point behind the flex pipe in the exhaust

[fetchitfido]

What is it? I've read a couple of posts about it and the only explination I can find is because of the transversly mounted engine torquing and needing flex in the pipe so it dosn't break.
What I'm wondering is how a 1.9L(or 1.6L, like my Elantra) I4 can torque more then a 2.8L or 3.1L V6, also transversly mounted. I had a 2.8L Cutlass Supreme, my mom had a 3.1L one and my dad has a 2.8L Regal.... All without the flexpipe and no exhaust problems other then normal ones from age.
Ok, writing this made me think it may because the V6's are opposed cylanders and the I4 is verticle so there's some "resistance" to torquing in the V6's but that dosn't quite make sense either...

sorry if this has been covered already, i didn't find it in a search.

[madpogue]

A lot of exhaust systems have a "flex" fitting between the exhaust manifold and the first exhaust pipe or downpipe. Not sure if our 1.9s actually torque more than the engines you list; AFAIK all engines torque, and require some kind of allowance for it between the engine and exhaust system.

[fetchitfido]

Hmmm. Any ideas why GM didn't put the flex fitting on the 1.9's?
I had to replace the flexpipe on my Elantra shorty before it(the entire car) went to h**l and it looks like the one in my SC1 is getting close to needing a new one as well.
I'd rather not have to pay another $150+ to get another flexpipe if theres a cheaper way of making a straight pipe work like the older/bigger engines use.

[amazinghl]

Ever rev the engine while you're under the hood? If not, do it, you'll see how much movement the engine make.