Braineack

iTrader: (62)

that's exactly what the split is suggesting to me.

like the DP should be welded back up exactly as pictured.

aidandj

iTrader: (5)

I'd be more worried about the stress thats being put on the manifold. Once you strengthen that failure point whats next.

Also major props to Abe for standing behind his work like this. It's really comforting for people who are looking to purchase from him.

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

That is likely your problem. My suggestion is to first fix the hangers so that the exhaust system is holding itself up, and it's basically nuetral, the downpipe and the exhaust, then you bolt them together/clamp/however they attach. You don't want any load on the downpipe if possible. I admitedly need to add a hanger on the front of my exhaust system, but it's .065 mild steel so it probably won't fail regardless but still better to not have a huge load there.

BTMiata

iTrader: (5)

I actually took it back to the guy who repaired it before re-installing it the first time because I noticed that he didn't weld all the way around. He inspected it with a magnifying glass and welded the missed spot.... I guess there is a chance that he still didn't get the new weld all the way around... I dont know, I'm at a loss... Blah

BTMiata

iTrader: (5)

What do you guys think about adding an extra exhaust hanger to the rear section of the downpipe and using all poly hangers?

I still have all original hangers from 1991 so they probably need to be replaced anyway.

shuiend

iTrader: (24)

Poly hangers will probably be a good idea. I am not sure where you would mount an additional hanger around where the downpipe comes ends. There are not many bolt holes around there, unless you want to drill into the trans tunnel and fab something yourself.

Mazdaspeeder

I have an ARTech downpipe with a flex joint in the same location and have not had problems.

I do also have MSM comp mounts, poly diff mounts, and poly exhaust hangers, so maybe that's helping. Hope you get it back in time for the meet!

BTMiata

iTrader: (5)

I have brand new MSM mounts installed when I swapped in the 1.8 and turbo parts back in October, and just added Poly diff mounts when I swapped in the 3.9 torsen. Definitely ordering up the poly exhaust hangers.

I'll probably just end up fabbing up some kind of bracket to take weight off the back of the downpipe and hoping it holds up. All this has me up at night hahaha

Mazdaspeeder

Those poly exhaust hangers are a bitch to install but I really think they will help you. I got mine from Corksport when I ordered my catback. I would probably loosen all your exhaust bolts when you put them in because chances are your OEM ones are stretched and you'll want to re-align the exhaust system as you install.

BTMiata

iTrader: (5)

Got a pic from Abe! Now just a matter of waiting for it to come back to me and then developing some kind of bracket to take the weight off the back end of it. Also have to order some poly hangers ...

BTMiata

iTrader: (5)

Ok so downpipe is back in the car.

I picked up a 3" clamp and some steel for a bracket but i'd trying to decide the best place to run the bracket to.

First thought was one of the bell housing bolts, but space is limited...









Maybe after the flex pipe and run the steel from the end of the downpipe on the clamp, to one of the ppf bolts?

Mazdaspeeder

The stock MSM downpipe is connected to the transmission right around where you have that clamp (not the v-band but the one up front). Do you see anything there? It was a 2 bolt bracket I remember. It's been out of my car for years now and I don't know if the other Miata trannies would have those holes3


You can see how its connected up here. It looks like its to the bellhousing bolts that are tight lol. Look in front of the cat and in front of the silver "sleeve" on the pipe and you'll see the connection.

BTMiata

iTrader: (5)

Yeah my stock exhaust did have that bracket but unfortunately I believe I trashed it when my car was bone stock trying to eliminate a deceleration rattle.

Mazdaspeeder

Should still be able to use the holes it leaves behind no?

BTMiata

iTrader: (5)

Well the bracket on mine was just held on by the bell housing bolts, which is why I was thinking of using one of those to run that bracket to

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

Support should go before the flex.

aidandj

iTrader: (5)

Also you should use a band clamp instead of one of those kind of exhaust clamps.

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

FM uses the type BT shows. What advantage do you see in the band?

BTMiata

iTrader: (5)

Does anyone know where my motor mounts should be in those adjustable slots... I just noticed that mine are bottomed out... Would that cause any issues?

aidandj

iTrader: (5)

Bob Bundy had issues with it causing cracking and extra stress. I need to find the thread where we talked about it. hi_im_sean might remember, he was there too.