[lemansbluen54]

Hi guys, so I recently got my hands on some cheaper catless downpipes, and I can't get the v-band clamp to properly seat. So I put the Oem downpipes next to the new ones and it seems like the flange is a bit thicker than the Oem one. Is there any solution for this?

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by monacobluen54

Hi guys, so I recently got my hands on some cheaper catless downpipes, and I can't get the v-band clamp to properly seat. So I put the Oem downpipes next to the new ones and it seems like the flange is a bit thicker than the Oem one. Is there any solution for this?

This is the problem that you will run into when you go with an off brand….

MMP probably makes the most cost effective 3", SS downpipes for the N54.

https://mmp-e.com/products/3-catless...2008-2009-2010

[iqraceworks]

Most aftermarket ones have thicker flanges on them
...the v-bands should work fine, it just takes some time to get everything lined up correctly. Once you get them started, they will sinch down and work fine.

[lemansbluen54]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

This is the problem that you will run into when you go with an off brand….

MMP probably makes the most cost effective 3", SS downpipes for the N54.

https://mmp-e.com/products/3-catless...2008-2009-2010

Yeah I see that now, thought since they were simple pipes I shouldn't have any issue. Worse case I want to send these back and order a more reputable brand's product. At the moment I'd prefer to see if I can find a quicker solution as my car is currently unhappy with me since the studs broke on the Oem dps and I currently have a decent exhaust leak

[lemansbluen54]

Originally Posted by iqraceworks

Most aftermarket ones have thicker flanges on them
...the v-bands should work fine, it just takes some time to get everything lined up correctly. Once you get them started, they will sinch down and work fine.

A few buddies and I gave it a shot for about 3-4 hours to no avail.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by monacobluen54

A few buddies and I gave it a shot for about 3-4 hours to no avail.

Very well could be a fitment issue. You did loosely connect the down-pipe, at the mid-pipe connection, and then tried to secure the V-band?

[lemansbluen54]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

Very well could be a fitment issue. You did loosely connect the down-pipe, at the mid-pipe connection, and then tried to secure the V-band?

Tried that, tried having people hold it in at different angles so we could slide the v band over. Tried a lot of different things

[iqraceworks]

What brand of downpipe is it?

[Chapperss]

Originally Posted by monacobluen54

Tried that, tried having people hold it in at different angles so we could slide the v band over. Tried a lot of different things

Widen the clamp width bud - I had the same issue with mine, fought with it for hours. Then I took a set of pliers and went around the v-band widening them out on both sides. Only did it by a little bit, maybe a mm or 2. Went straight on, tightened and sealed lovely after that!

FYI - that flange difference looks identical to how mine looked.

[lemansbluen54]

Originally Posted by iqraceworks

What brand of downpipe is it?

Got it on MaxSpeedingRods

[lemansbluen54]

Originally Posted by Chapperss

Widen the clamp width bud - I had the same issue with mine, fought with it for hours. Then I took a set of pliers and went around the v-band widening them out on both sides. Only did it by a little bit, maybe a mm or 2. Went straight on, tightened and sealed lovely after that!

FYI - that flange difference looks identical to how mine looked.

I'll give it a shot tonight!

[ky0u]

Originally Posted by monacobluen54

I'll give it a shot tonight!

Best of luck! Those clamps arent exactly the easiest thing, even in the best of circumstances

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by monacobluen54

Yeah I see that now, thought since they were simple pipes I shouldn't have any issue. Worse case I want to send these back and order a more reputable brand's product. At the moment I'd prefer to see if I can find a quicker solution as my car is currently unhappy with me since the studs broke on the Oem dps and I currently have a decent exhaust leak

There are not any studs. Those are rusted bolts 😂

Cut them off & drill them out. You may need to use a torch w/ yellow gas & an 8# mini sledge.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

There are not any studs. Those are rusted bolts

Cut them off & drill them out. You may need to use a torch w/ yellow gas & an 8# mini sledge.

Op,

Give our downpipe a try we guarantee fitment with excellent pricing!