Test pipes vs. high flow headers? Performance gains?

[cheapazz]

What are the ups and downs of either? I know test pipes aren't quite smog freindly but what are the differences in performance, sound, etc. Any help in this area is great, I'm just trying to make up my mind. Help me spend my money!

[Sentientbydesign]

The difference in actual performance between a hi-flow and straight pipes seem to be minimal. There was an article in ImportTuner that showed dyno runs between stock, high flow, and test pipes. The difference between the latter two was 1hp.

http://www.importtuner.com/tec....html

[Sentientbydesign]

Back to the OT. A high flow cat and cat-back exhaust should yield 20ish HP and probably drop 20-25lbs.

[Kenrik]

Remember guys the G35 has TWO cats... one ceramic and one metal.. 2X because of the dual pipes and you get a total of 4 cats...

I don't know exact numbers but you can expect large gains by going HFC or Test Pipes.. (test pipes being the cheaper but more dangerous route)

[TeflonG35]

No cats usually adds a noxious smell to ones exhaust.

[Sentientbydesign]

From my understanding, the ticket will require you to have the "repair" made at a registered facility. You also are not allowed to reuse catalytic converters, so a new one will have to be installed AND the likelihood is that they'll make you go with OEM. So you will have spent money on test pipes, new cats, a ticket, and the repair shop's fee when you could have gotten some high-flows for less.

[cheapazz]

I got the info I was after.......thanks to those that actually contributed to my apparent assenine question.

[cheapazz]

So Sent.....yer saying that with the hfc's and true dual exhaust I will lose TQ? What will stock cats and true dual exhaust get me? or would it be better to run with a single or stock style exhaust? And does having an "H" pipe help with these style motors or not have effect at all? All this talk of foreign souping up ........I think I need to wrench on my Chevelle! Feeling light headed.....must have beer and exhaust from 8 cyl w/carb

[audtatious]

Guys, the constant "environmental evolution" of threads in this forum as it pertains to test pipes and smog gear is getting out of hand. If you want to discuss it, then go back to Bobs CARB thread and stop bringing it up in every thread where someone asks about test pipes.

Tired of the pissing contests and they are going to stop

[WDRacing]

I don't understand why you're going off on everyone. You clearly asked...

And you got your answer. Maybe you got more downs than ups, but you got your answer. Would you really want it any other way?

He asked about the differences in performance, not a dissertation about CARB and the legal ramifications of performing illegal mods to his car.

However, I agree that test pipes are for off road use only. I can scroll through Summit Racing and find numerous functional high flow cats for very affordable prices. This combined with headers and a high flowing exhaust will yield the most gains AND keep you legal. Like Sean said, every bit helps. Just cause the impact is small, doesn't mean you shouldn't bother right? If you are local to Wichita Falls I'll even weld the high flows on for ya although it will cost you a 12pk of imported beer

This is an excellent example of a thread based around ineffective communication. We can all make our points in ways that don't antagonize each other. Bob, you're passionate about the environment and for good reason. So rather then saying NO...how about suggesting alternative avenues? Cheapazz...using a volcano to justify not caring about the environment is a bad stance to take. With outrageous examples like that I can justify almost anything. So you opened the door for everyone to dogpile you. Then you called a staff member an eco-nazi. Well that's not gonna get you anywhere fast on any forum. We stand by our own here.

Relax and express yourself...but do so in a manner that is good for conversation, not antagonization

E-HUGZWD

[TeflonG35]

what Hi-Flow Catalytic Converters would you recomend?

[WDRacing]

what Hi-Flow Catalytic Converters would you recomend?

Easy answer, Dynatech PowerCat FTW

Summit Racing Dynatech Pg



Dude...your avatar kills me. I can't help but think that's you

[cheapazz]

I guess anytime I try to make light or joke I will highlight it from now on. Appologies all around..........but no one likes to get roasted. If I had said screw the environment I could understand but I didn't. Just because he is yer staff doesn't give him the right to demean people. WD, yer right. Like I posted later, I just was curious why people use test pipes and Sent gave me the answer, but for 1 hp? really? I don't need the aggravation or fines, OBTW.......don't cut out the resonator and replace with pipe, sounds like a coffee can honda till the muffler heats up. <------dummy!

[WDRacing]

I guess anytime I try to make light or joke I will highlight it from now on. Appologies all around..........but no one likes to get roasted. If I had said screw the environment I could understand but I didn't. Just because he is yer staff doesn't give him the right to demean people. WD, yer right. Like I posted later, I just was curious why people use test pipes and Sent gave me the answer, but for 1 hp? really? I don't need the aggravation or fines, OBTW.......don't cut out the resonator and replace with pipe, sounds like a coffee can honda till the muffler heats up. <------dummy!

Their intent wasn't to demean you, they are just passionate about people regarding their actions when it comes to the environment. I don't think he's a treehugger, he's just a guy that wants to know why anyone would intentionally pollute when they have options not to. And with that point, I have his back.

WD

[Beancooker]

I cleaned up a lot of the BS from this thread.

