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3/30/2020 6:01 AM  #1


Exhaust Flex Connectors

Just curious, if any of you are running exhaust flex connectors and if so how long?

My exhaust is fairly rigid, there are four hangers, one behind each muffler and one on each tail pipe. My hangers have rubber mounts, but don't allow any movement. I have Mid-length JBA headers and an "H" pipe.

I don't think I could get a flex off the headers on both sides, the passenger side "YES", Drivers side "NO". I could get them between the "H" and the mufflers.

I just feel like this would help with some of the resonance that I hear inside.

Any Thoughts?

 

3/30/2020 6:07 AM  #2


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors



This is the type of hanger that I used, it just doesn’t allow much movement.

     Thread Starter
 

3/30/2020 6:17 AM  #3


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors



Sorry for the multiple post, but something like these.

     Thread Starter
 

3/30/2020 6:49 AM  #4


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

If the hangers use rubber or urethane to isolate the system from the body that's about the best you can do.  Those flex connectors aren't going to be any better.  What those are really designed for it to allow sections of the exhaust to expand and contract.  The flex section allows that expansion and contraction to happen without the pipe actually changing length, instead it changes diameter.  I have two in the upipe from the manifolds to the turbo on my 6.0 Diesel.  They aren't going to isolate any vibration in that location as everything they connect to is rigidly mounted.  They are there to allow for the fact that those pipes can see temperatures from ambient temperature to north of 1,500 degrees F.  If there was no section that allowed for expansion and contraction something would crack.  In fact, the factory setup used a rigid bellows that did crack, leading me to replace it with the modified version using those connectors.  Works like a charm, 150k miles and zero issues. 

Think about it this way, the engine and trans are isolated with mounts.  If the exhaust is also isolated with mounts a flex coupling somewhere in that isolated system isn't going to effect anything. 

If you are getting a drone at highway speed or something like that its most likely the mufflers.  Resonance typically is not improved by isolation or allowing movement.  OEMs use strategically placed weights to damp the frequencies causing it.  This is why sometimes drivehsafts have a cast iron ring bonded to them with rubber, or a rear has a weight hanging off it, or the tailshaft of a trans.  Its essentially impossible to duplicate these canceling devices in a non stock application.  The testing equipment the OEMs use is millions of dollars. 

 

3/30/2020 7:15 AM  #5


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

I did use 2 stainless flex section on the red car to help with a slight misalignment off headers collectors as thing expanded. Haven't needed to replace a gasket since.

 

3/30/2020 7:25 AM  #6


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

I have four of those as well when exhaust was installed a few years ago by a local exhaust shop.
They just used screws into floor for muffler location and one of the bolts for rear tie downs.
You may want to check your anchor points.

Yesterday, I noticed that 3 of 4 screws were slightly loose.
Since I don’t weld yet, this was my solution.

I cut 2 pieces of steel slightly larger than the hangar plates, drilled and tapped 1/4-20” holes ( Mine were 1” centerlines), 1/4-20”x1” bolts ( what I had on hand), washers, and 1/4-20” Keps nuts (nut with attached star washer), and blue Loc tite.

I did have to drill out the holes for the 1/4-20” bolts.
I don’t know how much noise this made, I was more concerned about the exhaust tearing out floorboards.
My floor carpet has the Mass Backing (rubber) and new underlayment as well to dampen noise.

Hope this helps

 

3/30/2020 8:21 AM  #7


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

The plates are 2”x3”



 

3/30/2020 8:35 AM  #8


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

My mufflers are hung under the rear seat.  Holes and plates as Nos681 shows.

Then I have a tailpipe hanger on either side.  I fabricated the mounts for those where they anchor to the framerails, because I needed adjustment left/right and up/down so my GT tips hit the valance openings just right. 

 

3/30/2020 8:39 AM  #9


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

I don't believe it is the type of hanger that is your problem, on my '66, I run a complete JBA exhaust system that utilizes the same components (including hangers) you've installed with no resonance/drone at all. What mufflers are you running and do your tailpipes extend all the way to the rear of the car? I am going to be adding resonator exhaust tips to reduce the db level, but not because of a drone.
 


