[JABCAT]

Trying to install the MAD resonated mid-pipe & am running into a couple issues. No installation instructions included (shocking) & the installation video MAD links to is awful. This should be pretty straight forward & I've installed many sets of headers & exhaust systems on many different vehicles. End rant.

1st question is the diameter of the opening on the MAD mid-pipe is smaller than that of the stock pipe where they meet the down pipes (pic attached). The stock pipes have a removable ring where the pipes meet. If I leave this ring on the down pipe, the MAD pipe won't seat properly.







2nd question is the two short pipes that connect the middle section to the axle-back exhaust are noticeably smaller in diameter than the pipes they connect to on the muffler. The band clamps provided don't seem to cinch down tight enough to keep the smaller pipes from moving inside the larger pipe. I have the MAD axle-back so I would expect a much more snug fitment.



3rd is the mid-pipe didn't come with the MAD brace so where do I use & how many washers have you used on the stock brace.
Thanks!

[JABCAT]

Nevermind - it's moot now. Trying to get the MAD pipe to seat correctly I over-tightened & snapped one of the bolts on the down pipe flange. There's enough threads left to connect the stock pipe, so that & the Dinan x-pipe are going back on for the time being.

[Good 4 2 reasons]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

Nevermind - it's moot now. Trying to get the MAD pipe to seat correctly I over-tightened & snapped one of the bolts on the down pipe flange. There's enough threads left to connect the stock pipe, so that & the Dinan x-pipe are going back on for the time being.

When I installed mine (midpipe w/o resonator) I did have issues getting the midpipe to seat nicely into the downpipe. I am sure I had to over-tighten the nuts to get it to seal without a huge gap. I thought it was just my "virgin installation" since this is my first exhaust mod I have ever done.

I need to double check mine and see if the downpipe connection is leaking or properly sealed.

I wonder if anyone else had less than perfect downpipe to midpipe fitment issues with the MAD single midpipe?

[TallGibbs]

Info@mad-us.com Tagging you because you might want to see these posts and take back to the technical/QA team.

[JABCAT]

Another member had his resonated mid-pipe installed and it appears to fit flush based on the photo he sent me. Mine definitely did not come anywhere close to fitting like this below.

[Murp]

I have the same issue with the MAD non-resonated midpipe, can't get the bottom flange to seat with the gasket on. Tried to test fit with the crossover pipe flange and it does look like its slightly too small to fit. Regarding the cross brace - I didn't receive one either and they are supposed to be shipped out later.

[mike@x-ph.com]

you should contact MAD directly for faster help

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

you should contact MAD directly for faster help

Currently looking into this issue.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by Murp

I have the same issue with the MAD non-resonated midpipe, can't get the bottom flange to seat with the gasket on. Tried to test fit with the crossover pipe flange and it does look like its slightly too small to fit. Regarding the cross brace - I didn't receive one either and they are supposed to be shipped out later.

You are only having issues seating it on this one downpipe not the other? The other looks flush above in the photo.

[Good 4 2 reasons]

I have the downpipe flange nuts tightened like it was tightened by Zeus himself and this is as good as I can get the midpipe to go on the downpipe flange.

[Murp]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

You are only having issues seating it on this one downpipe not the other? The other looks flush above in the photo.

Yes, the top downpipe fits fine, the bottom one doesn't go much further than this. I could feel the bolts straining and did not want to strip the threads pushing it more

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by Murp

Yes, the top downpipe fits fine, the bottom one doesn't go much further than this. I could feel the bolts straining and did not want to strip the threads pushing it more

1.The two flanges do not have to be completely flush to get a great seal the connection in this photo looks just fine on the upper pipe.

2.Both flanges are identical in size and made via cnc machine so the tolerances are extreme small.

Based on all the photos posted what appears to be happening is not related to the gasket but it it looks like the downpipe extension is possibly binding up on the inside of the pipe after the flange due to the angle.

I would advise to unbolt the top connection first and seat the lower one then the top. Do not overtighten the nut if the gasket is not sitting flush.

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

1.The two flanges do not have to be completely flush to get a great seal the connection in this photo looks just fine on the upper pipe.

