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FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy

831 Views 13 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  CBR600F4
Last week I had the FM DP/Cat installed. I was very reluctant on getting a 3" DP because of all the rubbing and hitting issues everyone has with them. I made sure my mechanic took some extra measures so mine wouldn't hit. The day I picked up the car wasn't exactly the best day (snow storm). But I noticed not rubbing at start up. Drove it home and noticed nothing but smooth operation, no rubbing or hitting.
Finally I've had a chance to see the performance gains. Definetley spools up quicker and I noticed more power throughout the rev band especially the low RPM range. But I think there is a slight exhaust leak. Sort of like a rattle snake sound coming when I get on the gas. I'll have that taken care of when I put the cat-back on.
All in all I have the say the FM DP is a VERY well made product. My mechanic said it was very easy to install and the system was alot better than the ATP one he installed on my friends 1.8T. Kudos to Graig and thanks for a great product!
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (CBR600F4)

Don't have any experience installing the ATP product but my FM install was a cinch also
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Srexy)

I think that rattlesnake sound is either the turbo or the way the gas is passing through the flex section. Mine makes it and someone else posted that they had it. I think a leak would sound like a drone. Correct me if I'm wrong, because otherwise I need to check it, too.
I can't understand why most peoples downpipes would hit after putting the FM system on. Maybe it has to do with the flex section on the FM. That thing is pretty incredible compared to the stock flex section. One giant spring.
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Al Bob)

The flutter is normal, it is your wastegate. I was concerned as well and had it looked at, no leaks accept where the tip connects to muffler.
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Al Bob)

The 1st time I got on my car after putting the FM DP+cat I was almost afraid of it because of that sound. Now I'm finding out that it is just the sound of the gasses passing through the flex section. I still think I have a minor leak where the 3>2" adapter joins to the resonator (bypass in my case) It's the clamp with the 2 bolts - I think mine is leaking from having it on and off too many times. I'll find out if that's the case - I ordered a new one and it has just arrived at the dealership
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Gambit)

The FLEX should have an "inner braid" similar to what you see on the outside only used as a liner on the inside. We manufacture catalytic converter assemblies, many of which have a flex section welded into the assembly, some vehicles NEED the inner braid flex version (as opposed to the cheaper version) to avoid "whistling" and "turbulence" sounds caused by exhaust flow swirling along the ridges in the flex....
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Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Magnaflow.CA)

actually this flex section has no braids like the stock flex section
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Magnaflow.CA)

Can this braid be purchased and what is involved on adding it to the inner section of the DP?
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Magnaflow.CA)

So are you implying that the FM DP is cheaply made because of no inner braid thus causing Gambit's turbulence noises?
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (gtIRIE)

What I was saying is that FM uses a different type of flex section therefore it has no inner braids. The stock one is braided the FM is not that's all...
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Gambit)

I would assume he knows we don't have a braid because he is explaining how they have some cats that have to have the braid welded inside them to cut down on the turbulance. I know his first sentance is wrong but everything after that is correct. Personally, I would say the spring in the FM is not optimal for flow.
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Gambit)

A "non-inner braid" flex is cheaper than an "inner braid" flex...it costs less money...What Iwas saying is that on certain vehicles, we spend the extra 5 bucks for an inner braid version because it's the only way to avoid the whistling..
You really can't add the braid later, you can however go to an exhaust shop who can cut out the non-braided version and replace it with the inner braided one.......Just make sure they're not to sloppy with the welding
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Magnaflow.CA)

Pics of the OE style flex and the aftermarket versions.....Afternarket versions also come with the braid you see on the outside, on the inside...
How the hell do you post pics here????????
Re: FM 3" DP/Hi-Flo Cat Installed and Very Happy (Magnaflow.CA)

If that rattlesnake like noise is just the flex joint then I think I can live with that. It really doesn't bother me. Just thought there was a leak somewhere. Turns out the system is tight and leak free.
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