RE: Is this Tam's pipe safe to use?
Barrry,
I have the same snug fit with my Tam bifurcated pipe in the SM F-18. When installing or removing the pipe, I use the fingers of my right hand from the rear of the plane to squeeze together the pipe at the rear while using my left hand to pull the pipe out from the main hatch. It is a snug fit, but it does fit. Also try keeping the pipe near the top of the fuse where the opening on the rear formers is the largest. Consider using Tam's pipe. The SM bifurcated F-18 pipe has an easier fit, but their design priority was for installation ease rather than thrust performance. There is a significant difference in performance of the Tam pipe over the SM pipe in this particular airplane. Like mentioned before, the seam separation is on the outer cooling wall, so it is not as critical. However, Tam is the authority here so it is best to call him. By the way, will we see you with the F-18 at Fresno Jets?