TPIS headers / Random cats & X-pipe HOW TO complete
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Eldersburg MD
TPIS headers / Random cats & X-pipe HOW TO complete
I decided to order the TPIS long tube headers and Random Technology cat / X-pipe system that I saw in Corvette Fever last month. I took about 100 pictures and posted step by step instructions on my site in case anyone is interested. http://97vette.com/howto/headers/index.html
This was a pretty simple bolt-on installation. Anyone that has jackstands and a decent set of tools can accomplish this in a day. It took me longer due to several breaks and having to take pictures. I did it in 3 days, in the afternoons, after work. I was very impressed with the system and stock mufflers. Excellent sound, faster revs, more smiles per mile!
I just swapped out the stock mufflers for the Borla Quad tip stingers and it sounds GREAT! I'll be posting the HOW TO for this soon along with sound clips.
This was a pretty simple bolt-on installation. Anyone that has jackstands and a decent set of tools can accomplish this in a day. It took me longer due to several breaks and having to take pictures. I did it in 3 days, in the afternoons, after work. I was very impressed with the system and stock mufflers. Excellent sound, faster revs, more smiles per mile!
I just swapped out the stock mufflers for the Borla Quad tip stingers and it sounds GREAT! I'll be posting the HOW TO for this soon along with sound clips.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6,569
Likes: 2,405
From: Redacted
Re: TPIS headers / Random cats & X-pipe HOW TO complete (Pat97Vette)
Hey, the write up looks great!! How low below the tunnel do those headers hang?? They look like they tuck up pretty well. Have you had any clearance problems with them?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,040
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From: Collin County Texas
Re: TPIS headers / Random cats & X-pipe HOW TO complete (FLYNAVY30)
I am waiting for my Random Tech cats/x-pipe to arrive any day now. I have gutted my remaining 2 stock cats in anticipation of their arrival. I was surprised how little extra noise I got with no cats now. The raunchy smell is there, but not too bad. Lots of noise at WOT though!
BTW, is the slip fit at the header to cats interface good enough? Have you looked under there recently and seen any leaks? It is suppose to seal up, they say. I am always suspicious of this area though. Supposedly, these cats are their latest design with almost no loss.
BTW, is the slip fit at the header to cats interface good enough? Have you looked under there recently and seen any leaks? It is suppose to seal up, they say. I am always suspicious of this area though. Supposedly, these cats are their latest design with almost no loss.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Eldersburg MD
Re: TPIS headers / Random cats & X-pipe HOW TO complete (Pat97Vette)
Thanks guys!
The headers are tucked up high like stock, but the cats are not. They sit down about an inch, I'd guess. That's the only vulnerable part of this system.
I was concerned that they system would leak, but it has not. With a rubber mallet, I was only able to get the cats 1" into the headers, no further. And that was after I polished the inside of the header and outside of the cat's pipe with sandpaper. The X-pipe sealed nicely to the cats, however. No leaks so far, even though I've read that others have had a leak at the cats. I'll keep and eye on it and change my instructions to include a clamp or welding, if necessary.
The cats look like honeycomb inside but you can see right through it. I wouldn't doubt that's why they are their highest-flowing cats so far.
[Modified by Pat97Vette, 1:06 PM 7/31/2003]
The headers are tucked up high like stock, but the cats are not. They sit down about an inch, I'd guess. That's the only vulnerable part of this system.
I was concerned that they system would leak, but it has not. With a rubber mallet, I was only able to get the cats 1" into the headers, no further. And that was after I polished the inside of the header and outside of the cat's pipe with sandpaper. The X-pipe sealed nicely to the cats, however. No leaks so far, even though I've read that others have had a leak at the cats. I'll keep and eye on it and change my instructions to include a clamp or welding, if necessary.
The cats look like honeycomb inside but you can see right through it. I wouldn't doubt that's why they are their highest-flowing cats so far.
[Modified by Pat97Vette, 1:06 PM 7/31/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6,569
Likes: 2,405
From: Redacted
Re: TPIS headers / Random cats & X-pipe HOW TO complete (Pat97Vette)
do they make an x pipe and tubes that dont include cats? The great state of Florida apparantly does not have any sort of state inspection!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 641
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From: Eldersburg MD
Re: TPIS headers / Random cats & X-pipe HOW TO complete (FLYNAVY30)
I don't see anything other than cat systems in their catalog...
http://www.randomtechnology.com/chevrolet.html
http://www.randomtechnology.com/chevrolet.html
