My Cattman Y pipe has returned, but more trouble has been spelled...
05-14-2002, 04:01 PM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,530
My Cattman Y pipe has returned, but more trouble has been spelled
I was taking a nap when the UPS man rung the door bell. Yup my Y pipe has returned. I believe mine was one of the first ones back, mainly cause I havent heard anyone else's returned yet. Anyway the new flex looks good. Its shiny stainless steel (not for long...) and I believe it is indeed LONGER then the previous flex as this one measures 6" for the flexable section. A peek inside reveals that the flex is very much what Brian described-lined with the inners that resemble the spiral wrapping a public payphone is made out of. None of that woven crap like before. I'm going to go outside right now to put it on. I cross all of my fingers hoping that it will fit on with no fitment issues.
Sorry- no digicam.
Sorry- no digicam.
05-14-2002, 05:14 PM
#3
Great, I just bought a used Cattman Y-pipe that was recently repaired a few weeks ago. The flex section measures only 4 inches in length (actual woven area) and the lining is also woven, not spiral 
05-14-2002, 07:08 PM
#5
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,085
I just got mine back too. It was actually delivered yesterday to the wrong house, but I tracked it down. I have been without this thing for over 2 unbearable months now. This just get's me all warm and tickly inside that it's finally here.
Eric, I think ours were in the first group of pipes to be fixed or so I was told. And yes, the flex joint seems to be of very good quality. I can't put the darn thing on because my roomate is parked in the garage and I can't get ahold of him nor do I have his keys. I would hate to have to call a tow truck.
What a good day!
Eric, I think ours were in the first group of pipes to be fixed or so I was told. And yes, the flex joint seems to be of very good quality. I can't put the darn thing on because my roomate is parked in the garage and I can't get ahold of him nor do I have his keys. I would hate to have to call a tow truck. What a good day!
05-14-2002, 07:15 PM
#6
Originally posted by MAXINXS
I just got mine back too. It was actually delivered yesterday to the wrong house, but I tracked it down. I have been without this thing for over 2 unbearable months now. This just get's me all warm and tickly inside that it's finally here. Eric, I think ours were in the first group of pipes to be fixed or so I was told. And yes, the flex joint seems to be of very good quality. I can't put the darn thing on because my roomate is parked in the garage and I can't get ahold of him nor do I have his keys. I would hate to have to call a tow truck. What a good day!
I just got mine back too. It was actually delivered yesterday to the wrong house, but I tracked it down. I have been without this thing for over 2 unbearable months now. This just get's me all warm and tickly inside that it's finally here.
Eric, I think ours were in the first group of pipes to be fixed or so I was told. And yes, the flex joint seems to be of very good quality. I can't put the darn thing on because my roomate is parked in the garage and I can't get ahold of him nor do I have his keys. I would hate to have to call a tow truck. What a good day!
05-14-2002, 11:47 PM
#8
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,530
I DO have the worst luck in the world
Its now 2:30 in the morning. I saw Spiderman tonight but anyway I MUST HAVE THE WORST LUCK IN THE WORLD WITH THINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I managed to force fit on the "repaired" Y pipe, only to find out that ONCE AGAIN IT IS ROTATIONALLY OFF AT THE CAT FLANGE! I've had this problem before, and it was corrected to fit perfectly. But now it is once again off, and its rotated the other way. The rotation is so bad- that now my Stillen B pipe's hanger (that faces the driver side- near the S bends) is in physical contact with the body of the car. This is craziness!
This is how my saga of my Y pipe woes goes. In december of 2000 I bought the pipe. I had a hard time getting the thing on because back then it was rotationally off clockwise, but it wasnt that bad and I still managed to get it on. In July 2001 the flex springs a leak, so it gets sent back. When it comes back, I find the cat flange rotationally off too far clockwise. I send the pipe back AGAIN, yet this wouldnt be the last. When I got it back I was happy, because it then fit on the car like a glove. However, my nightmares would reoccur about 2 months ago I discover my Y pipe had the busted and collapsed flex section. So once again it goes out. NOW, I GET THE PIPE BACK AGAIN AND IT DOESNT FIT!
Total time of car without Y pipe, probably 4-5 months at this point.
To top that off, I was planning on going on a 150 mile trip to the ocean this coming weekend with my motorcycle in tow. I thought great! I'll have the pipe back for the time being, but now it looks like that idea is shot. I'm really really ticked. I'm almost rethinking selling the car and taking my losses once again. Its apparent now that nothing goes right for me. To make matters worse, if I've got as far as putting in a blower, we got people with problems that one too...its just bad news.
