As the title states, I need help... I just purchased a zzp 3" dp for my 99z34... I'm having a problem with fitment. I realize its different between the 5th gen and the rest, but the problem isn't in the bodg , (I got that hammered out)instead, its I. The manifold. I have a 1/8" or slightly less gap in the top... the bottom mounts just fine. Just as an idea, I still have the 1"shorter dog bones because the car is lowered 2". If I were to remove those and put the OEM dog bones in, would that possibly help me? Would that hinder the axels because of the car being lowered? Any advice e appreciated

 

I cant say for sure because i am running headers. But i would start with stock size upper mounts. there is no axle issue with stock upper mounts. nice to see another 5th gen. whats your plan for it?

 

I thought you would still run into issues with headers, I have a bunch of supporting mods gearing toward a turbo, but with the problems I'm having with the DP, Im thinking against it and possibly going with a s/c instead. I want 400whp out of the car, along with some thicker sway bars and stiffer end links, and if I could find some poly or hardened body mounts, then those as well. I just want the car to handle lore than go super fast straight.

 

Well headers need lots of cutting and pounding to fit. For the power level you want a turbo is the way to go. With the correct upper mounts that down pipe should fit fine.

As for handling: I would get a set of the bmr rear trailing arms and lateral arms and strut tower braces. That will stiffen it up. Then get eibach springs and kyb gr2 strus. Then a set of wide tires 245's. and you should be golden!

 

I'm surprised you left the dogbones on while doing a downpipe install to be honest

 

The hammering is what's driving men up the wall... I really don't want to cut anything, but I fear I may have to. I actually got a hit fed up with the whole thing and left my car with a mechanic to cut the DP and weld the flange at a better angle to fit. It seems that when it was made, the flange that boldlts to the manifold was welded on at a steep angle that makes everything hit the firewall before the top actually mates to the manifold... so were angling it down.
About installing with the dog bones, I just figured if it doesn't fit with them then it doesn't fit.

Also, the current suspension I have is solid trailing arms, sprint lowering springs, and custom strut towers.
I couldn't find eibachs for a 5th gen, as well as the lateral arms

 

Fixed it... all I had to do was cut the do in two places and weld it back together. Still high flow, not near as pretty.