Pypes HGC exhaust

Well I picked up a Pypes HGC exhaust for my 2013 JKU awhile back and finally got it installed today.
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...psjg7muc3e.jpg

First, anytime you are working on anything make sure to have the right tools. I thought I had everything I needed and went to my Dad's barn. Better than working on it in my gravel driveway. Picked up a set of exhaust hanger tool, made getting the hangers loose really easy. I also got out the trusted WD 40 to lubricate everything. The rear muffler wasn't an issue, but the clamp on the mid pipe is pointed up and made it very difficult to get leverage on it. I ended up removing the transfer case skid to get a little more room.
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...psqiw7g1uu.jpg

The instructions were pretty limited, but how much do you need to know in taking an exhaust off and installing a new one. More than you would think. If Pypes reads this in my opinion they need to lengthen their mid pipe by about 2 inches to give more adjust ability in the final fitment. It took about 30 minutes to get it just right to avoid exhaust leaks.
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...psrgnuqh1r.jpg

Now for the initial impression. The sound is very throaty on start up and calms down a little after about a minute of idling. Acceleration is a lot louder than I would prefer with little throttle input. Once you get to a steady speed the sound is tolerable, a little more drone than expected. according to the decimeter on my phone the sound inside was 81DB at 60mph. Getting on the throttle is where it excels in sound, reminds me of going to Saturday night races.

Performance gains, I don't feel any seat of the pants increase in HP or power. After about 50 miles of 80% highway and 18% city and 2% idling, my fuel mileage appears to be improved to full on stock setting. Prior to tires and lift being installed I averaged 18MPG around here, and after the mods went down to 16.3MPG on average. After 50 miles I am showing 18.5MPG.

Sound Clips
Interior at highway speed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuKlfN91m_Q

Exterior heading out of the driveway, camera stopped working when I stopped, I will post a better video later. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gbib7clG6E

Overall impression not bad for the price I paid, just over $200. The best part is this clears up a lot of space under the rear of the jeep, future plan would be for an OBA with the AFE skid OBA bracket.

Another sound clip.
Pypes 0-65:

http://youtu.be/HVDeSmXRYIc

Some of your youtube links aren't working. One is an incomplete URL, and another isn't a hyperlink, and also refers to a video that is "private".

sorry i will fix it tomorrow.

All video clips should be available

I like it! I haven't been able to figure out anything on an exhaust yet. I can't even make up my mind on which is appropriate for the right sound, ease of installation, or integration with my turbo's slightly different exhaust. This seems pretty simple, inexpensive, and sounds nice.

Thanks, for the price I expected a very thin walled pipe, but is actually very stout.

So after a few days of driving I picked up a metal on metal vibration. Thought it was the muffler making contact with the cross member. So I emailed Pypes, and they have been working diligent with me to work out the issue. Took several photos of the install and they helped me diagnose the issue. Turned out I had the mid pipe out of adjustment and the end pipe wasn't at the right angle causing one of the hangers to impact the frame under load. I give a lot of props to Pypes for quick responses and great technical help. After making the adjustments the exhaust is nearly invisible from the outside of the jeep, it is neatly tucked up inside the frame allowing for a lot of clearance over the stock exhaust system. Sound seems to get better with each mile I drive. Only downside to the exhaust is I keep finding myself getting on it to much, bringing my full mileage down. But when you have more growl than a mustang sitting next to you, you can't help but hit the throttle. Going to see if I can get her up on a lift to get detail photos of the install position.

Finally got everything lined with no leaks or rattles. But then I found that one of the welds on the muffler is incomplete with a pin hole. I have notified pypes and we will see what they say.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ljvsnyder

Finally got everything lined with no leaks or rattles. But then I found that one of the welds on the muffler is incomplete with a pin hole. I have notified pypes and we will see what they say.

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Sounds like they may not have the quality control of the big guys? Nevertheless - if they make up for it with customer service, the QC will follow in time.

This is the response I received from them today.

"This doesn't appear to be a leak. The mufflers are welded on a mechanical spinning jig. What you can't see inside the muffler is the weld on the inside. So while it may appear to be a hole on the outside at the weld there is a weld on the inside 360°"

Photos of the leak.

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...pstxicg7yu.jpg
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...psknqr6y1g.jpg