Whats Legal? what is the difference between a test pipe and a hi flow cat?

[jayman089]

Sorry for the newb question but what is the difference between a test pipe and a hi flow cat? is one of them illegal?? thanks in advance

 

[jayman089]

Maryland and here we have emissions so i was going to try and get a test pipe that bolts on and that way i could just take it off when going to get tested. i dont want the exhaust to be so ear shattering loud that i get pulled over all the time because im not sure if the cops would have a problem with me all the time.

 

[lil corb]

I see you have a N/T, testpipes on N/A cars are a lot louder and raspier than on a F/I. I would just get high flow cat.

 

[jayman089]

do you guys think that i would get pulled over a lot more with a test pipe rather than a high flow cat?

 

[igopoopy]

do you guys think that i would get pulled over a lot more with a test pipe rather than a high flow cat?

yes

 

[jayman089]

ok high flow it is. any sugestions where to buy one? does anyone know if i will fail emissions if i get a high flow cat?

 

[akdsmer]

Legal is as the manufacturer certified to EPA. Removing the Cat is illegal, Replacing the Cat with a test-pipe is tampering. Depending on if you have a Visual Inspection, Tailpipe or Dyno test, you will probably fail. Tailpipe limits for your model vehicle are usually .5% CO. Your vehicle will be right above or below that without the Cat (The cat is DESIGNED to reduce that portion). Keep things simple, don't screw with the factory catalyst or pony up the extra couple of bucks and get a legal "hi-flow" catalyst if you need the extra couple of ponies.

There is a sound difference, but would you get pulled over more? Very subjective.

 

[250rmike]

i see your from Maryland. if you really want a test pipe drop the car down as low as you can get it. when they try to put you on the rollers and cant they will just pass you. i have never had a visual inspection from the veip. yes a hi flow cat will pass visual inspection though. if any question were asked if they did check just tell them a muffler shop replaced it a while ago.

 

[Piranha451]

You can goto the site to see if they are available locally to you or not, but one of the best are from random technology:

http://www.randomtechnology.com/

 

[98RedGs]

i see your from Maryland. if you really want a test pipe drop the car down as low as you can get it. when they try to put you on the rollers and cant they will just pass you.

I don't know if I for one would take this information and run with it. Persnonally just let go of the few extra bucks pickup a LEGAL high-flo cat and let it be. That's the best option personally since you have emissions...


But with a N/T don't get a testpipe... it's to raspy sounding, let me rephrase that... The ones I'VE HEARD personally are to raspy.


Thank you
John

 

[jayman089]

thanks for the input guys. i should be ordering a high flo soon.

 

[jayman089]

so if i were to get a high flo then i would still pass emissions and i could get one welded on and wouldnt have to get a bolt on correct?

 

[mitsuclipsegsx]

so if i were to get a high flo then i would still pass emissions and i could get one welded on and wouldnt have to get a bolt on correct?

get a catco from summitracing.com

 

[jayman089]

anyone have any other sugestions? summitracing or random technology?

 

[RamenPride]

i see your from Maryland. if you really want a test pipe drop the car down as low as you can get it. when they try to put you on the rollers and cant they will just pass you. i have never had a visual inspection from the veip. yes a hi flow cat will pass visual inspection though. if any question were asked if they did check just tell them a muffler shop replaced it a while ago.

98 is OBD-II, they don't put it on the rollers. they just plug into the OBD-II port to check for errors.

I have a catco from Summit racing. It's not stainless steel, though, but it only cost like $50

 

[RAKK187]

I just bought my DSM and had to have the test pipe removed and replaced with a high flow 3"cat. It's a good thing you're going to get this done, otherwise you won't pass the inspection to get off your temporary tags, nor will you pass emissions. I took my car to Extreme Motorsports and had them do it. The cat will run around $150 plus labor, so around $200 total.

With it on you should be fine with regards to passing the emissions, just ask for the shop to check your EGR, 02 Sensors and hoses from throttle body to make sure the previous owner didn't block off or remove any of them.