exhaust clearance + mass damper question

[techlectic]

I was examining my exhaust yesterday as I have discovered that after reinstalling the front section and the the precat and the subframe, the exhaust is now resting on the subframe. I don't see what could have changed to allow that. If anything the exhaust should ride higher because I replaced a torn rubber hanger in front of the cat con. It's like the engine is sitting lower now. The car has been on jackstands for more than 2 months, during which time every motor/transmission mount was disconnected at some time, but everthing is put back the way it was. At least I don't have any extra parts left over at the end. Any ideas?

I'm also wondering about the strange looking parts rear of the cat con - two plates with two rubber bushings sandwiched between them and clamping the exhaust pipe. I assumed that there was a joint there or an attachement at the top to the frame, but there is neither. The parts appear to serve no purpose at all. I see that the parts manual lists them as a mass damper, so I guess it has something to do with vibration dampening. Can anyone provide any more details? What would be the consequence of not having it? Are they included with any aftermarket exhausts? If not, why not? The stupid thing is that this damper has very little clearance between it and the frame. It looks to me like it could rattle, whereas if it wasn't there, the pipe itself would not.

[Doug]

get rid of that POS stock system

put in a flex-pipe in the downpipe area and then you need not worry about any other joints!

just my one cent worth

[techlectic]

What? And risk losing my ass damper?

[Doc Fizzix]

very strange.

Sounds like something was not put back together correctly. I would be re-checking everything and look very carfully at the motor mounts again.

Question, how are the motor mounts? In good shape?

[TheBard]

Tech, Doc,

The mass damper isn't attached to anything on the chassis, just a couple of bits of rubber and some bolts wrapped around your pipe. Mine had rusted through the bolts on one side, and was just hanging there. So whilst playing with my cat, I removed it for no obvious difference.

Okay, so then I put it back in place just because I didn't want to throw anything away just yet, but I don't see it making a huge difference in my life.

Ian