FAQ: Questions about SSAutoChrome (SSAC)?

[JayyyyyC]

I have looked...and searched, I did not find any info on stress on the manifolds and turbos from the exhaust. I am sorry. I saw one picture of a guy that installed flex joints but found no text as to why or if it is needed. So...I still don't know the answer, yet I catch heat for asking in the proper thread. I am assuming that flex joints are not needed and there have been no incidents directly related to non-flexing exhausts.

Hmm... a local member actually has the SSAC turbo back exhaust sitting, just waiting to get installed. I will let you know myself if he had to use any parts that were not included with the kit, including flex joints.

[My2ndProject]

Thank you...but I still don't think you understand my reasoning for asking.

Sometimes on turbocharged cars flex joints are needed to add flex to a turbo-back exhaust to prevent cracking and damage to the turbochargers or exhaust manifolds. They sometimes are not "needed" to put the exhaust on, but 2 years down the road, the manifolds crack due to the extra stress from the weight and movement of the exhaust pulling on manifolds and turbo housing. Like I said, this happens on some manifolds even being cast iron on some cars. My question, is the Audi S4 one of those cars that has weaker manifolds, that having an exhaust hanging off of it could cause them to fail? So...the flex joints may not be needed to install the exhaust right now and the car will run perfect. But maybe 10k miles down the road your exhaust manifolds give and get tired of the weight of the exhaust hanging off the end of the turbos, then we all sit back and say "man, SSAC should have upped the price $50 and put flex joints in this exhaust". Like I said though, this is all just preliminary as I do not know how strong or how tested and true the stock manifolds are, some manifolds don't mind the extra weight without flex, some manifolds crack.

Thanks for your help bro, I appreciate you taking the time to have this conversation with me.

[VR4-S4]

I thought flexjoints are there for when the motor flexes and has nothing to do with the weight of the exhaust cause that is what the exhaust hangars do...help distribute the weight?

[1997gtx]

Any added flex will of course help the long-term effects of the motor "flexing". IMO, adding a flex joint or two would help over the long-term, but isn't needed for the S4. Having good motor and tranny mounts will keep the movement minimal, and the exhaust happy. The stock hangers should do well enough to take most of the pressure off of the manifolds. I've never heard of any breaking or cracking with any DP setup.
--Adam

[My2ndProject]

Any added flex will of course help the long-term effects of the motor "flexing". IMO, adding a flex joint or two would help over the long-term, but isn't needed for the S4. Having good motor and tranny mounts will keep the movement minimal, and the exhaust happy. The stock hangers should do well enough to take most of the pressure off of the manifolds. I've never heard of any breaking or cracking with any DP setup.
--Adam

Thank you...I appreciate it.

[JayyyyyC]

Oh btw, unless this was confirmed by someone already, which I don't think it was....

Has anyone with the SSAC setup been able to confirm the grade of steel used for this setup?

[AK1RA07]

Well its now the 10th.. and the price has gone up to $445 shipped.. good for them.

[Rapter]

Damn thats what I get for procrastinating. A few day ago I was on the website one click away from sending the payment and thought let me think about it. Fast forward a few days and I would now have to pay $100 more

[JayyyyyC]

They're out of stock anyways. You have to wait.

[AK1RA07]

I ordered one this morning.. I haven't gotten the "out of stock" email yet..

[01 S4]

^^well let us know if you get the out of stock email

[AK1RA07]

The email came today "few more weeks"

[VR4-S4]

I just installed mine on Saturday...

Took about 3 hours, had no problems getting it on. I installed the resonator pipes because they were the ones that came with the O2 bungs. Well, they are about 3 inches too far back so the secondary o2 sensor dont reach. I just tied the o2 sensors out of the way and didnt have a check engine light for about half a day.

Im happy with it, besides the fact that the bungs are too far back and it doesnt come with new exhaust clamps for the rear, only comes with pivoting clamps for connecting the downpipes.

Sounds pretty good, noticed a big increased in top end power, car just keeps on pulling

[TRANS4M]

How many clamps did you receive with the kit?

[VR4-S4]

2

I just need to get a couple of these
http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/35...744706%7C11527

[TRANS4M]

which joint did you use the supplied clamps on? where do you plan to put the band clamps? Did you use any of the stock clamps?

