I noticed some of the members with OBX headers have Zero flex joint. Doesn't it need it since the motor moves so much? Can you reuse the OEM one with the stock cat, is there room?
Mario

 

It is a very good idea to use a flex joint! If you don't you risk cracking welds and breaking exhaust hangers.

 

The joint at the end of the OBX is ment to serve as a flex-joint. I dunno what the name for it is...it's like a curved-shaped ball joint thing. Haha great description. From what I've experienced and from what I've heard...it works just fine, as long as the bolts are tightened properly. I will say that it does not absorb vibration as well as the stock one though. Idle, with the a/c on...you get quite a bit of vibration through the header that is transfered back to the exhaust and through the rest of the car. It was much worse when I didn't have a cat...but its definitely liveable and shouldn't be an issue.

 

If you decide not to use the flex joint, you could get an engine damper to reduce engine movement....

 

okay but what exaclty is an engine damper

and where do u get it

and how do u install it

and how does it look like (picture pls)

cheers

 

It looks like this, or a variant of this:

you get it from a group buy here on NAM - the vendor is called Lord of the Flies.
You install it various ways which are outlined on the thread of same vendor above.
It reduces engine movement/rock by about 50%.
cheers,

 

yep. Well said. Mine does this as well.

 

Exactly what gandini said...

 

The ball joint replaces the flex pipe. Works terrific. Been running the obx for a year and still have the original doughnut gasket, and all is well.

Ball-n-socket on an exhaust is not a new idea. GP race bikes and the car racing world have been using this arrangement for years. Manufacturers even use it sometimes. Fear not.

 

I have the OBX w/ std donut connection and have not had any problems for the first 10,000 miles. The is an old design which has proven to work well over the years. I would just go with it and if it fails then consider other options - why spend upfront ?