), but it does not clear the Cusco LAB #2 brace (the one that replaces the two stock tie bars). I'll probably need to install 1/2" spacers there. Would have been nice if it cleared the LAB #2 brace, but its worth it for the otherwise excellent quality and fitment. BTW, if you have a LAB #1 and #2 brace installed, plan on having to remove them to get the DP on there. No way around it.
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (50)
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,675
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From: Tri-Cities, WA // Portland, OR
I have tried Helix ver1, Megan downpipe, and now I am on my 3rd Downpipe.
All I can say is that my current Tanabe 2.75" downpipe fits like a glove and with very ample clearance between transfercase and oil pan compared to the other two that I had before. I like the 2.75"s low end response much better. The flat spot during low RPMS in 3" dp is no longer there.
my setup FP Green, Denso 720cc injectors, AEM short ram, walbro pump, Titek o2 housing, Tanabe 2.75", RRE rally cat, Tanabe Medalion Touring, GM 3port boost solenoid and tuned by Andy @speed Element.
All I can say is that my current Tanabe 2.75" downpipe fits like a glove and with very ample clearance between transfercase and oil pan compared to the other two that I had before. I like the 2.75"s low end response much better. The flat spot during low RPMS in 3" dp is no longer there.
my setup FP Green, Denso 720cc injectors, AEM short ram, walbro pump, Titek o2 housing, Tanabe 2.75", RRE rally cat, Tanabe Medalion Touring, GM 3port boost solenoid and tuned by Andy @speed Element.
Last edited by PnutButterWolf; Mar 12, 2008 at 10:46 PM.
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (50)
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,675
Likes: 132
From: Tri-Cities, WA // Portland, OR
I have tried Helix ver1, Megan downpipe, and now I am on my 3rd Downpipe.
All I can say is that my current Tanabe 2.75" downpipe fits like a glove and with very ample clearance between transfercase and oil pan compared to the other two that I had before. I like the 2.75"s low end response much better. The flat spot during low RPMS in 3" dp is no longer there.
my setup FP Green, Denso 720cc injectors, AEM short ram, walbro pump, Titek o2 housing, Tanabe 2.75", RRE rally cat, Tanabe Medalion Touring, GM 3port boost solenoid and tuned by Andy @speed Element.
All I can say is that my current Tanabe 2.75" downpipe fits like a glove and with very ample clearance between transfercase and oil pan compared to the other two that I had before. I like the 2.75"s low end response much better. The flat spot during low RPMS in 3" dp is no longer there.
my setup FP Green, Denso 720cc injectors, AEM short ram, walbro pump, Titek o2 housing, Tanabe 2.75", RRE rally cat, Tanabe Medalion Touring, GM 3port boost solenoid and tuned by Andy @speed Element.
And does anyone know if it is true that aftermarket exhaust hangers really kill the rattle problems?
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (50)
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,675
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From: Tri-Cities, WA // Portland, OR
The stock hangers work fine if the exhaust is well designed. If the attachment points of an aftermarket exhaust don't line up well with the rubber hangers, I suggest bending the pickup points on the exhaust to make them fit better.
Kinda curious about the power difference between 3" and 2.75" as well. My road dyno numbers and my butt dyno both tell me that the 3" DP improved power across the entire rpm range under all driving conditions.
The stock hangers work fine if the exhaust is well designed. If the attachment points of an aftermarket exhaust don't line up well with the rubber hangers, I suggest bending the pickup points on the exhaust to make them fit better.
The stock hangers work fine if the exhaust is well designed. If the attachment points of an aftermarket exhaust don't line up well with the rubber hangers, I suggest bending the pickup points on the exhaust to make them fit better.
Well, the curious kicks in when people says that aftermarket exhaust hangers kill rattles as exhaust gets louder and vibrates more due to loss of cat.conv.
Just want to double check with more people rather than to jump on the conclusion because some parts are just gimmicks for sale benefits?