This car and its aftermarket parts have not been good to me at all. I must be cursed. I hope to God that nobody else has gone thru the same stuff as I have.
This is how my saga of my Y pipe woes goes. In december of 2000 I bought the pipe. I had a hard time getting the thing on because back then it was rotationally off clockwise, but it wasnt that bad and I still managed to get it on. In July 2001 the flex springs a leak, so it gets sent back. When it comes back, I find the cat flange rotationally off too far clockwise. I send the pipe back AGAIN, yet this wouldnt be the last. When I got it back I was happy, because it then fit on the car like a glove. However, my nightmares would reoccur about 2 months ago I discover my Y pipe had the busted and collapsed flex section. So once again it goes out. NOW, I GET THE PIPE BACK AGAIN AND IT DOESNT FIT!
Total time of car without Y pipe, probably 4-5 months at this point.
To top that off, I was planning on going on a 150 mile trip to the ocean this coming weekend with my motorcycle in tow. I thought great! I'll have the pipe back for the time being, but now it looks like that idea is shot. I'm really really ticked. I'm almost rethinking selling the car and taking my losses once again. Its apparent now that nothing goes right for me. To make matters worse, if I've got as far as putting in a blower, we got people with problems that one too...its just bad news.
This car and its aftermarket parts have not been good to me at all. I must be cursed. I hope to God that nobody else has gone thru the same stuff as I have.
05-15-2002, 12:23 AM
#11
Re: Re: I DO have the worst luck in the world
Originally posted by Nismo
I honestly now believe that the car doesnt like you at all.
I honestly now believe that the car doesnt like you at all.
Yeah like in the movie Christine.
Seriously though Eric, sell your car, problem solved.
05-15-2002, 05:42 AM
#12
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 369
Sell his car because an aftermarket supplier can't make a pipe correct? Some how this advice doesn't seem right to me.
There are so many aftermarket suppliers that manufacture and design performance parts, yet they are not engineers. If what Eric is saying is correct then I think maybe Cattman needs to hire another engineer. Why should Eric sell his car?
There are so many aftermarket suppliers that manufacture and design performance parts, yet they are not engineers. If what Eric is saying is correct then I think maybe Cattman needs to hire another engineer. Why should Eric sell his car?
Eric, PLEASE SELL THE CAR. 
05-15-2002, 06:03 AM
#17
Originally posted by Larry
Sell his car because an aftermarket supplier can't make a pipe correct? Some how this advice doesn't seem right to me.
There are so many aftermarket suppliers that manufacture and design performance parts, yet they are not engineers. If what Eric is saying is correct then I think maybe Cattman needs to hire another engineer. Why should Eric sell his car?
Sell his car because an aftermarket supplier can't make a pipe correct? Some how this advice doesn't seem right to me.
There are so many aftermarket suppliers that manufacture and design performance parts, yet they are not engineers. If what Eric is saying is correct then I think maybe Cattman needs to hire another engineer. Why should Eric sell his car?
05-15-2002, 06:09 AM
#18
Originally posted by Larry
Sell his car because an aftermarket supplier can't make a pipe correct? Some how this advice doesn't seem right to me.
There are so many aftermarket suppliers that manufacture and design performance parts, yet they are not engineers. If what Eric is saying is correct then I think maybe Cattman needs to hire another engineer. Why should Eric sell his car?
Sell his car because an aftermarket supplier can't make a pipe correct? Some how this advice doesn't seem right to me.
There are so many aftermarket suppliers that manufacture and design performance parts, yet they are not engineers. If what Eric is saying is correct then I think maybe Cattman needs to hire another engineer. Why should Eric sell his car?
There's a history with Eric that is hard for the veterans to fathom. Trust us, he should dump the vehicle....
05-15-2002, 06:35 AM
#19
Wow eric can't catch a break. I never thought I would say this, but you should get rid of your car. You've had nothing but troubles.
I've had some issues with my car and aftermarket parts, but they're nothing compared to yours. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I think Cattman should give you a free set of coilovers for your troubles
Or at least give send you a completely new Y-pipe.
I've had some issues with my car and aftermarket parts, but they're nothing compared to yours. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I think Cattman should give you a free set of coilovers for your troubles
Or at least give send you a completely new Y-pipe.
05-15-2002, 07:53 AM
#24
Re: And who was the dude
Originally posted by ArcticMax
that flamed me for saying that Cattman's products are not really that great??
that flamed me for saying that Cattman's products are not really that great??
I'm tired of the bashing Cattman gets for problems that he admits to. If he was covering it up, that would be one thing, but impuning his character and his products when they are probably on most of the Maximas here (since Warpspeed is relatively new) isn't necessary and only causes me to take your opinions on this and other things less seriously.