2.Both flanges are identical in size and made via cnc machine so the tolerances are extreme small.

Based on all the photos posted what appears to be happening is not related to the gasket but it it looks like the downpipe extension is possibly binding up on the inside of the pipe after the flange due to the angle.

I would advise to unbolt the top connection first and seat the lower one then the top. Do not overtighten the nut if the gasket is not sitting flush.

I tried seating the bottom down pipe first as suggested above, but that only made things worse. The gasket sits flush inside the stock pipe but sits a few mm above the lip of the MAD pipe.

[Good 4 2 reasons]

The second downpipe also had a significant gap as well.

What is the torque target? It will be quite easy to tighten to your recommendation, on the bottom connection first, then attempt the top, and if they are leaking, I will know if I have an issue.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by Good 4 2 reasons

The second downpipe also had a significant gap as well.

What is the torque target? It will be quite easy to tighten to your recommendation, on the bottom connection first, then attempt the top, and if they are leaking, I will know if I have an issue.

Torque spec is not that high like 16 ft lbs . We use a concave style flange that is shallower compared to stock so as long as the gasket is flush it will not leak.

[Good 4 2 reasons]

Update:

X-PH approved an RMA on the MAD midpipe. Originally, they (not sure if it was MAD or X-PH driving the bus) wanted me to modify the piping coming into the exhaust flange fitting for a $70 refund. These exhausts aren't cheap, my time is valuable, and trying to put the responsibility on the customer to fix something that should have been caught in QC is disappointing.

Thankfully X-PH agreed it was best for me to send it back. I ordered the Active Autowerks non-resonated single midpipe from X-PH. Shipping was pretty quick and the effort in packaging was worlds better than the packaging job from MAD.

Install of the AA midpipe was definitely a tighter fit in every aspect, but I took my time, and everything installed correctly with no leaks on first start. I was able to install everything with the recommended torque on every bolt. It was also nice to receive the exhaust with the brace. I know the MAD brace was delayed, and the brace not being available to ship at launch was listed on the page, but I think providing $0.50 in spacers so people could use the factory brace would have been the best way to deal with the delay in the brace.

I will also say the recommended cuts on the factory piping, there was a very small gap mounting up the AA midpipes, with a much larger gap for the clamp to bridge on the MAD midpipe.

According to my emails with MAD, this is a random occurrence with the three of us on the forum, with hundreds of midpipes sold with no issues. I can't speak to MAD's QC procedures, but just wanted to share my two cents. I will include photos of why my MAD midpipe would not seal at the downpipe sections due to the MAD midpipe not being properly tucked into the flange fitting.

[Info@mad-us.com]

I apologize for the issue you encountered with our midpipe. This thread is the first time we've been made aware of this problem, and it appears to affect only a few midpipes and exclusively with OEM downpipes. Rest assured, we are now inspecting every single midpipe going forward to ensure proper fitment.

A recent customer install over the weekend with OEM downpipes fit flush without any issues, so this seems to be an isolated case.

[Good 4 2 reasons]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

I apologize for the issue you encountered with our midpipe.
Attachment 3603389

I appreciate all the parts you've made for the G87 platform. I look forward to trying something from your company again in the future, as well as the commitment to more QC.

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

I apologize for the issue you encountered with our midpipe. This thread is the first time we've been made aware of this problem, and it appears to affect only a few midpipes and exclusively with OEM downpipes. Rest assured, we are now inspecting every single midpipe going forward to ensure proper fitment.

A recent customer install over the weekend with OEM downpipes fit flush without any issues, so this seems to be an isolated case.
Attachment 3603389

I, too, have other MAD parts (intakes & exhaust). I wish the mid-pipe I received fit like the one you pictured, however, it was not anywhere close to that.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

I, too, have other MAD parts (intakes & exhaust). I wish the mid-pipe I received fit like the one you pictured, however, it was not anywhere close to that.

Please reach out to the dealer you purchased it from so we can move forward with a resolution.

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

Please reach out to the dealer you purchased it from so we can move forward with a resolution.

I have and am waiting for a return/refund approval.