Side Pipe Clearance

[Jim S]

I'm to the point of needing to cut the body for the side pipes. I want a tight fit but I also want to make sure I leave enough clearance around the side pipes so the heat from them does not scorch the paint.

How much clearance is everyone using and would you change it?

Thanks in advance for the inputs.

[Steve1979]

On my MK3, the gap for the 4x4 side exhaust going through the body ranges from about 7/16” to 9/16” of an inch, depending on where the bend of the pipe is located. And where the side exhaust runs along the body, the gap is mostly about ¾”, +/- 1/8”. I don’t see any paint discoloration due to heat on the body (painted 12 years ago). The paint that was used was Dupont Chromabase and I assumed the clear coat was also Dupont. I don’t have a problem with how it looks. Getting the side exhaust clearance along the body exact can be a problem when using FFR parts because the welds, straightness and lengths can be different.

[rich grsc]

A 1/4" or more is OK

[Jim S]

Thanks Rich. That is the kind of info I was looking for.