Cold start test pipe rattle
 

I have a used set of Fast Intentions RTP's (~10K miles) mated to a custom catback, pictured below, and for the first 5-10 minutes of every drive I have to keep the car under 2500rpm or else I experience a metallic-y rattle sound coming from the test pipe area. Once the exhaust is good and hot it goes away, but on a cold start it sounds like trash.

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/z...psmwayzj6w.jpg

The resonators on each of the test pipes had a gash in the perforated pipe, and you could hear the packing was a bit loose in one of them before they were installed, but I figured this wouldn't be a problem. Are all test pipes or resonated test pipes like this? I know what rasp sounds like and this is more tinny and metallic, so that can't be it.

Looking for some input.

I might be wrong but i have the same problem. Everyone has told me its the heat shields but no one has told me out to fix it... :shakes head:

Hmm,

I just installed a set of ebay test pipes (Manzo) to mate up to my Ackrapovich CBE. After about two weeks of daily driving the drivers side test pipe started a ringing/rattle noise when cold at idle.

I jacked the car up and gave all the bolts a pull with a 1/2" drive. I also checked all the heat shields, and all seemed good.

Let the car back down and the noise was still present. Several days later I took it over to a buddies shop. I stayed in the running car while he raised it up on the lift.

After checking it over with a stethescope, he said "hey this rattle is originating from the drivers side test pipe", "all the heat shields are good".

I had him pull the O2 sensors on that side thinking the tip might have broke off one, and they were fine.

Next I Plan to loosen up the flange joint and see if there is loose material in the test pipe or some kind of cracks/damage. Just havent had time yet.