I just installed a '03 coupe mid pipe on my 06 sedan. For the most part it bolted right up. Upon test drive I heard a rattle. So I got it jacked up again and checked to be sure all the nuts are tight. All set there. I gave it a little shake and found the rattle. The pipe is bumping up into a small cross bar just under the drive shaft. Now that we know the problem, how to fit it. The easy option is to remove it. I'm concerned about that though. It doesn't seem too safe. The other option is some sort of bumper or buffer between them. Obviously the exhaust gets hot and would melt or burn any rubber or plastic. Maybe I could slightly bend that cross bar to give a little more clearance?

Do you have any suggestions or advice? Thanks G35Driver.

Anyway, pic below to be clear what I've tried to describe above.

 

I know of a few people that have just removed the brace.

 

Blue Dream - thanks for the comment.
I also thought of using an screw type adjustable hose clamp to secure the mid pipe to the cross brace. This should eliminate the bump rattle, but may create a squeaking sound.

Anybody else want to chime in on this one.
Thanks!

 

You could use some header wrap as a buffer

Remove the brace

Bend the brace

Use the exhaust hangars to manipulate how its hanging

 

if you dont feel safe taking it off heat wrap your exhaust to create a buffer as toolbothwilley had stated. Have done it before to guard electrical components. Good stuff and very resilient.

 

I pulled off the brace. It sounds like it's supposed to now. Very pleased with the pipe and the new tone from the exhaust, esp at start up. I'll check on bending and wrapping that brace now that it's off the car.
Thanks for the suggestion of heat wrap. It makes sense. Feel sorta silly for not thinking of it myself.

Now to start the search for a deal on the next mod to feed my growing mod bug.