I searched and couldn't find and answer to this, i guess i am looking for opinions and expierience.

i am going to be getting a TBE soon and i was wondering how important it was to get a downpipe with a flex section?

i live in pennsylvania, so the roads around here are pretty rough in alot places.

I've noticed that most of the downpipes i have run across while shopping don't include a flex section, and i haven't specifically heard of anyone having major issues because of this.

can anyone tell me to the contrary?

 

it really depends
i think if you have a tubular manifold you should have a flex on the exhaust because when the exhaust moves the stress would all be plaiced on the tubo manifold.
log manifold are probably fine with out one

 

if you have a doughnut gasket that goes between the 02 housing and downpipe, that acts as a flex section as it allows movement between the engine and exhaust

 

thanks guys.

 

My exhaust is a full 3" Ichiba with the flex section. It was a tight fit near the oil pan, but I have not had any problems with it. Had it for about 4k miles...

 

Same here. I got the Megan DP with Flex tight fit. No problems so far. Knock on wood>

 

A lack of flex section is really because the EVO has more of a solid stock motor mount. Also the stock design uses a crush spring/bolt to give play to the exhaust. These coupled together means you do not need a flex section. It will not hurt anything although it may have clearence issues on some cars.