05-15-2002, 09:31 AM
#25
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,530
I've had nothing but bad luck with things. OEM or aftermarket. Anyway I shot an email to Cattman, we'll see what he has to say about it.
For the new guy, I've had nothing but bad luck with this car. It doesnt like me, and I dont like it either. I've had tranny trouble, Y pipe trouble, motor mount trouble, dealer trouble and in general I dont like the car that much for a variety of reasons.
Lets see, I could probably get it repaired locally, but that entails money and time which I shouldnt be spending this much of. Also the local shops will tend to make a mig welded mess, but one thing is for sure, the result will be immediate and if done ON the car it will most likely fit. I havent ruled out this possibility, but me spending more $ turns me off.
As for spending $, the flex section was zero cost to me other then alot of swearing pulling and reinstalling pipes. He sent a call tag last time. I did pay shipping i think once or twice before to ship it back across the country (I'm in MD, he's in AZ) so I say $30 or so on shipping. Brian's probably lost more money on my pipe then anybody else's. Its been back at his place 3 times now, and possibily a fourth.
What I might wind up doing is buying another pipe from somewhere else, getting this fixed and then selling it.
For the new guy, I've had nothing but bad luck with this car. It doesnt like me, and I dont like it either. I've had tranny trouble, Y pipe trouble, motor mount trouble, dealer trouble and in general I dont like the car that much for a variety of reasons.
Lets see, I could probably get it repaired locally, but that entails money and time which I shouldnt be spending this much of. Also the local shops will tend to make a mig welded mess, but one thing is for sure, the result will be immediate and if done ON the car it will most likely fit. I havent ruled out this possibility, but me spending more $ turns me off.
As for spending $, the flex section was zero cost to me other then alot of swearing pulling and reinstalling pipes. He sent a call tag last time. I did pay shipping i think once or twice before to ship it back across the country (I'm in MD, he's in AZ) so I say $30 or so on shipping. Brian's probably lost more money on my pipe then anybody else's. Its been back at his place 3 times now, and possibily a fourth.
What I might wind up doing is buying another pipe from somewhere else, getting this fixed and then selling it.
05-15-2002, 12:16 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,185
Eric,
My condolences on your problems. Just thank God you're mechanically inclined and saved A LOT of money that way. Dump the ride and move on!
I've already had to install/uninstall/install the Y, and at $60 bucks a pop, it can get expensive. Keeping my fingers corssed too that my flew isn't busted.
Again, S O R R Y!
My condolences on your problems. Just thank God you're mechanically inclined and saved A LOT of money that way. Dump the ride and move on!
I've already had to install/uninstall/install the Y, and at $60 bucks a pop, it can get expensive. Keeping my fingers corssed too that my flew isn't busted.
Again, S O R R Y!
05-15-2002, 02:04 PM
#27
Originally posted by Str8ridin
Eric,
My condolences on your problems. Just thank God you're mechanically inclined and saved A LOT of money that way. Dump the ride and move on!
I've already had to install/uninstall/install the Y, and at $60 bucks a pop, it can get expensive. Keeping my fingers corssed too that my flew isn't busted.
Again, S O R R Y!
Eric,
My condolences on your problems. Just thank God you're mechanically inclined and saved A LOT of money that way. Dump the ride and move on!
I've already had to install/uninstall/install the Y, and at $60 bucks a pop, it can get expensive. Keeping my fingers corssed too that my flew isn't busted.
Again, S O R R Y!
05-15-2002, 02:17 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,185
Originally posted by ROWELL
Str8ridin, I've read your post about your fitment issues with Cattman pipe. I also know that you bought yours through group deal from Custommaxima.com. I was part of that group deal as well, so we both had the same problem. Spent so much money on installation myself. How's your pipe? Do you still have vibration problem?
Str8ridin, I've read your post about your fitment issues with Cattman pipe. I also know that you bought yours through group deal from Custommaxima.com. I was part of that group deal as well, so we both had the same problem. Spent so much money on installation myself. How's your pipe? Do you still have vibration problem?
I found a fix though. I purchased an exhaust repair kit for $1.50 at Walmart. It contained this material that you can wrap around your exhaust to fix a leak. Well, I got under my car, folded that material up into a tight and thick little bundle and wedged it in between where the Y-pipe comes into contact with the frame to provide a cushion. It worked. The trick was to find some sort of material that is soft, yet does not melt (rubber gaskets to NOT work...I learned the smelly way) and cushion the contact area. I'm not sure how long it will last (took me 5 minutes to do), but $1.50 is better than $120 plus waiting.
