2016 S AWD. Not sure if I'm even looking at the right thing, but wondering if my coolant y pipe has been replaced/upgraded?

 

Yes. You have the seamless plastic pipes. The originals were replaced.

 

Oh wow! That's a really nice surprise! I had this car 3 months now and I'm super happy with it! The coolant y pipe was on my radar, but hopefully I can stop worrying about it for a while ( car has 49k miles ). Thanks for confirming! I know there's an even better option, the aluminum pipes, but this seems like a good start!

 

Keep an eye out for leaks/low coolant in the reservoir. There are several other items that can go bad.

 

There’s another coolant manifold at the rear of the engine “at least on my v6” that feeds the heater in the cabin. It’s also sandwiched plastic and is prone to fail. I sourced a metal replacement on line and installed it. It’s not to difficult although the wiring harness and symposer are in the way. This the first time I’ve posted photo I hope they help.

 

I believe the V8’s have only 2 bolts per side.

 

The above is correct, 2 bolts per side on the rear crossover for the v8. Also, while you have the new style front crossover, this is not your y-pipe, which is below the left side of the crossover and may or may not have been replaced, even if so is undoubtedly still plastic and still prone to brittleness issues.

 

I was told the 3rd gen (2nd gen plastic) crossover pipe supposedly does not work with a Y pipe not matching it’s generation.