Help with exhaust

[HLxDrummer]

Hey guys,

The knock off Tanabe downpipe I've had is about to break at the flex section. I bought a 3SX DP to replace it. Went to install it and ran into two problems:

1. The studs on the rear precat are done with life. Can hardly get nuts to thread on them with the DP installed (all the threads on the end are gone). Does anyone know where I can buy new studs?

2. When I bolt the DP to the rear precat, the front doesn't line up with the knock off Tanabe precat eliminator. I assumed they would have modeled it after the stocker so everything would fit but maybe not? Or could it be the DP? The flange on the DP is angled so there is a gap at the top even once it is bolted up. The flange on the DP is also a little too high.

Any tips on either of these issues? I thought this would be a relatively simple job since I already had the exhaust off in the past. Obviously I am still naive because I should have realized every project on this car takes about 26 times longer than I expected. I already had to miss a few events for other reasons and now I will be missing a few more most likely. :jacked: pissed.jpg

PS Either aftermarket parts blow or my car is a prototype. Maximal's control arms didn't fit my car right, his TC brace didn't fit right, this DP doesn't fit, and a few others things I can't remember. Real annoying.

Edit: Here is a pic. This was the best solution I could come up with.

[donniekak]

Fit everything as loose as possible before tightening the nuts.

[CoopKill]

Pull studs, use bolts...

[HLxDrummer]

I've tried everything loose except the rear precat..

And I thought about bolts but won't the bolt spin since you can't really get a wrench on the head of it?

[CoopKill]

Ahh, My rear cat delete is threaded. Continue on sir.

[IPD]

pull existing DP. weld in new flex section. rattle-can with hi-temp paint. reinstall.