Brozee

+1

I've had this replaced on my A8 at 90k miles, car has 196k on it now with the same replacement flex pipe that was done at Mr. Muffler for $120 if I remember correctly?

aTOMic

Is there a reasonably priced source for this brand? The ones I bought were (ostensibly) all-stainless with stainless hardware; $31 from FCP and were OEM VW and guaranteed for life

Somebody call 911; I'm having a heart attack. ECS is CHEAPER on something? Must be a typo!

Also, the chain exhaust cutter works surprisingly well. You only need enough clearance to swing the plier-type handle about 30 degrees - you could do it with less swing but you'd have a little tab left that'd break right off no prob. Took probably five minutes of back & forth. Borrowed mine from O'Reilly's.

A8CT

Mister Bally - do you mean Leistritz replacements for the flex pipe or the clamps? Looks like ECS has a good price on the clamps. I've been to two muffler shops and striking out. One didn't have anything that fit and the other didn't have a 90 degree welder tip.

If I can find a really good flex replacement, I might just do this myself with the sleeve clamps. I just haven't found a source yet in 50mm.

Bob

Mister Bally

The flex pipes. Get a good Stainless Steel version. I don't believe the $31.00 you cited was genuine VW. As it didn't last long for you. Since you said it had a "lifetime" guarantee; I'd try to take advantage of the guarantee and get money back or free replacements. Give them to someone else, certainly don't use them on a car you plan to keep.

aTOMic

I'm the one who quoted $31 for genuine VWAG but for the Clamps.

I'm always skeptical about "lifetime" anything*, as well, but read FCP's warranty, I think you'll be surprised.

*except, of course, Audi's Lifetime trans fluid.
It will last the lifetime of the transmission - by shortening it.

aTOMic

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

The pipe is 60mm (2-3/8") near the mufflers! Crap! I just cut my muffler off and the pipe I bought is 2" so I gotta drive A REGULAR CAR!

I apologize profusely to anyone who suffered by my mistake!

A8CT

Thanks for following up, I just logged on to see if the link that Mister Bally posted was correct - that flex pipe is 2.5". Based on what you just found out, maybe 2.5" is the right size to slide over the factory pipe.

Curious, why did you cut near the muffler? Isn't that far back from the flex section?

Edit: when I first saw Mister Bally reply, it linked to Amazon for SS Megan Racing flex pipe. I don't see that now.... Mister Balley, can you confirm which flex pipe you referenced and the size? I think the forum SW added that link as an keyword redirect.

Thanks
Bob

dvs_dave

A8CT

I hear you but I'm now 0 for 3 finding a place to do it - at any price. Also, if I do it, guaranteed I'll use a higher quality part so it doesn't need to be re-done in few years. It's not the money, I'm just looking for a better job overall. Plus I have a lift so access isn't an issue.

EHLO

When my V10's Y pipe flex sections finally give out after the aluminum muffler tape no longer works, I'll probably order the non braided bellows type from Vibrant, and have a muffler shop weld them in (unless I can do it myself with clamps);
http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...Path=1022_1064