05-15-2002, 02:32 PM
#29
Originally posted by Str8ridin
Yes, but now only when I put the car in Reverse. I suspect the engine shifts when I engage reverse and the pipe then rests against the K-member of my frame thus vibrating my whole car.
I found a fix though. I purchased an exhaust repair kit for $1.50 at Walmart. It contained this material that you can wrap around your exhaust to fix a leak. Well, I got under my car, folded that material up into a tight and thick little bundle and wedged it in between where the Y-pipe comes into contact with the frame to provide a cushion. It worked. The trick was to find some sort of material that is soft, yet does not melt (rubber gaskets to NOT work...I learned the smelly way) and cushion the contact area. I'm not sure how long it will last (took me 5 minutes to do), but $1.50 is better than $120 plus waiting.
Yes, but now only when I put the car in Reverse. I suspect the engine shifts when I engage reverse and the pipe then rests against the K-member of my frame thus vibrating my whole car.
I found a fix though. I purchased an exhaust repair kit for $1.50 at Walmart. It contained this material that you can wrap around your exhaust to fix a leak. Well, I got under my car, folded that material up into a tight and thick little bundle and wedged it in between where the Y-pipe comes into contact with the frame to provide a cushion. It worked. The trick was to find some sort of material that is soft, yet does not melt (rubber gaskets to NOT work...I learned the smelly way) and cushion the contact area. I'm not sure how long it will last (took me 5 minutes to do), but $1.50 is better than $120 plus waiting.
05-15-2002, 02:34 PM
#30
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 500
Re: I DO have the worst luck in the world
Originally posted by ericdwong
[B]
To top that off, I was planning on going on a 150 mile trip to the ocean this coming weekend with my motorcycle in tow. I thought great! I'll have the pipe back for the time being, but now it looks like that idea is shot. I'm really really ticked. I'm almost rethinking selling the car and taking my losses once again. Its apparent now that nothing goes right for me. To make matters worse, if I've got as far as putting in a blower, we got people with problems that one too...its just bad news.
[B]
To top that off, I was planning on going on a 150 mile trip to the ocean this coming weekend with my motorcycle in tow. I thought great! I'll have the pipe back for the time being, but now it looks like that idea is shot. I'm really really ticked. I'm almost rethinking selling the car and taking my losses once again. Its apparent now that nothing goes right for me. To make matters worse, if I've got as far as putting in a blower, we got people with problems that one too...its just bad news.
05-15-2002, 05:56 PM
#32
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,085
Well sorry to hear about your fitment issues Eric! I don't know why you have had such bad luck with your car. I have been wondering if I will have the same fitment problem. I was taking out the old pipe to install the new one. One of the bolts that comes off the exhaust manifold was on really tight. I guess I put too much force on it, because the whole stud broke off. I was so pi$$ed.
Now I don't know what the hell to do. Is it possible to have another stud attatched somehow or am I going to have to buy a whole new manifold? I was doing the install myself to try and save some money and do the job myself and now this happens. This has NOT been fun for me either.
Now I don't know what the hell to do. Is it possible to have another stud attatched somehow or am I going to have to buy a whole new manifold? I was doing the install myself to try and save some money and do the job myself and now this happens. This has NOT been fun for me either.
05-15-2002, 10:35 PM
#34
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,530
I got a reply today, looks like I am getting a new production Y pipe to replace this one. I think I'm quite deserving though, after 4 times with this gone wrong. Not to mention my oodles of $ I've spent there on a Quaife differential, motor mounts and who knows what else.
Apparently, all the "old" pipes were made from fabricator A (my words). Fabricator A was also the one fixing the ones busted and obviously they did a pispoor job. The email I got wasnt particularly clear but it sounds like the "new" pipes are being done by Fabricator B. Sounds like cattman was having problems with Fabricator A. We'll see how well fabricator B does.
So in the meantime I was underneath my car tonight swearing and getting more scraped knuckles removing the non-fitting Y and putting on the OEM one back on. I really really really hope the 4th time will be the charm.
Apparently, all the "old" pipes were made from fabricator A (my words). Fabricator A was also the one fixing the ones busted and obviously they did a pispoor job. The email I got wasnt particularly clear but it sounds like the "new" pipes are being done by Fabricator B. Sounds like cattman was having problems with Fabricator A. We'll see how well fabricator B does.
So in the meantime I was underneath my car tonight swearing and getting more scraped knuckles removing the non-fitting Y and putting on the OEM one back on. I really really really hope the 4th time will be the charm.
05-16-2002, 05:39 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,075
Re: I DO have the worst luck in the world
Just buy a Budget Y pipe to use while your cattman pipe is in for repairs!! LOL!! At least it'll fit perfectly and comes with the spiral flex section for about 180 shipped.
