Test Pipe?

[ShadowRS99]

How would a test pipe affect the sound of my 2g N/T?
Would it make a difference enough to matter on performance?

If you could answer these questions that would be amazing.
I figured a test pipe or cat delete of some sort would help air flow without having to spend $400 on a catback that I don't have the money for yet.

 

[monster4g63tawd]

well it would be alot louder and its the one thing that restricts the exhaust flow more than anything but its not going to be a hp gain that you would even notice. if you need to pass emissions where you live then i wouldnt completely get rid of the cat. im sure you can find a whole dp setup that dont have a cat for cheap. i know that for the 4g63 models megan racing makes them for about 150 bucks

 

[2geclipse565]

take it off, try it out. just note the legality and what tickets you could rack up. personelly Iv noticed a diference in every car iv ever taken it off. louder and a lil tiny bit more get up. If you planning on trying to push the motor and make big HP numbers look into an exhaust. If your on a budget and want some more depth in sound, remove the cat.

 

[ShadowRS99]

Well I live in Alabama (yes redneckville) and there are no emissions checks... ever... and their noise ordinances are not enforced because of all the trucks so I'm sure you could imagine, but I figured it would be louder but would it sound better? or would it be like stick a bumblebee in a metal jar with a microphone?

 

[dsm03]

, but I figured it would be louder but would it sound better? or would it be like stick a bumblebee in a metal jar with a microphone?

When it sounds like crap usually is bad gaskets or leaks somewhere or holes starting to form on the pipe. You would probably notice a small difference in mid to high range, but like one said, try it and see how you like it.

 

[TallestHERETIC]

i wouldn't do it. ive heard what N/T's sound like with those pipes and its awfully loud. it will eventually get annoying when you drive it day in and day out. i could only imagine what the actual ride will feel like....

even though you have no emissions in your state, people might still call the police because of noise disturbances. it will turn out to be an expensive mod later

it was designed and built with a cat for a reason. if you take it off it'll make the engine run crappy as well. not being a dick or anything, just MHO...

 

[Shake_Zulla]

or would it be like stick a bumblebee in a metal jar with a microphone?

I always wondered what you guys in Alabama did for fun. I would keep it on personally.
Noise that comes from making real power = good
Noise that comes from making your car louder for no reason = bad

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

Noise that comes from making real power = good
Noise that comes from making your car louder for no reason = bad

I like that!
I think that should be a mandatory required agreement for all Honda owners.

 

[tec_41]

Stainless Steel T304 Racing Exhaust Catalytic Test pipe - eBay (item 270698361852 end time Feb-03-11 11:56:08 PST)

For $30, why not give it a shot. I can't speak for what an NA 420a sounds like with them, but when I swapped it out I was very pleased with the results. Not raspy at all.

 

[95TalonOwner]

Test pipe on non turbo=loud and raspy.

 

[ShadowRS99]

I like that saying.
and it seems like every truck down here has a loud exhaust.

So if it would be to loud a raspy, would a resonance chamber in it's place be good?

 

[BK85]

So if it would be to loud a raspy, would a resonance chamber in it's place be good?

Good question, I too have been thinking of replacing the cat with something like a Cherry Bomb or glass pack.

Has anyone done this and how is the sound?

BK85

 

[crazyboy81]

I have a 4-2-1 header with welded pipe straight through. I went back to my 4-1 header with CAT. The straight pipe wasn't ALOT louder just a little louder and raspier. I think it sounds better with my CAT. Runs better too I think.

 

[ShadowRS99]

I think with the lack of backpressure it causes the engine to run weird especially in shifts, it wasn't originally built for that lack. But I don't think It sucks any power from the engine... just makes it react weird...

but now that I think about it, which header combo would be best to upgrade when I do my exhaust upgrading?

 

[Chuck981]

I think this will make your car very loud and annoying.

 

[crazyboy81]

I prefer my 4-1. But if the joint is a slip in (male to female) type connection, then you have to do something about that because it leaks. Best bet is have that crap cut and flanges welded on for a proper seal.

 

[ShadowRS99]

What is the advantage of 4-1 over 4-2-1?

 

[crazyboy81]

Everyone claims 4-1 = more top end power, 4-2-1 = more low end power. I claim from experience, WHATEVER. The 4-1 is less noisey.

 

[ShadowRS99]

Alright. plus 4-1 would probably be an easier install huh?

 

[crazyboy81]

It is the same as far as installing goes. Just some bolts where the pipes come together.

 

[Fotowntalon]

I think with the lack of backpressure it causes the engine to run weird especially in shifts, it wasn't originally built for that lack.

Please read this before you ever talk about a car "needing" back pressure http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/fre...8578-exhaust-straight-scoop-backpressure.html

I saw in a DCsports magazine I believe it was, a dyno results of cat, cat gut and test pipe on an NA car(not our car though mind you). Cat being baseline obviously, cat gutted lost about 2whp , test pipe gained about 2whp(over cat). 2whp, IMO is worth it if you have no emissions(from an NA perspective), but to each his own.

I have herd many complaints of it making the 420a sound more raspy, I think it all depends on your setup, I love my cars sound and I am running a test pipe, but then again I also have crower 2's, and ported head and many other mods that effect the sound.

As for headers 4-2-1 vs 4-1's this has been discussed multiple times, just search.

*edit*
I have not had my test pipe made my car run worse at all, I also surprisingly don't get a CEL from it either (though many do)

 

[420aPJ]

I had a 4-1 down into a cherry bomb and 2.5 in pipe from the bomb and its quite loud and annoying. I replaced it with a stock cat and i was happy. Has a deep and rumblely tone. and cleans up nice in high rpm

 

[ShadowRS99]

Yeh I have seen the reports and dyno results for the cat gutting and test pipe and things, I was just wandering about others peoples experiences on ours cars...
I know they don't need back pressure also... some engines run a little off or wierd if not tuned though, non DSM but same basic principle, so I was wanting to make sure and get other's input that have more experience than me...