355 X-Ost

kmcmouse
Im going with the same setup
Did you leave the original headers/manifolds?

 

I installed this system and you are correct it is not easy to fit. However, there are many adjustments at your disposal that will bring it into alignment. First, the cats can be slightly rotated to change dimension, the slip joint couplings can be moved forward and aft where they attach to the muffler. And finally, the bumper itself must be aligned correct.

I know all of this sounds crazy and really simple. In fact it is not, I spent an entire day fooling with the geometry. In the end it was worth it and I assure you it will fit unless there is just something totally defective with the muffler itself.


If you want call me direct as it is easier to explain in person...

The process is not easy to type.

Ian Roberts 765-220-1596

 

I second the cat adjustment to get these straight. It takes a little turning to get it right. If one side of the exhaust were an inch longer it would have looked pretty funny sitting on the floor. The installer probably just bolted it all together and left it however it ended up.

 

Kmcmouse,

I didn't get your message until tonight. Sorry, I was covered up all day.

I'll call in the AM.

 

had the same problem with mne---had to use a rachet clamp to pull all tight to line up properly---but the sound was worth it!!!

 

There are so many clamps and places where this exhaust can be installed in a mis-aligned condition. I loosely installed the cats and muffler and then started measureing from the grill down and from each bumper mount point aft. I clamped a thick straight edge to the aft side of the bumper mount and measured straight aft from the straight edge to the outside tip. I would then move the assembly to balance out the vertical and aft measurements and once set. I tightened all clamp points. After tightening the clamp points I remeasured and they stayed the same. Satified with the measurements I completed reinstalling the parts and installed the rear bumper cover and the fit is nice and even.

 

I wonder if x-ost used the capristo as a reference for the dimensions.... my OEM muffler fit perfectly, then when I went with the capristo my driver side tips extend out about .625" more than the passenger side..... ......but as 285 said.... the sound is worth it !!!

 

I must have gotten lucky installing my Capristo exhaust with Hyperflows but everything fit perfectly. I will echo another poster in that I would attach everything without tightening. Once everything is lined up perfectly, then go back and tighten all of the attachments.

 

I guess since you were doing the cats along with the exhaust, it gave the added liberty of adjusting them too. I guess I should have loosened everything up and maybe got a better result..... but for now I am contemplating some other exhaust options...

 

How much faster did the 355 run?

i have the x-ost and considering the hyperflows-

is it worth it?

 

I doubt you will feel a difference in speed, but you may have a tad better throttle response and the sound alone is worth it

 

is it possible that my cats are plugged or plugging up ..as the mileage is at 28k and they are hurting performance ? i cant tell - but its my first 355- she screams and flies and i do have the x-ost ....she is very fast.. yet just thinking ---How do cats wear out- i mean is it over time and they impeed performance until bang they are dead- if over time then gradually they choke the exhuast no?

99 with 28k miles original cats
for 2 grand do i wait till the cats blow or get them now....considering the mileage?

 

A quick search of the archives yielded this to help answer you questions. http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199454

 

+1 ... I'd say these guys either didn't know what they were doing, or didn't care.

 

Here is my anecdotal experience with that 1" exhaust tip issue.

I have a 1997 355.... the stock exhaust tips were in the ideal/perfect location.
I installled a 'standard' capristo and the left side tips were out too far compared to the right side.
I sold my original stock exhaust (mistake) because I had the capristo.

I then decided I wanted to make a total custom setup for my 355.
So I left the capristo on so my 355 would remain driveable and bought a late model 355 'stock exhaust' for research... .
I sold the capristo and installed the 'late model' stock exhaust thinking it would fit as my old one........
It did not, it also stuck out too far on the left side.....

Summation: I think the 355 stock early model exhausts are different than the stock late model exhausts....... IMO capristo and x-ost made weld fixtures using the 'late' model 355 exhausts as a reference.

I hope this makes sense....

 

You have a bad motor mount, that is the problem, not the exhaust system.

 

I don't think so, the original OEM system fit perfectly the later OEM system and the capristo did not. I have seen numerous other 355s have this same problem.