A while ago when I installed my 3" turbo back exhaust I had to remove the lower braces to install the DP. 3 of the bolts snapped no big deal.. I can drill and retap. I noticed though that the flimsy factory braces wouldn't really work any more with the larger DP so I never put them back on but now I want that area fixed. Is there any aftermarket sub frame braces that will clear big DP's ? I can fabricate myself if need be but want to see what others have done. I'm sure I'm not the only one who encountered this.

 

I have a 3" TBE and the two braces you're talking about fit just fine with my dp. You have the spacers right? Mayber you can get longer bolts and put in a couple of washers to give you the added room needed....

 

I had to stick two washers in mine to clear the DP, ~1/8"

i may see if one clears next time i chance my oil

 

My Buschur exhaust came with metal spacers to drop the cross braces enough to clear the exhaust.

 

spacers work for me, i think i just got 2 thin ones from the hardware store. or maybe just 1...

 

Spacers here too. Also I put on a heater hose slit in half around it where the downpipe is held on with hose clamps to prevent any rattling. After 2 years it hasn't melted so I'd call it good.

 

Yea, I thought about spacers but if I recall, I was looking at about 1/2", possibly a little more and I didn't want these things or the bolts protruding from under the car so that's why I didn't take that road. Like I said, those bars are kind of cheesy anyway, can't really see them serving any useful purpose.. I could be wrong though..

 

your fitment is way wrong if the crossbrace needs to be lowered 1/2". ideally it shouldn't be lowered at all and should be clearing a 3" downpipe. mine just barely rubbed

 

I'm running the MXP 3" downpipe (RRE also sells it under their name) . This downpipe clears the ACD and chassis brace without any need of spacers.

I've had all different brands of downpipes and this was the most perfect fitting one there is. It is also a well built with quality flanges item.

To answer your question:
In the past I've either used the spacers the downpipe manufacturer included or ran multiple washers for clearance.

 

Have the same problem with A invidia DP rattles like crazy at idle, I will try some washers and see if that clears it enough.

 

I just double checked mine and I dont have any spacers with an ETS 3" downpipe. I do have the rubber on there to prevent any rattles but no spacers needed.

 

I've had those bars off for years.... they barely do anything when mounted right and do next to nothing once spaced with washers and such.