J & M Studios Crossover Pipe

Last Updated: September 14, 2000

Top: broken original crossover pipe. Bottom: J & M Studios repaired pipe. (Bigger Picture) (Biggest Picture) - Images courtesy of Jeff Middaugh

The following information is directly from Jeff Middaugh:

To address the problems that caused the failure of the GM OEM pipes, many areas have been addressed. First was to resolve the failure of the flex joint/bellows themselves, these failed from a number of reasons; one being the original sloppy work done when welding up the pipes not taking care to ensure exacting dimensions, producing added stress for these flex joints after the pipe was bolted on. Next was the shield over the pipe which cause moisture to be retained near the flex joints accelerating the corrosion that weakens them. Last was the ends of the pipe that bolt to the exhaust manifolds where fitment once again was a problem and leakage was common here to all pipes, also the flange clamps used to attach the pipe to the exhaust manifolds at this location was too large and has been known to slide past the pipe ends! The new pipes I make up now have new premium flex joint/bellow that are constructed far better and address and resolve all previous problems. These are made with a more gradual bent internal Inconel flex along with a T-409 liner to dissipate heat away from the flex part as well as stop vibrational frequencies from deteriorating the flex part. Then the outside of the flex joint has a woven mesh that also helps dampen any frequency imposed vibrations that could cause metal fatigue and failure. Next the shield is left off to allow proper moisture control and release, controlling damaging corrosion. Also the final welding is done on a jig that has been setup to provide dimensions to ensure proper and consistent construction. Last is the pipes get new custom flange clamps that are sized to face the pipe ends more fully providing a fitment that is more secure and straight on to the end as it attaches to the exhaust manifolds, with the bolt holes also being smaller to automatically correct the alignment and placement of the 2 ends squarely together. Aside from these areas, the pipe is inspected for secure welds to make sure no separation can occur over time (I have received OEM pipes that have split at the seams where the weld bead was either sloppy or too thin). Also the EGR bung threads are cleaned and chased to ensure installation goes well and there is less risk of cross-threading things together. I also have the plate that the turbo bolts to inspected to make sure it is absolutely flat, having it milled to correct any uneven surfaces. The pipe ends are also dressed and re-formed to ensure they mate with the exhaust manifolds and do not produce any leaking here. The final work is the entire pipe is wire wheeled clean to provide final inspection of all the welds and bends to ensure quality construction. Last the pipe is tested on a jig and a TGP engine to ensure consistent fitment before the pipe goes out to the TGP owner. These pipes have no limits on their construction costs and even though they are about 1/4 the price of the OEM pieces (for now), I do not have numerous middle men to inflate the final cost, and can keep them affordable to the budgets of the owner. The pipe sells for $425 and also I can provide a discounted price GM oxygen sensor with every pipe to ensure the TGP engine now run properly and for many years to come.

For information on how to purchase a pipe, please contact Jeff at a189pgt at earthlink dot net.

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