[matrix]

Cant get the tailpipes to line up. When I properly position the tip in the cutout the tailpipe hits near the top shock mount or where the tailpipe crosses under the rear frame rail where it is indented for clearance for the pipe. The only way I can get the tailpipe in there without contacting the frame is with the tips way too low. Anyone have any experience specifically with a 70-71 with the Pypes system?

I have called their tech line and the part # on the pipe is correct but the tech said there is a small chance the pipe is labeled incorrectly. He is checking on it for me. I did notice that the stock pipes have a bend about 10 inches from the end to put the pipe up in the cutout and the Pypes Tailpipes I have dont have this bend. But maybe they arent supposed to.

[matrix]

Cant get the tailpipes to line up. When I properly position the tip in the cutout the tailpipe hits near the top shock mount or where the tailpipe crosses under the rear frame rail where it is indented for clearance for the pipe. The only way I can get the tailpipe in there without contacting the frame is with the tips way too low. Anyone have any experience specifically with a 70-71 with the Pypes system?

I have called their tech line and the part # on the pipe is correct but the tech said there is a small chance the pipe is labeled incorrectly. He is checking on it for me. I did notice that the stock pipes have a bend about 10 inches from the end to put the pipe up in the cutout and the Pypes Tailpipes I have dont have this bend. But maybe they arent supposed to.

[RicksGTO]

I had the same tailpipe angle on my '69 where it would bump the shock perch or the frame rail just before the tips and they were pointing a little down compared to the fender line. I marked mine in position so the exact top and bottom, as test fitted, was easy to see and took them by a local shop. They put about a 3-4% tweak upward in the last bend to the tails and it fixed it all for me, but be aware that once you bend them you can't exchange them. With your '70, the smaller margin for error that you have to hit the cutouts, I'd say take them to the muffler shop and have them do it with the car there. Good luck on it, mine came out great after I figured out that one problem, Rick

[Held for Ransom]

I might be booted for this but, dump the PYPES and get a real exhaust system from Torque Tech & Co. Inc. It may cost more but, in my opinion, well worth it. I posted over a year ago how they don't work with '70 GTO's. Once you receive the Torque Tech pipes, you'll see why. I may post pictures some day.

[matrix]

Thanks for the replies. RicksGTO, isnt it your car on their website? If im correct when I was talking to the tech rep at Pypes today I mentioned that I had seen where you mentioned a problem with the tailpipes. They said they were aware of it and that the tailpipes that I had were corrected with data from your car. They also said that the pipes that I have are specific to a 70-71 with the valance cutouts. All that may be true but the result is still that I cant get them to fit properly. So I am pondering taking them to a local custom exhaust shop near me that has a very good rep and having them install the system. They say they will tweak the pipes where needed and weld everything for $200. Thats not a bad price unless you consider that I thought this would be a bolt/weld on job. Guess I can put the Miller away.

Ransom, thanks for the info. And i cant imagine that anyone would want to boot you for expressing an honest opinion.

[RicksGTO]

Hey Matrix, that is my car on the Pypes site. I cut mine to size and installed it with the head pipe flanges and rear muffler clamps in place to hold the system together. I found a good custom muffler shop in my area and they welded all the connections plus made another tweak to the tailpipe extentions to make them match each other. They charged me $140 to do it which was only a little more than I had been quoted for just the welds alone. With the x-pipe, they ended up having to do 10 welds including the extensions, plus I had them weld the tang of the rear frame hanger to the pipes as well so the tails would stay in line with the frame rails. Trying to make yours all line up and come out those cutouts is something that would be tough to do without some way to bend the pipes, so I think you'll be glad if you let the shop do the final tweaks/welds. Good luck on it, Rick

[Ccass]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Held for Ransom:
I might be booted for this but, dump the PYPES and get a real exhaust system from Torque Tech & Co. Inc. It may cost more but, in my opinion, well worth it. I posted over a year ago how they don't work with '70 GTO's. Once you receive the Torque Tech pipes, you'll see why. I may post pictures some day. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

HFR, Since last year we have specifically made correct 70-71 GTO tailpipes. They fit well. Torque Tech is a good company but their pipes don't fit any better than ours.

[Ccass]

Sometimes owners try and install the exhaust from the front of the car back which leaves no room for adjustment of the tailpipes. Installing tailpipes is kind-of an art. Sometimes you need to twist and tilt for a while. I remember one time I spent 20 minutes trying to snake a tailpipe over the rear. One of my co-workers came in and it took him about 30 seconds.

