I finally got my FMF Gnarly bolted up last night - but it was no easy task. Not sure if FMF is having some QC problems - but my pipe was far from perfect (sure looks good though).
The headpipe was about 1/8" from sliding into the manifold. Doesnt sound like alot - but 1/8" is a long way to stretch. They dent the inner side a bit (flat spot) to make enough room for the thing that shoots up from the right side of the engine. That looked fine. There was just NO way of getting it on in its stock conguration.
I wound up putting most of my weight on the pipe, sticking a 3/4 socket wrench int he pipe opening - and bending it that 1/8". I felt it move a bit - although the steel did make a bit of a noise as it moved. Doesnt sound like any welds popped or anything.
It then fit the bike - but the lower lounting tab was out of whack. had to bend it a bit too. I can tell than bending that tab caused the finish to stress - so I assume my plating will come off that tab in no time flat.
I looked with a flashlight - and it looks like the pipe fits correctly in the manifold. Knowing what I did - I would say visually it appears as if the (looking fromt he front of the bike) left side is a bit closer to the manifold wall than the right. I would guess there is about 1.5mm around the pipe - and the left is maybe 1.25mm.
I got the tab bent - everything mouted tight - silencer fit well.
Fired it up and all seems good. No leaks or anything. Put a match under the manifold to see if any air at all was getting out - nada.
So question is - with a $2200 pipe I expected a PERFECT fit. Shoudl I be concerned with my alterations? I hate to go through the process of sending it back and waiting all month for a return.
sn
The headpipe was about 1/8" from sliding into the manifold. Doesnt sound like alot - but 1/8" is a long way to stretch. They dent the inner side a bit (flat spot) to make enough room for the thing that shoots up from the right side of the engine. That looked fine. There was just NO way of getting it on in its stock conguration.
I wound up putting most of my weight on the pipe, sticking a 3/4 socket wrench int he pipe opening - and bending it that 1/8". I felt it move a bit - although the steel did make a bit of a noise as it moved. Doesnt sound like any welds popped or anything.
It then fit the bike - but the lower lounting tab was out of whack. had to bend it a bit too. I can tell than bending that tab caused the finish to stress - so I assume my plating will come off that tab in no time flat.
I looked with a flashlight - and it looks like the pipe fits correctly in the manifold. Knowing what I did - I would say visually it appears as if the (looking fromt he front of the bike) left side is a bit closer to the manifold wall than the right. I would guess there is about 1.5mm around the pipe - and the left is maybe 1.25mm.
I got the tab bent - everything mouted tight - silencer fit well.
Fired it up and all seems good. No leaks or anything. Put a match under the manifold to see if any air at all was getting out - nada.
So question is - with a $2200 pipe I expected a PERFECT fit. Shoudl I be concerned with my alterations? I hate to go through the process of sending it back and waiting all month for a return.
sn