I recently installed a set of Fabspeed mufflers. They are just great btw. I couldn't recommend them more highly. The design of the mufflers (and other aftermarket models I believe) require that you remove the bumper support struts (just aft of the rear wheels) and then they must be bent to fit them back in to place - the configuration of the mufflers are just different enough from the stock ones to interfere with the shape of the struts.
I spoke to the Fabspeed folks (very helpful) and they said that most people don't put them back, they don't recommend it as necessary, and I haven't yet either. But it just doesn't feel right. I'd like to keep it all buttoned up. Has anyone done the bending and replacing? I haven't sized it up yet so is it a significant reshaping of the parts? What tools do you use to do it. Any tips?
Thanks,
Verde

 

did you really remove the bumper strut? that's designed to take impact and minimize damage. if you removed it, your frame, engine, fenders are subject to damage in a fender bender.

if you are describing the right part, i'd say stay away from fabspeed. any aftermarket catback that is incompatible with stock parts is just unacceptable.

 

i thought they were integral to support of the bumper sides as well.. with the oem canisters so massive and leaving such room, why couldnt they be left alone?

sounds odd imo.

 

Maybe some pics would clear it up? I assume you're talking about the little "rods" that attach to the bumper just after the rear wheels. Those look like more of a "flex" support than "structural" support. I would be more worried about paint flexing and "other" issues as a result.

J

 

I had my brackets bent by an exhaust shop.They use a torch and heat them up and bend them.I think if you try to do this without heat the bend will be too big of a radius to achieve what you are looking for!
Just my opinion!

Stacy

 

Wow- that is crazy. The AfterHours pipes I put on did not require that at all, and I only had to unbolt the strut brackets to get the stock cans out. The AH pipes are so compact and light they just slip right in with plenty of room / no modding required. I wouldn't recommend not using the struts, that is bad advice IMO.. get the brackets bent as neccessary and keep them on.

 

Put the bumper strut back on. It keeps the rear lower panel from flapping around at high speeds. Just bend it a little to fit...very easy to do.

 

Yes, sorry. Not the bumper support mechanisms but the little rods that hold the sides of the bumper from flapping. Technically still struts but a bit misleading.
Conflicting messages re how/who to bend it, but clearly something I've got to go get done. I'll give a quick measure and if it looks like a gross thing to do, I'll bring it to my local shop.
Further advice still welcomed.