[matrix]

[HFR, Since last year we have specifically made correct 70-71 GTO tailpipes. They fit well. Torque Tech is a good company but their pipes don't fit any better than ours.[/QUOTE]

Well the the 70-71 specific tailpipes I have sure dont fit. I have spent a total of 6 hours(3 sessions at 2 hours each) trying everything conceivable. I have read every post on this forum , talked to the techs at pypes several times and talked to a very well respected local custom exhaust shop that has done several systems for me in the past. Bottom line is that when I position the tailpipe exit in the valance cutout no amount of twisting, rotating and finessing will keep it from hitting the frame near the upper shock mount and/or the rear frame with the slight depression designed for exhaust clearance. Over the last 20 years I have done at least that many A body exhaust systems. 3 of those being 70 GTOs that I have owned. Cass, if you can help me get these to fit I would greatly appreciate it. Any advice is welcomed. I sure hate to send the system back cause it sure looks pretty.

[cujo]

I was thinking about going with the 2-1/2" Pypes system w/ 14" mufflers on my 71 LeMans (400 w/ headers)and I was wondering if I was going to have the same problems as Matrix is having with his '70 GTO.

[shotgun]

I should be installing mine within the next 2 weeks,I will post if I run into any snags.The car is 70 LeMans Sport with a 400/headers.

[SCOTT ESTERLE]

A friend of mine purchased one of those Torque Tech systems several years ago & he was not very pleased with the fit to say the least.

[David Jones]

The biggest difference between Torque Tech and everybody else is they cost more.

[Held for Ransom]

Scott, the Torque Tech 2-1/2" system with Ram Air exhaust manifolds that was installed in a '70 GTO three or four years ago had no problems. Same with the two recent 3" systems with headers in '70 GTOs.
You are not correct in my case David. I have a set of tailpipes and a X-pipe kit hanging on the wall as proof, as well as a constant reminder that you get what you pay for. As Ccass stated, they revamped them. Did he contact anyone for an exchange or refund? Not me. As RicksGTO stated he had to pay extra for his install plus the extra waiting time, driving/towing and other BS.
But, the 3" exhaust tips are a must as they look great.

[Held for Ransom]

The problem I had with my PYPES is the over-the-axle was a U-bend and hit everything. Torque Tech pipes differed.

[RicksGTO]

I sure from what your saying that the torque tech pipes are a good fit too. My only problem with the Pypes system was the rear tailpipe system, which was easily tweaked and I think after some feed back, Chris has corrected any problems in the tails. Most of the cost of the extra $140 that I spent for mine was because I wanted welds everywhere for a clean look and no chance of leaks. The bends with labor time might have been $40-$50 of that cost at most. I cut and installed the whole system with the X-pipe front to back, drove it to the shop and had the welds and tweaks done in a couple of hours. I just didn't want to use the clamps for looks so most of that cost was my choice. Here's a pic of the system after I installed but before the welds. Very good quality system from Pypes and it sounds great. Rick

[matrix]

My car is due at the exhaust shop 8am tomorrow morning. I am going to stand there while they do it so he can explain what I was doing wrong or what needed to be bent for proper fit. Once done I will post here.

[David Jones]

Sadly Pypes wasn't around when I needed downpipes for my R/A III manifolds. In my case Torque Techs downpipes were gold plated instead of aluminized. Before shipping I paid $109.00, now they get $118.00. This is for about 6 ft of 2 1/2" tubing that sadly drags on anything 3 1/2" to 4" off the ground. Pypes comparable pieces are $49.00

Sweet looking system Rick......

[Held for Ransom]

Actually, I was thinking matrix was having problems with a 3" system like I tried installing last year. RicksGTO, you had a slight problem with a 2-1/2" system? How much research went into these before being released into the marketplace? I'm glad you paid for their R&D. Later.

[matrix]

Just picked up car from exhaust shop. I asked the installer "whats the deal, why couldnt I get the tailpipes to fit" ? He said " they were off quite a bit. I had to bend them a little more than I do the flowmasters that I usually use that arent made for the cutouts". He also couldnt use the stock style muffler hanger because he had to move the muffler towards the center of the car to get adequate clearance where the tailpipe snakes over the axle and past the frame. So the tailpipes that I have absolutely did not fit properly. Possibly I had the wrong part that was labled with the correct # for my application. Or some small chance that I got two pipes that were just a bad run or something. I am going to call the Pypes tech line and make them aware of my final outcome so that they can do whatever is possible to keep someone else fom having this problem.

The headpipes and X assembly did fit well though. I also reccomend the xcelerator mufflers. They are very quiet even though they are a straight thru type muffler.

Anyone need a top shelf exhaust shop in the DC area should contact Insane Exhaust Fabrications(formerly Jeffs muffler) in Owings Md. 301-855-0162. Great work by great people. And ask Jeff about his stable of 455 Bufords.