Spiral Flow Side Pipes

[davids2toys]

Recently received my new spiral flow side pipes from Unique. I did some preliminary measuring since I won’t be ready to install these until the fall. These measurements are the new side-pipes compared to the originals pipes presently on the car. I measured from the primary (most rearward edge) to the forward edge of the first bracket, and then to the most forward edge of the rear bracket. I did this on both sides..
On the Driver’s side I am off 5/8” for the front and 7/16’ on the rear. Also 3/8” more distance between the new brackets than the old brackets.
On the Pass side, I am off 5/8” for the front and 3/4” on the rear. Also 1/4" less distance between the new brackets than the old brackets.

The connector piece between the primary tubes and the beginning of the baffle are also 1 3/8” longer on the new pipes

Measurement of the baffle itself (weld to weld), it is also 7/8” shorter than my original that is on the car.
I was surprised because I thought everything would be the same considering they were built for my year car when I ordered them. I expected maybe some very small differences where I might have to slightly elongate the hole in the bracket, but these are some sizable differences and I am a little concerned. I am mainly concerned with the bracket locations, I don’t think the other stuff matters much. If anybody has run into this with no problem I would appreciate the “chime in” since I am not planning on installing these for awhile and don’t want to call Unique if I really don’t have a problem.
Thanks…Dave

[wlewis]

What is the difference between the new and old pipes?

[davids2toys]

What is the difference between the new and old pipes?

The differences are in the original post.

[wlewis]

I understand the differences in dimensions, but I don't understand what a "spiral flow" pipe is. How does it differ from your standard pipe?

[davids2toys]

Upgraded pipe from Unique. Much less restriction and more bad arse noise and HP

[wlewis]

No pun intended, but that sounds good.

[scott h]

so what's the latest?

[davids2toys]

I have been meaning to call Unique, but during the day is tough where I work. I have been so swamped lately...I hope to call Unique this week

[davids2toys]

I talked with Maurice at Unique yesterday. Yes, I definitely do have a problem. It seems that over the years the jig at Unique has been screwed with a few times. It has three different bracket hole locations of which two were welded up. So I guess the ones they used are no good for my car that was built in 1994. To me, it is much more than just the hole, the whole bracket is mis-located approximately 1 inch to far forward, they are also all at the wrong heights creating the crazy gaps, maybe that is what he was trying to say.
So it looks like I have to hire someone to cut off the last 3 inches off all the brackets, then weld a new longer piece going fore and aft, it will look like a flag.
As far as the gaps go, he said to just bolt them up solid to the frame and after a few heat cycles the headers should shape themselves into position. I did voice my concerns about strain and cracking, especially on the driver’s side where I have 5/8” inch hard gap that I cannot even close it with full arm pressure. I suggested that I make and install ¼” shims here, run it for a few heating cycles, then take them out and bolt it down solid with no shims. I would rather do this than preloading it all at once. Maurice was good with that. At this point, I have no choice but to just follow his direction and hope for the best! I will go a whole season before I have them jet coated though, if they crack, I would rather not have wasted even more money.
Now, before I get flamed for not telling Unique what year car I had, I will tell you I was 110% clear on this point because of a prior experience with other parts that did not fit my car correctly. I was assured they would be fine, I was told ” just bolt them up before I send them out to be coated just in case the holes need to be elongated to line up to the frame holes”


FYI: Per Maurice, bracket to frame bolts should be grade 8 and torqued to about 20 ft lbs.

Any additional help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks…Dave

[sllib]

Dave;
I had a similar problem with my pipes. It turned out that a combination of the AFR heads (higher exhaust ports) and those pretty red Prothane motor mounts left the gap in my flanges so wide I couldn't bolt them up. I went with stock Galaxy mounts, slotted my brackets and bolted everything together loosely, then tightened up over time. After the first heat cycle all my parts fit perfectly.
Bill

[scott h]

i am not sure, but it sounds like unique did not build the pipes correct. you should not have to suffer with poor fitting parts.I would think they should take your set back and fix them or give you a new set.

[RJacobsen]

Dave, have you tryed to just bend the brackets to get them closer to the desired location? If your pipes are anything like mine this is not that hard to do.

[scott h]

Unique has a well deserved reputation for great customer service and for providing a quality product. I still stand by my assertion that they should take care of this. I could see the arguement for fixing it yourself if we were talking minute fractions of an inch not upwards of 3/4 inch gaps.
Jigs are made for consistency, if you can''t bolt up something that Unique sells to you prefabbed, then perhaps these types of parts should be sold with brackets and flanges to be welded by the purchaser.