After hearing about CME owners cracking <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> the center brace between the two tips when removing the muffler to install another exhaust system, I decided to add a brace to mine before I installed it on the car in the first place.

Now I have seen Poltergeist's setup where he has a steel rod welded betwen the two tail pipes to reduce the stress that is put on the CME tips during use, but it does't protect the tip when/or if the exhaust is removed again in the future. So I went another route with mine by welding a 1/4" x 1" piece of T6061 aluminum bar accross the back of the tips to strengthen them. This bracing should keep the CME tips from cracking appart, won't be seen from behind the car when installed, and will provide me a handle to use while crawling around under my car. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_images/icons/tongue.gif" />

I will also not be using the traditional U-shaped muffler clamps to connect the CME tip to the 90` bends as the exhaust pipe connections always get crimped and can't easily be removed. I like to use the 3" wide polished stainless steel wrap-around style band clamps as they are do not distort the pipe for future disassembly of the exhaust system.

Plus I used Dupli-Color 500`F Clear Coat on the tip to keep it from oxidizing like they do from the exhaust heat and fumes. I'll just have to wait and see how this works out in the long run. If it doesn't I will just have it chrome plated I guess. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

Here are the pics, if they don't show just check back agan later as CarDomain has a bad habit of being down a lot.

Greg <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

<img src="http://images.cardomain.com/member_img_a/314000-314999/314999_1_full.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://images.cardomain.com/member_img_a/314000-314999/314999_2_full.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://images.cardomain.com/member_img_a/314000-314999/314999_3_full.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://images.cardomain.com/member_img_a/314000-314999/314999_4_full.jpg" alt=" - " />

 

Very nice! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

 

Thanks for the compliment. I just wanted to share my idea on bracing the CME to help others out because just like the mind, A CME is a terrible thing to waste! Ha! <img border="0" alt="[jester]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" />

 

Greg where did you buy your tips from and how much if you don't mind me asking. My car did not come with them and I have been looking to add it for some time now. Did you buy it as a kit with the rest of the hardware?

 

Great idea and it even looks <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />

 

Nice idea, like ur style

 

MYBLKSS,

My car is a '98 so it did not come with the CME setup either as it was only available on the '01 and '02 models. Currently SLP Engineering won't sell you the system for any Z28 at all or any SS built before '01. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> Sorry their rules not mine. Plus even with an '01-'02 car you still may not be able to order since the car has already been deliverd. But I am not sure on that part.

However there are 2 way to obtain this system for your car, one is to watch the FOR SALE boards as every once in a while they pop up from '01-'02 owners who take them off for another exhaust system. But they usually ask $350-$450 for them. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />

Or have a friend with a factory installed CME order the replacement parts for you. You need a VIN# from an '01-'02 that originally had the CME system installed by SLP before delivery of the car. (or ordered before delivery an installed by the dealer shortly after)

I recently purchesed the new elbows/tips/valence/install kit from SLP Engineering (not SLP Performance) for right around $250 shipped. Not a bad deal if you ask me as the original factory option cost around $1100 I believe. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

 

Thanks SS LS1. So are you saying that SLP engineering sold you the kit even though you don't have an 01 or 02 with the factory installed CME?

 

PLEASE post pics of the iForged wheels once you get them on, Thanks!!

 

MYBLKSS, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> Yep! That is what I am saying. I can't wait to get it installed on my car. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_images/icons/tongue.gif" />

AlexWS6, I will post some pics when I get my wheels. It will be a few weeks as they are being built as we speak. But the wait for custom wheels to be built is a killer. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[bang head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" />

<small>[ March 10, 2003, 06:37 PM: Message edited by: SS LS1 ]</small>

 

What is the inlet size for the tips and is the a part number for the elbows,tips,gfx. thanks want to order asap.

 

Seriously, when I called I did not need any part numbers at all to order the parts. But to help you out here is the part numbers from my receipt.

10758K=Rear Valance with hardware
10761=Dual Center Mount Tip SS
10863=LH Tailpipe Adapter 90` SS
10864=RH Tailpipe Adapter 90` SS

The tip inlet pipe diameter in 2 1/2". <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />