C&L Performance

[dankgordon24]

Guys, I bought a C&L power pipe for my 96 mustang GT.
I have tried everything in my power, but I just can't make it fit around the damn strut tower brace. I called them and they confirmed that I have the right C&L part, but it just won't fit.
Do you think I will have a hard time returning this item to C&L?
I don't think I am at fault, because I bought an item that I was told would fit a 96GT, but mine canme stock with the strut tower brace.
Any and all thoughts appreciated.

Dan

 

[Go HoTO!]

They should take anything back within 30 days no matter what the complaint. I would simply ask them if they would take it back. Ask them for a RMA # (Return Material Authorization).

 

[BlackenedSVT]

take the strut tower brace off and then put the inlet tube in? ... then put the brace back on.

 

[Go HoTO!]

Wow dude...sounds like a good isea, but if his is on like mine, it is never comming off. Those things are a pain in the ass. It would take me 4-5 hours to remove and put back on OR drop the springs.

 

[dankgordon24]

Impossible

Guys, it is impossible to do just that. I have already tried unbolting the strut tower brace and wedging it up a few inches to work, but there is still no way in hell that it will fit.
Any other suggestions?

 

[dankgordon24]

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[DoctorGeek97GT]

After much dinking around, I finally got my C&L inlet tube to fit WITH my stock tower brace. And I think my situation was worse than yours -- I have a roots blower that raises the TB location. Of course, I had to take the brace off first to make the fit first. Here's 2 things that I did to make it work:

1) That rubber collar + rubber insert can work to your advantage. Put that rubber insert on the throttle body, but don't necessarily slide the pipe-collar all the way up onto that rubber insert (you don't need to, and those clamps should make sure you have a good seal on at the TB).

2) At the filter-end (I have an open K&N filter) I have a bracket that supports that end of the pipe against the engine compartment. The bracket location is important -- if it's too low, the C&L pipe hits my valve cover. If it's too high, the K&N hits the hood.

The fit is tight, but nothing hits even on bumpy roads or engine-torque twist. I have maybe 1/8 to 1/4" of clearance at the tower brace and valve cover. Note that if the C&L tube touches the tower brace, you'll get wicked engine noise and vibration in the passenger compartment. Pics are included -- good luck!

 

[dankgordon24]

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