Invidia N1 Catback help!
 

Hey guys,
So I just finished installing my new Invidia N1 catback and I have a few questions. After the installation, I decided to start my car to see how it was. I noticed a leak right where the down pipe meets the Y pipe. I don't know what I did wrong. I smelled the liquid coming from the area and it smelled like water. Is this normal or should I be worried?

I decide to take her out for a spin, I then noticed that smoke was coming out of the exhaust and a burning smell. I'm assuming this is because it's brand new? Please let me know if I'm wrong. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

I don't know about the leak, but I can tell you that a little smoke and burning smell from a new exhaust is perfectly normal. If it's dark smoke and continues for days/thousands of miles.. then you have a bigger issue.

If you saw liquid dripping from where the two pipes join, then yeah definitely a leak there. Was there a gasket included for that section?

Try to unbolt and rebolt that section making sure you have a crush gasket in there.

The liquid is probably just condensation in the exhaust system but it shouldnt be leaking from the pipe connections if the pipes are clamped and sealed properly. The smoke and smell is normal with new exhaust components.

Where was the leak coming from? From the connection between the pipes or did you just see it dripping under the car (I ask because I remember seeing a drain of some sort right next to that area you are describing). If it is coming from the joint, then that's no good.

What type of connection were between the pipes? Check gaskets as some folks already suggested. My Milltek exhaust had slip joints, so I also had this problem. My fix, as suggested by the shop, was to allow the exhaust to heat soak (leave the car running and allow the exhaust to warm up) then re-toque the joints. Hope that helps...

Okay so here's an update on the exhaust. I've been driving around for a bit and the leak seemed to stop. So, should I just rule it obsolete and pretend it's not there or should I still try to fix it? Thanks
@overlookedx @Clipdat @beaver_scott @BigFatFlip

Oh and it came with gaskets and no, none of them are damaged. No sealer was used.

It's probably pretty minor and when you drove around it caused the pipes to heat up and expand and thus no more leak.

I would still try to reinstall it just to try to fix it, if you do at least your cold starts will be quieter!

Smart. Cool thanks

@Clipdat you think it would be wise to assemble the catback on the ground before I actually install it?

As i can see in your avatar you're buff, so weight of the catback wont be an issue for you, but its gonna be tricky as you it will become a big seesaw when you install it, unless you have a friend or two to help you out and hold it up as you torque the bolts. I'd recommend what everyone else has said.

I wouldn't put the whole system together before install. When I installed my borla the directions had me install piece by piece loosely. That way it is easier to get everything in the hangers. Once everything is in place you go back and torque everything down from the cat to the tail pipes.

Haha thanks bro

Hey hope you got your exhaust woes figured out. I installed this exact exhaust my sister NorCalGirl's FRS and it went on easy. I definitely installed it in pieces with the bolts loosely installed. Then when everything was hanging up I tightened up the exhaust from the front of the car to the rear.

Dumb question, but how tight did you make your bolts?