If you have something to contribute about performance, feel free to add it. If you want to discuss environmental issues, do it somewhere else.

Stop thread crapping, and everyone will be better off.

Anymore posting about the environmental effects of test pipes will be deleted.

[CYO44Baseball32]

Which ever you go with I'm a fan of Fast Intentions, sweet sound for the G

[TeflonG35]

Easy answer, Dynatech PowerCat FTW

Dude...your avatar kills me. I can't help but think that's you

Lol. Thank you. My avatar is of Bling Bling the crack head from the bum fight dvds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...lated

Lol...

[rmezz13]

I would think with test pipes on F/I applications, you would see larger gains than with HFC's. I have no proof, just makes more sense to me. The more exhaust that can travel through in a shorter time would increase spool time, thus opening up windows to more/higher horsepower.

I do understand that there is not much difference in N/A applications though. Just like the Kinetix SSV manifold vs. the Kinetix V+ plenum. They are very close in numbers gained on N/A, but as far as F/I the SSV sees way higher gains.

Just my thoughts out loud.......

[TeflonG35]

Ive heard the SSV was crap across the board. Ive talked to shops that have dyno tested it on N/a cars and it gave less power then stock.

[WDRacing]

Depending on the size of the turbo of course you can get 4" Cats or even run dual 2.5 or even 3" cats. So flow can be accomplished while maintaining legality and not polluting unnessasarily.

If you want more power at the track and or dyno a test pipe isn't even the best option. I simple exhaust cutout will give far greater gains then a test pipe.



WD

[TeflonG35]

I like the ones with a small motor on them that opens themself.http://www.quicktimeperformance.com/QTEC/index.php

[WDRacing]

They leak...

[TeflonG35]

Makes sense. A lot of pressure on such a small motor. The concept is cool though.

Now when i get emissions done they check under the car for cats. Is running something like a cut out illegal? (my car is registered and gets inspection in MD) I goto the track so this little attachment would be cool and free up several HP.

[audtatious]

Depends on the legal codes in your area. I have heard instances where even cutouts were not considered "legal".

[Sentientbydesign]

I cleaned up a lot of the BS from this thread.

If you have something to contribute about performance, feel free to add it. If you want to discuss environmental issues, do it somewhere else.

Stop thread crapping, and everyone will be better off.

Anymore posting about the environmental effects of test pipes will be deleted.

If the OP was ok with the information and a LARGE set of members is concerned about the environment, why is that wrong? Because some of NICO's staff disagree and don't care?

The volcano banter was not applicable, but the rest of the information was and now this thread is missing a LOT of information.

If we want to discuss this way, why do the posts need to be deleted? Especially from those who did not name-call and contributed helpful information?

[Beancooker]

The original post was about the performance gains from test pipes, not the enviromental impact that they have.

If you would like to start a thread about the enviromental impact of test pipes in the G-General forums, I'm all for that. It is obviously a subject that many are passionate about, and I agree. I think that polluting the enviroment unnecessarily is pointless.

However, in the restructure of the G-forums, we are trying to the technical posts "technical" and not having them stray off the topic at hand. Non technical information should be posted in the G-General forums.

[audtatious]

Because some of NICO's staff disagree and don't care?

Us Forum Nazi's don't approve nor care about the environment

[WDRacing]

If the OP was ok with the information and a LARGE set of members is concerned about the environment, why is that wrong? Because some of NICO's staff disagree and don't care?

The volcano banter was not applicable, but the rest of the information was and now this thread is missing a LOT of information.

If we want to discuss this way, why do the posts need to be deleted? Especially from those who did not name-call and contributed helpful information?

This thread ISN'T missing any information that pertained to the topic of the thread. Also this isn't a democracy...if you don't like the way we edited out the stuff that was causing the thread to stray...then keep your posting limited to Gen Chat so the rest of us can discuss tech related things without the involvement of the green police. Your incessant whining is past getting old.

This is the second time in this thread that your opinion has lead to off topic posting. Drama follows you around like herpes...wtf is the matter with you? Don't answer that. Unless you have a post related to the topic of this thread...don't reply.

WD

[rmezz13]

(i am applauding you right now).....

anywho, about the larger cats, and cut outs.... didn't think about it, was just a very quick little thought that crossed my mind......

I think i like the G guys better than the Z guys at this point...... At least the moderators are wwwaaaayyyyy better....

[joe603]

I would think with test pipes on F/I applications, you would see larger gains than with HFC's. I have no proof, just makes more sense to me. The more exhaust that can travel through in a shorter time would increase spool time, thus opening up windows to more/higher horsepower.

I do understand that there is not much difference in N/A applications though. Just like the Kinetix SSV manifold vs. the Kinetix V+ plenum. They are very close in numbers gained on N/A, but as far as F/I the SSV sees way higher gains.

Just my thoughts out loud.......

This depends. Not all FI apps are equal...

Supercharged engines need some back-pressure to build substantial boost (roots type systems are affected the most). Therefore, headers and test pipes may actually hinder performance. Now a turbo is different. It needs a wide-open exhaust to perform well.