MX5 SE - SMB Exhaust Install - Mounting question

[mentalpopcorn]

I've been installing some goodies onto my 2005 MX5 SE including an SMB Exhaust. You can read details in the garage... http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=44382

Been experiencing some minor vibration in the exhaust on load and de-acceleration. It is something I expect I'd ignore in time, but for the exercise I'm going to explore it further.

The factory exhaust had a bracket right up near the manifold which was bolted to the bell housing. I figured this let the exhaust move with the engine. The mid pipe had a rubber hanging mount and the muffler had three hanging rubber mounts. (You will see all this on photos in the garage)

The SMB exhaust couldn’t use the factory bell housing mount as it is bigger, so there is a metal bracket just passed the cat which secures to a factory bolt near the end of the gearbox. The mid pipe has the same factory rubber hanger as does the muffler.

I think there are two issues here:

1) The metal mount bolted directly to the frame rail is causing some vibration, particularly on de-acceleration. This is minor but can be felt through the floor
2) On load (reversing up my steep driveway) it is vibrating so much the exhaust is hitting the shrouds under the car. I expect this is due to the exhaust simply being larger.

This weekend I'm taking it to a mates workshop and get it on the hoist (saves me lifted onto stands again). I’m going to take off the shrouds to see if that is indeed part of the problem and also to see what we can do with the metal mount i.e. use some rubber to chock it, remove it altogether or find some other means to hang it. Expecting this will be a some minor changes just to refine the install.

I do plan on contacting SMB to ask this question as they have been fantastic during the purchase and install process. I would however love to hear from anyone who has installed and SMB and experienced anything like this. How did you you solve the problem? Do you just live with it?

BTW..It is a fantastic mod that I highly recommend.

[blackster]

If the down pipe is hitting the factory brace (I believe you're calling it a shroud) simply put some washers in between the bolts that hold the brace. It should lower the brace by 5-10mm.

[mentalpopcorn]

Thanks Blackster, several washers and some manipulation of one of the shrouds did the trick.

I'll be posted some pictures and explanation in the garage.

http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=44382

Thanks for your assistance.