Hi all,
1997 Spyder with 2.4 engine. In my exhaust system, after the header, but before the catalytic converter is a piece that's about 8 inches long, looks like there is some sort of weave-type of material over it. What is this? Is it required? What is the name of it? Mine seems to be leaking exhaust and has gotten pretty loud. Can I cut it out and run a straight pipe instead?

 

it is flex pipe. it is there to absorb the shock and motion of the motor moving. by removing this, it will become so rigid that every time your engine moves, which is, everytime the engine runs, it will slowly bend, and eventually break the exhaust. exhaust systems in mistus/dodges have these flex pipes...sometimes you can replace just the flex piece, sometimes it is a part of the head pipe, like with the 3000GTs....either way, the flex piece is VERY expensive. hondas, for instance, dont have flex pieces usually, but they use spring bolts and a special type of joint system. to replace the flex pipe with straight pipe, you have to do something to your exhaust to allow for movement of the motor.

 

Thank you VERY much for your answer. Wow, you answered my question perfectly. You didn't tell me what I wanted to hear (haha), but now I know...

 

Yep definately the flex hose. Nissan's also use this system (My Sentra AND my Eclipse BOTH have this proeblem )