I've seen pictures of uneven/crooked exhaust tips on cars with aftermarket exhaust systems. What causes the tips to be uneven? Does it have to do with the exhaust system (poor build quality and fit)...does it have to do with poor installation and alignment...is there one specific part of the exhaust system that is responsible for knocking things out of whack when its changed? I'd assume that you're less likely to have this problem if you're just installing an axle-back system as opposed to a full CBE (assuming your factory setup was straight).

 

Most aftermarket systems need to be adjusted somewhat to get the tips straight and even. Some require a little bending or tweaking of the exhaust hangers on the car or on the exhaust or both. Some are poorly manufactured or have poor QC and won't be straight without a lot of modification. Some have cosmetic tips that slip onto the ends of the tail pipes and are held in place by a set screw. It can be a bit tough to get them perfectly straight especially if you are doing the adjusting by yourself and have nobody to eyeball it while you make adjustments. Some fit dead solid perfect right out of the box.

 

Are there certain systems that have this reputation?

 

Buy authentic JDM parts, cost more but quality is not a issue or fitment. Pretty much exhausts that's cost more money and do research before you buy theirs reviews/dynos/comparisons of every exhaust system out their on this site for our cars.

 

Research the one you want and you will get ur answer. I don't wanna bash an exhaust I don't have, but read up on it you will see ppls concerns with certain brands.

 

My Tanabe did. So did my Invidia Q300. 100% perfect fit on both with no adjustments whatsoever.

 

My Q300 tips were a bit too close for my comfort to the rear bumper (1/4"?). I used some flat washers to build up a slight distance. Every car is ever so slightly different. ymmv

 

To piggy back off of this, my experience with Tanabe was slightly different. The performance and sound was great and I'm a big fan of them in that regard. However, I did have fitment and muffler alignment issues. I had to trim down the right side of the transmission bracket in order to prevent the Y-pipe from rubbing onto it and it was more than a bitch to get the mufflers aligned. I eventually got them aligned but it took a lotof force. Nothing about it was simply...I actaully needed a second set of hands. I initially thought it was the part of the process but after installing my third CBE system I am convinced that the issue with was Tanabe. I just installed FI CBE and had zero alignment issues. I had to make other painless modifications, such as removing a heat shield that really isn't needed with this muffler design anyways but the alignment was perfect and spot on. FYI, experienced muffler alignment issues with two different sets of Tanabe CBE's

 

Just adjust the exhaust hangers.

 

I had to adjust my HKS and they never really were 100% even.

 

For clarification, the Tanabe I installed wasn't CBE, just the mufflers only. Perfectly aligned without any manipulation or having to adjust the hangers.

 

Resurrecting the thread. Just installed my Tanabe Mid and Y-pipe today with a buddy using a lift. The Tanabe mufflers were already installed, and aligned perfectly when on the stock mid-pipe. Now with the Tanabe mid-pipe, the driver's side muffler is out of alignment. I think later I'll have to get under there and see if I can adjust it.

Ugh. I was so happy when I got my Tanabe mufflers and the alignment was spot-on (unlike the factory exhaust). Now when finally upgrading to catback, I get an old problem rearing its ugly head on an exhaust that is supposed to be top-notch.

 

Just for reference, my ark grip fit perfectly. No bending, or added washers to make it straight. Guess I got lucky.