Originally posted by ericdwong
Its now 2:30 in the morning. I saw Spiderman tonight but anyway I MUST HAVE THE WORST LUCK IN THE WORLD WITH THINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I managed to force fit on the "repaired" Y pipe, only to find out that ONCE AGAIN IT IS ROTATIONALLY OFF AT THE CAT FLANGE! I've had this problem before, and it was corrected to fit perfectly. But now it is once again off, and its rotated the other way. The rotation is so bad- that now my Stillen B pipe's hanger (that faces the driver side- near the S bends) is in physical contact with the body of the car. This is craziness!
This is how my saga of my Y pipe woes goes. In december of 2000 I bought the pipe. I had a hard time getting the thing on because back then it was rotationally off clockwise, but it wasnt that bad and I still managed to get it on. In July 2001 the flex springs a leak, so it gets sent back. When it comes back, I find the cat flange rotationally off too far clockwise. I send the pipe back AGAIN, yet this wouldnt be the last. When I got it back I was happy, because it then fit on the car like a glove. However, my nightmares would reoccur about 2 months ago I discover my Y pipe had the busted and collapsed flex section. So once again it goes out. NOW, I GET THE PIPE BACK AGAIN AND IT DOESNT FIT!
Total time of car without Y pipe, probably 4-5 months at this point.
To top that off, I was planning on going on a 150 mile trip to the ocean this coming weekend with my motorcycle in tow. I thought great! I'll have the pipe back for the time being, but now it looks like that idea is shot. I'm really really ticked. I'm almost rethinking selling the car and taking my losses once again. Its apparent now that nothing goes right for me. To make matters worse, if I've got as far as putting in a blower, we got people with problems that one too...its just bad news.
This car and its aftermarket parts have not been good to me at all. I must be cursed. I hope to God that nobody else has gone thru the same stuff as I have.
Its now 2:30 in the morning. I saw Spiderman tonight but anyway I MUST HAVE THE WORST LUCK IN THE WORLD WITH THINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I managed to force fit on the "repaired" Y pipe, only to find out that ONCE AGAIN IT IS ROTATIONALLY OFF AT THE CAT FLANGE! I've had this problem before, and it was corrected to fit perfectly. But now it is once again off, and its rotated the other way. The rotation is so bad- that now my Stillen B pipe's hanger (that faces the driver side- near the S bends) is in physical contact with the body of the car. This is craziness!
This is how my saga of my Y pipe woes goes. In december of 2000 I bought the pipe. I had a hard time getting the thing on because back then it was rotationally off clockwise, but it wasnt that bad and I still managed to get it on. In July 2001 the flex springs a leak, so it gets sent back. When it comes back, I find the cat flange rotationally off too far clockwise. I send the pipe back AGAIN, yet this wouldnt be the last. When I got it back I was happy, because it then fit on the car like a glove. However, my nightmares would reoccur about 2 months ago I discover my Y pipe had the busted and collapsed flex section. So once again it goes out. NOW, I GET THE PIPE BACK AGAIN AND IT DOESNT FIT!
Total time of car without Y pipe, probably 4-5 months at this point.
To top that off, I was planning on going on a 150 mile trip to the ocean this coming weekend with my motorcycle in tow. I thought great! I'll have the pipe back for the time being, but now it looks like that idea is shot. I'm really really ticked. I'm almost rethinking selling the car and taking my losses once again. Its apparent now that nothing goes right for me. To make matters worse, if I've got as far as putting in a blower, we got people with problems that one too...its just bad news.
This car and its aftermarket parts have not been good to me at all. I must be cursed. I hope to God that nobody else has gone thru the same stuff as I have.
05-16-2002, 10:22 AM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 778
Re: Re: I DO have the worst luck in the world
Originally posted by Washington DC Maxima
Just buy a Budget Y pipe to use while your cattman pipe is in for repairs!! LOL!! At least it'll fit perfectly and comes with the spiral flex section for about 180 shipped.
Just buy a Budget Y pipe to use while your cattman pipe is in for repairs!! LOL!! At least it'll fit perfectly and comes with the spiral flex section for about 180 shipped.
05-16-2002, 12:13 PM
#38
Turtle turtle... Moderator
iTrader: (25)
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: San Bruno, Petaluma, SF Bay area
Posts: 4,857
that sucks Eric...i know youve had lots of probs with your Max, i bet ive had as much if not more probs then you. some of them was because of the sheit i did to it. but other is bad luck. i kinda feel like im cursed as well...if you really belive that. Stock is the best way to go, cause if you mod your next car youll prolly have probs as well
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