'66 GT Fastback, 302, Edelbrock top end, Sniper EFI, MSD, JBA Headers & Exhaust, T-5Z, Currie 3.55 Trac-Loc
 

3/30/2020 8:45 AM  #10


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

The word resonance may have been the wrong description, It is something I feel NOT hear. I am (like several) chasing a drive line vibration as well that could be to the issue. I have determined my pinion was way too far turned UP, which I have changed. Before I put it back down on the ground I am checking everything, and the exhaust just seem very rigid.  

     Thread Starter
 

3/30/2020 8:51 AM  #11


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

Sorry no flex connectors here, thought of putting them though if needed.
Except for the AOD modded Tri-Y headers and home brew "H pipe my exhaust system is stock "GT". which is bolted solid to factory pipes to the resonators to  transverse muffler behind the axel then tail pipes to chrome dual tips. It was assembled loose and aligned,  clamps etc. snugged, checked for rattles and then torqued tight. All stock hangers and hardware incuding the pipe clamps, nothing is welded.
It has a nice rumble at start up and idle and no loudness  at cruising,  totally devoid of drone.
 The whole package (sorry Sal different package) has stayed tight and leak free including the headers which I attribute to the very solid "Prothane" motor mounts.
 Works for me but Sal would be dissapointed.

Last edited by Rudi (3/30/2020 8:56 AM)


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

3/30/2020 8:56 AM  #12


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

I developed a similar "feel" when I switched from stock to Ron Morris adjustable engine mounts. They are far more rigid than the factory offering and transmit a lot more of what you refer to as "feel" into the body structure. I eventually adjusted to it and don't even notice it any longer.


'66 GT Fastback, 302, Edelbrock top end, Sniper EFI, MSD, JBA Headers & Exhaust, T-5Z, Currie 3.55 Trac-Loc
 

3/30/2020 9:20 AM  #13


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

kardad wrote:

The word resonance may have been the wrong description, It is something I feel NOT hear. I am (like several) chasing a drive line vibration as well that could be to the issue. I have determined my pinion was way too far turned UP, which I have changed. Before I put it back down on the ground I am checking everything, and the exhaust just seem very rigid.  

Resonance is correct.  Resonance is when two things seemingly vibrate out of harmony with one another.  This leads to a felt vibration, and sometimes also an audible buzzing or other noise.  What you're getting is the result of something like say the tires and the exhaust resonating at different frequencies as you drive.  That's just an example, there are literally hundreds of combinations that could be causing it.  Different mufflers that resonate at a different frequency could alleviate the issue, or shift it to a speed range you don't typically travel (like 120MPH+).

 

3/30/2020 9:36 AM  #14


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

Rudi wrote:

Sorry no flex connectors here, thought of putting them though if needed.
Except for the AOD modded Tri-Y headers and home brew "H pipe my exhaust system is stock "GT". which is bolted solid to factory pipes to the resonators to  transverse muffler behind the axel then tail pipes to chrome dual tips. It was assembled loose and aligned,  clamps etc. snugged, checked for rattles and then torqued tight. All stock hangers and hardware incuding the pipe clamps, nothing is welded.
It has a nice rumble at start up and idle and no loudness  at cruising,  totally devoid of drone.
 The whole package (sorry Sal different package) has stayed tight and leak free including the headers which I attribute to the very solid "Prothane" motor mounts.
 Works for me but Sal would be dissapointed.

I get a bunch of 'blow-back'.....from my other half.
Luckily she refuses to ride in my Mustang.
She whines about "all the money you spent to make 'that Mustang'(use a disgusting voice) loud and lumpy and then...'spend all that money'  to make it quiet with insulation and stuff to stop the rattles....blah-blah-blah (I quite hearing beyond that!!....must be my age!)
 
6sal6


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

3/30/2020 9:43 AM  #15


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

I just eliminated the mufflers and ain't got no resonance anymore!

 

3/30/2020 9:47 AM  #16


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

 Takes yor pick, both are agravating.
 Cut and pastes from Google.
Resonance,
the reinforcement or prolongation of sound by reflection from a surface or by the synchronous vibration of a neighboring object.


Drone,
to make a dull, continued, low, monotonous sound; hum; buzz.


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

3/30/2020 5:23 PM  #17


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

I recently cut off my H pipe and installed a pair of 8” long flexible connectors instead, all trying to find that 74 mph harmonic vibration. They made zero difference.

Look elsewhere.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

3/30/2020 5:55 PM  #18


Re: Exhaust Flex Connectors

So Steve is this something you feel or hear

 

Board footera


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