Hey guys,

Background:

08 GSR with 24k miles completely stock with self tune (ecuflash)

I purchased the Speedcircuit test pipe so that I could install my WB02 and do some further tuning. SC test pipe is beautiful, welds look perfect.

I ran into quite a bit of trouble removing the cat. The two rear bolts and o2 sensor were cake with some pb blaster. The two front nuts wouldn't budge...I yanked and yanked and I think I twisted the exhaust a bit as I was yanking. I ended up using a MAP gas torch and heating each nut for like 2-3 minutes each to get them loose.

So now I think i hear an exhaust leak. I felt around the test pipe and don't feel any leaks, but I swear I hear one.

I am wondering if while yanking on the two frozen nuts and twisting the exhaust against the donut gasket, I may have damaged the donut gasket. I have ordered a new donut gasket from JNZ and will see that makes a difference, I wonder how froze those bolts will be...

Anyone else run into anything like this?

I did notice that the SC test pipe is relatively thin, I wonder if the sound could reverberate and cause that sound in the test pipe itself. I do smell exhaust, but b/c I have no cat, it's hard to tell where it's coming from..

 

I haven't run into a single issue with this TP yet. I think you may just be hearing the difference between a cat and a test pipe. I basically just used a little bit of WD40 on the front bolts and after a little soaking they came off with a little muscle.

As far as the donut goes, I doubt you damaged it.

 

Donut gasket bolts are on a spring setup right? that would mean some movement is permittable...right

 

I installed my TP lastnight. Prior to that I installed my CBE lastweekend. The problem you described was the total opposite for me. The two bolts closer to the engine was my problem. I got them off last night with some ease with great knowledge by one of the members here. I used my legs to push off!!!!!!!!!!! Initially they wont budge like you described. The two bolts south of the engine I used an Impact wrench no problem there. I hope you did not damaged anything...

 

The stock DP does have bolts with springs on them allowing some movement. If you have any exhaust leaks between the 2 bolt exhaust flanges you will see some black soot coating the heat shielding down there. If that is the case get some new 3" 2 bolt gaskets which are usually $5-$10, assuming you have all 3" connections. I know STM has them in stock typically.