Side Pipe/ Body gap?

David-JBL · #1 (**permalink**) 01-27-2008, 10:56 AM

How much space should I allow between the body and the exhaust pipes? My body is fiberglass. I guess what I am worried about is the paint blistering. What can some of you guys recommend?

Richard Hudgins · #2 (**permalink**) 01-27-2008, 06:06 PM

David.

As standard the JBL sidepipes are spaced 1>1.5 inches away from the paint surface. (Note: only if ceramic heat barrier coated)

If stainless is used or chrome plated steel then you must have 3 inches of clearance to avoid paint bubbling.

David-JBL · #3 (**permalink**) 01-30-2008, 03:26 PM

Richard, Thank you for the reply. Right now I have a bare stainless steel exhaust system. I don't know if I will polish the system, chrome it or what. Is a 3" gap really necessary to prevent the paint from bubbling if I don't use a ceramic coating? I am not sure that a 3" gap would look right. I was hoping for a one inch gap.

Richard Hudgins · #4 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 01:48 PM

David,

Stainless pipes will transfer heat quite rapidly and you can see 750>1200f at the collector. Paint will bubble at 300f.

Three inches sounds like a lot of space but in reality the normal spacing on these cars is 2>3 inches at the collector.

Note: the muffler part will be quite a bit closer to the body as it is 5>6 inches in diameter and the collector is only 4.

Just try putting the units up to the body at three inches spacing and you will see what I mean.