Is this required or a botched job?

[adam1942]

looks like someone cut the rear W Brace to fit the K1.. is this normal?

 

 

 

 

I've a new one on the way from Alex but just wondered how I'm going to fit it if the Exhaust is in the way?? Anyone any ideas? :/

[BulletMagnet]

Absolutely NOT normal!

My K1, when I had it didn't even touch the cross brace.

Just shows the consistency of JapSpeeds work....

[Keyser]

[adam1942]

Bugger.. Anyone any ideas? is it possible to bend the K1 ? or should I just hammer it until its out of the way?

 

Could this be why the rear end feels really really loose?

[Keyser]

Looks like the back box is too low.

 

EDIT: - not the back box its the down pipe (maybe get them shortened and re welded?)

 

You need to find out why and move it up the main pipe should then fit above the W bracket then or similar for a replacement part.

 

If the back box won't go up some fabrication by a zorst specialist will be required.

 

No offense to you but not impressed by that install!

[SteveW]

Yes it could, the brace is there for the cars rigidity.

 

I'd be straight back down the garage that did it demanding they pay for a new cross brace, they shouldn't have done that without asking first. It's like saying we couldn't get your engine out so we've cut your gearbox in half.

 

My K1 is clear of the brace.

[SteveW]

When fitting fit it loose with all the bolts in but not tightened up then start at the Y pipe end and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Well i didn't when I did mine.

[adam1942]

Sorry guys I should have said - I noticed the broken W Brace and ordered a new one from Alex (been chatting to him over the last two days or so!)

 

The previous owner had the K1 installed and I've slowly been fixing anything I've found wrong with the car...

[adam1942]

Thanks guys I'll see if I can get the exhaust moved in to the correct place! A bit gutted if I'm honest.. I noticed the bottom of the car scraping over a speed bump and checked when I seen the damage to the W Brace.. Its only tonight after jacking the car up I noticed it'd been cut in the middle.. I'm a little shocked but more annoyed that the previous owner allowed it!? :/

[Roo]

I would hope they didnt know. Ayone with an ounce of knowledge about cars would worry about that. You shouldnt need to remove chunks of car to fit an exhaust. Must have been done by real dufus.

[jumping350]

absolutely shocking behaviour there!! maybe the other mount along centre pipe has failed which is why exhaust may sit lower (mines done this and has been temporarily bodged till can weld it back up) and used to hit my w brace going over bumps in road..in all honesty i would hammer the K1 but into a tiny little box so it could fit in the bin..if the exhaust wont fit snuggly no point trying to bodge it.. get a decent one and be happy

[adam1942]

I noticed there's a nice dent in the centre pipe.. I'm going to wrap it in exhaust heat wrap(something like this http://www.k-tecracing.com/show_product ... 73&appid=3) and put the new W Brace on until I get a better Exhaust... What's everyone's opinions?

[cmck13]

You already have your answers as above but I am astounded that any one would cut a brace, therefore defeating the whole object why it is there.

[Iwantone]

Shouldn't the MOT man have had something to say about this, after all, the car's structure is compromised?

 

Steve

[Ekona]

It's not structural though, just for added rigidity. I bet that 99% of people (probably myself included) could drive two cars back to back, one with brace and one as above, and not notice any difference.

 

 

Shocking thing to do though.

[Iwantone]

Okay, it sounds like it's akin to removing the brace across the front suspension tops in the engine bay. Unwise, but not lethal.

 

Steve

[adam1942]

Hi Folks - I just got in touch with the previous owner (as he still has the old centre part of the standard exhaust).. I asked him and he said that the W brace was bent and that's why it was cut out.. There's a mark on the Center pipe of the exhaust so I assume its been knocked on a speed bump or similar.. Although why it was cut and not replaced is still the question!

 

I'll have the full standard exhaust tomorrow and as soon as the W brace arrives it'll most likely be going on if there are fitment issues.

 

thanks for the help everyone! much appreciated!!!