well Im going to buy a uppipe and was wondering which is better, flex or no flex ive heard that no flex gives more air flow but ive also heard that flex was meant for the subaru so just getting peoples opinion.. Flex or no flex?? thanks guys -solomon
IMO Flex would be best...so it has a less chance of a crack/leak later on...But again, unless u pay $$$ for a no flex up-pipe u'll be fine too... I've got the GT-Spec headers which comes with an up-pipe but it isn't a flex one...But it is one SOLID THICK BEEFY up-pipe...Plus it is a 3 bolt so less chane of a leak fom where it conects...
Flex- ability for pipe to flex during engine movement. yes, can be a benefit. However, I haven't seen too many cases where an aftermarket up-pipes has cracked. install- Having a flex up-pipe is easier to install without leaks. :hsugh: whatever. poor install is poor install. Buy a sti up-pipe. A) you'll never see it once installed on the car. B) a ton cheaper. C) Looks like stock up-pipe I have installed a few up-pipes and all were solid. No issues with any of them cracking or leaking...yet
I do not know the brand of the Non Flex ones, but it was no where near what the GT-Spec Up-pipe ones. Also it reminds me, I've seen a flex one as well on Kuba's STi...He had the HKS headers with a flex up-pipe I'm 99% sure...They both were JUNK the headers leaked and the up-pipe cracked, it happened during the Tune/Dyno day from what I remember...
^^^^^ True statement. It wa a hks header and a hks uppipe in a daily driven car that didn't even last 2 years. Well, as for flex or no flex, I don't think it is going to matter. The turbo and uppipe get bolted to the motor, so the turbo is not going to move. So if you are not going to take your time and do a proper install, go with the flex. I have heard of flex pipes rotting for the inside out. Russ
If you are gonna go, go NO flex-I havent heard many bad things(some) but Ive heard only good things about hard pipes:biggrin:
I had a flew Up pipe and had no issues but again the install is a crucial part of whether or not it leaks or has issues down the road.
This is really a non issue. Show me one chart where a flex or non flex uppipe makes that much more power that you should choose one over the other. Each manufacturer has their own ideas, I would just find a manufacturer that you trust or have done some research on. I bought my Prodrive pipe without worrying because I know they make a quality product. The OEM unit has a flex unit, the STI has a flex unit. That tells me there may be a reason for one. I highly doubt that a flex piece is going to rob you of any power. All the issues I've heard have been on solid pipes, not flex pipes. You're going to get an answer out of everyone on here that's going to be different, just take the advice you were given in your other thread and research different pipes and find the one you think you'll be happiest with. NONE of them are going to make a signifigant amount more power than another one, they'll all be within 1-2 hp. You can get the same gains as you would gutting your stocker.
