ls1says

Just spent the past 30 min looking for fitment issues with the X pipe for a LS2 C6 kit from speed engineering. I picked the complete set up about a month ago from a forum member in Vegas direct from speed engineering.

The issue I am having is that the x pipe doesn’t line up with the passenger side long tube. Does anyone else have this issue? All I’ve seen in my research are issues with fitment downstream of the x pipe to the muffler.

I was told that I need to loosen the headers, slip on the x pipe, then tighten the headers. I’m worried that if I use this method I might end up pulling threads at the heads/header bolts.

Any recommendations?

Longtubes slip into x pipe. Passenger side is off by about 1”.

rc51racer

This is EXACTLY what I spent last Sunday 5 hours dealing with. Bought SE headers 2 weeks ago after talking to them on the phone that headers would work on my 05 6 speed. They did not. Hit the clutch bell housing and had same X Pipe fitment issues you are having. If X Pipe fit then headers would not fit at head. Not stripping head bolt for generic headers. I sent mine back and bought Kooks. Good luck!

Richi

For the clutch bell housing yes it is annoying and not normal for Something supposed to be plug and play
However for the xpipe fitment it is absolutely normal
You have to modify it for the LS2 as it is a direct fit for the LS3

rc51racer

how do you modify the x pipe to fit?

ls1says

I’m thinking of putting a block behind the driver side of the x pipe and exhaust tunnel to brace it, then putting a pancake jack or short body ram from harbor freight in between the x pipe, heat it up with a torch and start bending it apart to spread it to the correct width. Anyone ever do this before?

theandrewo

I also live in Fresno, CA and I bought the SE headers last month and plan to install them next month. I have an '08 base (LS3). I can come by and check out what you're talking about and you can compare to my ls3 version.

Kurt D

I'm assuming you have the headers bolted up and tightened down and they aren't hitting anywhere. My Kook's where like this too. Loosen you header bolts, back them off to where they are just threaded in a little to hold the headers. Then install the X pipe loosely. Once everything is together, starting from the back, line up everything up and then start tightening. The header bolts, even at only 18 ft-lbs it will suck the headers into place. There's some flex there and after a couple heat cycles re-torque.

Richi

The angle of the exhaust pipe on the passenger side axle-back will vary between the LS3 and the LS2. The angle of the connection pipe will need to be modified in order to align. The required modification can be viewed through the link below. The pipe is pictured with the modification.



https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...43771c4fe6.jpg

rc51racer

Understand that and I received the additional pipes...the issue in the pics posted above is where the collector meets the X Pipe.

ls1says

thanks man I appreciate it. I think I’m going to have to try do Kurt’s method mentioned above. I just got done heating it up with a torch and prying it but I only got like 1/4”.

Caveman74

I ran into the same issue on my 05. Could not get the xpipe to fit. Sold everything and went with Kooks. Perfect fitment

Boostedsvt

I think a combination of both of your ideas would be best. Good luck man, hope it all works out

lawson1603

Had the same issues on my LG 1-7/8 kits sucks, will only buy ARH or KOOKS from here on out.

ls1says

Update: tried to slip on the x pipe with headers loosely fitted...all bolts were only held on by a thread or two..started tightening all 12 bolts about 1/2 turn at a time making sure to evenly distribute the tension...I noticed the back bolts were the ones taking the most tension. It didn’t feel right, it really felt like it was about to pull threads so I backed off. X pipe is now going to an exhaust shop to be cut and re welded with my dimensions measured.

theandrewo

take some pics of what ya do! I’m curious to see what fixes it

im doing this install in a few weeks on my ls3 6spd. Already got them ceramic coated so I don’t want to have to sell em.

ls1says

I plan on keeping the driver side tube stationary, and kicking the passenger side out by a bit under 5/8” toward the passenger side of tunnel. That should ensure that the x pipe stays somewhat centered in the tunnel. The longtubes from outside edge to outside edge measure about 8-1/8”. The x pipe currently sits at about 7-1/2”. So the 5/8” should put it to where it should be.

rc51racer

Good idea. Did you get the headers to fit?

ls1says

Yeah the Torch only worked for about 1/4”, then I just took it to a muffler shop and they used a die to expand the openings, at that point I was able to get it on but it did not sit centered in the tunnel and every joint leaks. I’ll have to buy new clamps to see if that helps. I’ll post pics tomorrow

theandrewo

Try the double size lap joints from Summit (or elsewhere).

2.5in: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-681250

3in: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-681300

XLR8-R

Make sure the pipes are not touching the bellhousing. They were on my 08 LS3, making the x-pipe about 1/2 inch off. I took the headers off, pounded the two pipes that were hitting and the x-pipe fit perfectly. The pipes hitting the bellhousing are holding the headers apart, keeping the x-pipe from working. Shouldn't have to beat the pipes, but I guess you do get what you pay for. The clamps will work but it takes a lot of muscle...