ESS X-Pipe / Corsa Exhaust Connection

[jagman]

Hi guys,

Quick question... I bought the ESS catted X-pipe from @ESStuning and it came via FedEx yesterday. I also got a Corsa axel back exhaust delivered last week. We loosely installed them last night. We didn't notice it until the end but the rear end of the X-pipe, like the Corsa, has a female end. Was this a manufacturing error? Am I missing something obvious?

Here is a pic of the rear end of the ESS X-pipe and the front end of Corsa exhaust... each with a female connector. They are obviously not lined up perfectly but you can see what I'm getting at.



Here is the Corsa next to the OEM X-pipe. The OEM has the male end piece which obviously mates... uhh hmm connects... better with the female Corsa.



Am I missing something? I'll contact ESS tomorrow during normal business hours... but in the meantime I hope you guys might be able to offer advice.

Edit: fixed links

[JsL]

You posted the same pic twice? Both show a correct connection.

Edit: you fixed the link

[BPMSport]

You need the OEM clamp which will secure those two pieces together. It's a semi circular clamp.

[MFL]

E36 exhausts had a similar setup if I recall correctly, there was an internal exhaust gasket that was required to make that connection.

https://www.ecstuning.com/ES39230/?g...FQQEaQodNe0OUQ

This is just for a comparison. You may be able to get a generic one for your piping to 'mate up' correctly.

[MFL]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

You need the OEM clamp which will secure those two pieces together. It's a semi circular clamp.

Go home Benvo! I WIN!

(still loving this toooon!)

[jagman]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

You need the OEM clamp which will secure those two pieces together. It's a semi circular clamp.

Thank you, Mike. You always have the answers! Literally every time something odd comes up you nail it.

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by MFL

Go home Benvo! I WIN!

(still loving this toooon!)

[jagman]

It holds together well but it looks like the seal isn't 100%. Should I wrap it it with a small amount of exhaust wrap/insulation/tape first, then put a clamp over it?

[Hujan]

If it were me, I would probably throw some Acousti-Seal on those connections. It might help seal them up better.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...ound-5oz-tube/

[jagman]

Thanks! Probably way easier to clean up, too!

[M43S7RO]

Odd that your xpipe has female ends, my xpipe has male ends and connects without a problem to my Corsa rear.

Do you have an adapter attached to the xpipe? In the pic it looks like the female part may be attached to your clamp or you have an adapter attached.

[MFL]

I'm telling you...go buy a gasket like this for your piping diameter. Jam it in between the female ends, throw the clamp on and be done with it.

[jagman]

Is that this one...

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-M3...w_All/ES26193/

It's designed to go between the header and x-pipe male/female connection. I didn't see any other gaskets on the ESS site.

[Bartledoo]

Yea the x-pipe should have the male end wtf!? Throwing a fragile gasket between the female ends doesn't seem like a useful idea...

[jagman]

I talked to ESS this morning. They were very nice and people at multiple levels were involved. She said they are contacting their manufacturer and will get back to me when they know more. Hopefully they will have an answer tomorrow. It is odd since @M43S7RO said his ESS X-pipe came with the male end and easily connected to the same exhaust I have. The gaskets look interesting and will likely work but I'd prefer to get a better fix. That will of course help with resale whenever that ultimately happens.

[M43S7RO]

Originally Posted by jagman

I talked to ESS this morning. They were very nice and people at multiple levels were involved. She said they are contacting their manufacturer and will get back to me when they know more. Hopefully they will have an answer tomorrow. It is odd since @M43S7RO said his ESS X-pipe came with the male end and easily connected to the same exhaust I have. The gaskets look interesting and will likely work but I'd prefer to get a better fix. That will of course help with resale whenever that ultimately happens.

Here is what mine looks like for reference, this is my pipe:

[jagman]

Thanks. I'll send that to ESS.

[jagman]

Odd. ESS just said I'm supposed to use the OEM exhaust gasket beteeen the two female ends. I can see how that might work but that doesn't explain why the other ESS X-pipe's have a male back end (like the OEM X-pipe). This doesn't present a flattering opinion of them.

[RoundelObsession]

Originally Posted by jagman

Odd. ESS just said I'm supposed to use the OEM exhaust gasket beteeen the two female ends. I can see how that might work but that doesn't explain why the other ESS X-pipe's have a male back end (like the OEM X-pipe). This doesn't present a flattering opinion of them.

Should have added cats to your MRF xpipe.

[Stig'sM3]

How do you like this set up now that it is installed?

I might go this route. I have the UUC Corsa on now. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[MFL]

I'll buy it off you if you want to cut your losses.

[jagman]

Originally Posted by RoundelObsession

Should have added cats to your MRF xpipe.

That was going to be a royal PITA and expensive. I decided I didn't want to put that much into a used x-pipe when it might decrease the amount of people interested when selling it down the line and definitely increase losses when selling it. Going with this combo was supposed to be easy.