[Rapter]

I tried placing an order morning, but for some reason they refunded me without even telling me why? I emailed them already and waiting for a response.

[StuntManMike]

they are probably still out of stock.

[txaudifan]

they are out of stock... they refund your money instead of holding it until the order comes in... to me it sounds like they dont keep track of who ordered first and who gets the first batch that comes in... ie, first come first serve... you just have to know when they are in stock and haul ass putting an order in... i have tried twice and been refunded twice... waiting on the next stock

[VR4-S4]

which joint did you use the supplied clamps on? where do you plan to put the band clamps? Did you use any of the stock clamps?

you use the supplied clamps on the downpipe and the midpipe. The band clamps will go at the next joint after the supplied clamps (where the midpipe connects to the first muffler). At the third joint the pipes slide into each other (first muffler to the 2nd muffler).

[TRANS4M]

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to use a clamp at the third joint as well to ensure that it doesn't leak.

[pzp107]

I got the exhaust a couple months ago. Finally installed it today. Was a real bitch to get the old one off but all went well installing it. Sounds amazing. I used the resonated mid pipe sections instead of the test pipe ones. Flex coupler design worked very good easy to maneuver because of it. Used old band clamps for mid section and for rear muffler used cheap 2 dollar clamps for autozone as it is a slip fit. The fronts were the band clamp/flex joint things. Looks great, great fit, no banging or droning, perfect placement of exhaust running. Loads more power at a fraction of the price. I did get the inner portions of the downpipe flanges rewelded and smoothed for no cracking/smoother flow. Heat shields fit great. My drivers side one doesnt bolt back on cause the o2 sensor is a little to high but I will just trim it and it will be fine. Now I need to use defoulers to get rid of my 02 codes. Otherwise no troubles just cheap beautiful fun.

[TRANS4M]

That's good to hear.



OT: I also had a 98 Eclipse (GSX). I think it's natural progression for a DSMer

[tike0rz]

I'm waiting on my exhaust also....they told me 30 days about 2 weeks ago. Supposedly I'm on a list, but from what I hear the list isn't too reliable....sigh.

[txaudifan]

I have been waiting for an email for a month and a half... I too am on the "list"... Might just not even buy it, already have piggies and all I need to do is cut off the resonator and it is basically the same as there's... just a lot heavier

[S4inMN]

I don't see just the DP's on there website, just the turbo back system?

[joules]

I have been waiting for an email for a month and a half... I too am on the "list"... Might just not even buy it, already have piggies and all I need to do is cut off the resonator and it is basically the same as there's... just a lot heavier

Heavier=more durable...

[txaudifan]

I don't see just the DP's on there website, just the turbo back system?

Thats how they are sold... as a "kit"... its the whole setup or nothin... you could find someone who would split it with ya

[AK1RA07]

I have ordered several times and been on "the list" since december.. :(

[txaudifan]

I have ordered several times and been on "the list" since december.. :(

x's 2!! About to not order... at all

[VR4-S4]

have you guys tried getting off here

http://www.xs-power.com/audi-exhaust-catbacks-1.htm

[gaspeedracer]

im pretty sure its the same deal at that site because its the same company. but try it and see what happens

[Rapter]

have you guys tried getting off here

http://www.xs-power.com/audi-exhaust-catbacks-1.htm

I tried a couple weeks ago thinking I was lucky because they hadn't raise the price on that website yet, but no dice. A few days later they sent the out of stock email.

[AK1RA07]

I've even tried ordering the from XS power UK website.. also out of stock.

[tike0rz]

What is the major delay? Are they getting sued, or is it just because of such high demand?

[Dr.Duct]

Ive given up

[AK1RA07]

Ive given up

I've just about as well. I got another "20 days" email, but also a "check to make sure they're in stock"

[JayyyyyC]

Yeah, I don't know. The fact that they have multiple store names is kind of sketch to me.

[TRANS4M]

Sketchy? Swing by and you can check it out in person. Come to the monday meets in KT Jay.

[JayyyyyC]

Sketchy? Swing by and you can check it out in person. Come to the monday meets in KT Jay.

Where? Who? You mean your exhaust? Hell yea I wanna check it out. I meant sketchy as in the people running the business.