Trying to decide which uppipe to buy. So far 2 options. Solid (non-flex) Vishnu...used. Haven't come to terms on price yet but I'm thinking I could get for $80-$100. or PDE solid pipe new for $159. I like this one cause it utilizes the stock heat sheild. But what do I know (newbie) I'm a little concerned w/the used pipe leaking but the idea of saving $$$ is very tempting. Open to opinions of these two or even other options. I'm planning on installing a catless Stromung dp and 3rd cat eliminator pipe at the same time. Mods to come will be a Stromung cat-back exhaust and then Cobb AP...as expendible $$$ becomes available. Thanks...
might wanna consider flex uppipes... there has been tremendous debate over this matter... however, every cracked uppipe i have ever seen has been solid a gutted stocker has a flex section so fitment isnt an issue... i know WRX-WRC has one for sale for much cheaper than the options u have
And I can tell you a number of flex pipes where the flex section has cracked and leaked... as Milo says, there's a lot of debate over solid vs flex. IMO, the important points are that you go with whatever you personally feel comfortable with, and take your time to do the install properly: torque stuff down in the right sequence and to the right specs, use new gaskets, etc.
A uppipe with heat shielding isn't that important if it is catless. On a catted pipe, the heat builds up because there are additional combustion reactions occuring. I have the HKS solid uppipe and haven't had any problems. You probably need to have high boost conditions and additional supports that would force the engine torsion into the uppipe. Using the stock exhaust hangers and brackets the whole system still has some give. Stromung dp is sweet! I would consider at least a high flow stromung for the third cat. The hp difference isn't that significant without some serious mods. Its all up to you though.
I've never seen a flex with an issue. I've seen LOTS of broken, cracked, leaking solids. We've got 2 more TXS flex's in stock for $199, no shipping SS
PDE flex I'm thinking PDE flex now. From my research it seems like it's reliable and shouldn't need any follow up attention. Anyone no where to get best price? I've found $229 so far @ PL-Tek. Just missed a private seller yesterday on NASOIC :sad:
i would seriously consider going the route of gutted stocker, no fitment issues, still has heat shield, and just as much flow. I know there are several of us on here that have had several different up pipes and ended up with a gutted stocker, and from my personal experience i will never spend the money on an aftermarket one again. I say buy a gutted stocker and put the rest of the money toward another mod for your car. I know that wrx-wrc did a very good job on his making sure that it was totally cleared on the inside of his and is selling it at a variable reasonable price