I recently purchased the Y and test pipes (no catalytic converters) from Kakumei for my '05 FX35 awd. I haven't replaced the long pipe and have the stock muffler on it. I am hearing a raspy noise that I didn't hear from others on U-tube. Should I replace the long pipe w/ resonator? I didn't replace the muffler since it was replaced in an accident a few weeks ago. Should I replace the test pipe with high flow catalytic converters? Any assistance would be helpful.
removing mid-pipe (as you refer to as long pipe w/ resonator), will make it worse, because it is a good resonator on there. If you change to another mid-pipe with no resonator or another high flow resonator, you might hear more unwanted sounds.
The stock muffler also muffles sound, so any aftermarket most likely will increase the sound.
test pipes = bad for environment
I would use high flow catalytic converters instead.
the y-pipe won't have much of an effect in terms of sound, maybe a bit deeper and louder. It is just less restrictive than the OEM y pipe.
So focus on the test pipes, resonator and rear muffler if you are not happy with sound.
I think rasp is common with test pipes.
V6's are more prone to drone too as they are not harmonically balanced like an I4, I6 or V8.
