Roush AB Alignment Issue

[GiddyUp15]

Okay I kind of noticed it when I first installed it a year ago, that the tips aren't really centered in the valance holes on the bumper. I thought this was just the way it was.

But over the winter I noticed I had something rattling in the left muffler, which turned out to be a small pebble that got stuck in there. But during the examination I noticed that the tip was rubbing on the valance, actually taking some of the plastic off and rubbed some the powdercoat off my tip.

I had taken the left muffler off to get the rock out and mess with the alignment, and I couldn't get to move at all. I tried sliding the pipe in and out some where it connects to the stock piping, but it didn't make any difference. I tried to even bend the mounting bracket some but it is pretty dang solid!

Is anyone else having this issue? I also wonder if it has something to do with me having an early model convertible, though this kit is supposed to be for the verts too. I will post some photos later today.

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[YaBoyJordy]

I just installed my Roush AB this past weekend and noticed that it is not centered as well. I think it's just the way they are. Mine is not rubbing the plastic though.

 

[jasonstang]

Does your vert have different exhaust pipe design?

 

[lurker]

When centering exhaust tips, you typically have to make adjustments as far back as the crossover, or I assume in your case, the resonator. The smaller stock tips were likely slightly off and it's just more noticeable now that the tips are larger. Sorry about the scratching, but it shouldn't be too bad to fix. Helps if you have another person stand behind the car as you make adjustments underneath with everything loose.

 

[GiddyUp15]

I just installed my Roush AB this past weekend and noticed that it is not centered as well. I think it's just the way they are. Mine is not rubbing the plastic though.

Mine didn't rub at first either. I only noticed it when I started her up a few weeks ago since she's parked for the winter. I've had the exhaust for almost a year now and 10,000 miles and just now noticed it. Good to know mine wasn't the only once off-center. Can you post any photos perhaps? Thanks!

Does your vert have different exhaust pipe design?

I know there is clearance issues with aftermarket exhaust around the extra bracing on the convertibles, so I'm not sure if the piping is different from the factory than the hard tops. I wouldn't think they are since all the axle-back kits and even smaller tubing (2.5") cat-backs are interchangeable, from what I understand anyway.

When centering exhaust tips, you typically have to make adjustments as far back as the crossover, or I assume in your case, the resonator. The smaller stock tips were likely slightly off and it's just more noticeable now that the tips are larger. Sorry about the scratching, but it shouldn't be too bad to fix. Helps if you have another person stand behind the car as you make adjustments underneath with everything loose.

The Roush AB exhaust taps in just after the axle, right before the bend that goes into the stock mufflers (same as the FRPP axle-backs). I never messed with anything in front of the axle (resonator), but maybe I should?

 

[lurker]

The Roush AB exhaust taps in just after the axle, right before the bend that goes into the stock mufflers (same as the FRPP axle-backs). I never messed with anything in front of the axle (resonator), but maybe I should?

Yes. Mess with the pipes up to the resonator. Loosen everything, adjust with someone behind the car, then tighten everything down starting with the side closest to the engine and working toward the rear.

 

[GiddyUp15]

Yes. Mess with the pipes up to the resonator. Loosen everything, adjust with someone behind the car, then tighten everything down starting with the side closest to the engine and working toward the rear.

I'll try that, thanks! :cheers:

 

[IvanCRF]

I'll try that, thanks! :cheers:

That is a good suggestion. Before the guy at the muffler shop welded in my H-pipe, he showed me how off center the factory mufflers were in relation to the valence. He centered everything before welding my H pipe in. Fast forward later on to me adding my Roush ABs, I have plenty of adjustment room to center my muffler tips.

 

[GiddyUp15]

Here's how bad mine is. Probably made the left one worse when I messed with it a few weeks ago. I'll get under there maybe tonight and try the suggestion of loosening the mid pipe clamps too.

 

[HTX_5.0]

I had the same issue with mine so after i saw it hanging loosened the clamp and pushed them up and re tightened. Problem was fixed

 

[GiddyUp15]

I got it to look a little better yesterday. I finally got under there and loosened up the front clamps (just in front of the suitcase) and also figured out that the hanger clamps right at the axle are adjustable. That seems to be the place with the most adjustment. The front clamps being loosened didn't seem to help any, because the pipes don't really move since they are tied together with the suitcase. But I was able to get them to move some, though I still can't get them perfectly centered. I might mess with that later when I have some better help (my wife couldn't really pull on the exhaust for me and hold it in place....:lol Also, the bolts for the hangers on the axle are a huge pain to get to since i have to work around the bracing the convertible has. Almost just took that bracing off. Probably will next time I mess with it!

 

[Screwdgie]

Yea mine were both slightly off center when I first installed them. Did my x-pipe over the weekend and they are all out of whack now, I'm pretty sure if I started at the front and worked my way back with someone holding the tips in place it would align ok. I am swapping out for FRPP touring this weekend, so hopefully I can get those straight

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