Exhaust Makeover

Since a test pipe is just a straight pipe, it won't burn off excess gasoline. I guess a crappy HFC would essentially be a test pipe.

---------- Post added at 04:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:25 PM ----------

Here's a good thread for you: http://my350z.com/forum/intake-exha...h-resonated-test-pipes-click-here-please.html

Here's what some owners have to say:

"The test pipes are non-resonated, but I like the sound a lot better compared to the stock set up. The smell, smells like your at a gas station all the time. The smoke in the morning makes me glad I live on a caldesac vs. a main street."

"I definitely smell the fumes with my resonated test pipes. Honestly it's not that bad or maybe I just got used to it."

"definatley smell gas. but its not that big of deal, and yea, there will alwyas be a little rasp even with reonated. Although my megans have worked great. Only have slight raspiness at WOT, no where else in the range"

"anyone who says they can't smell the exhaust with any test pipe, resonated or non, is lying - they absolutely makehe car, and anyone around it, stink. I've had some on for nearly 2 years, I can't wait to get rid of them. Going with some nice low cell cat(s) when I do new headers" -Adam @Z1
 
I assume everyone already knows this but just in case:
Any modification to your exhaust system between the engine and the last catalytic converter falls under the jurisdiction of the US Environmental Protection Agency and must adhere to federal emissions standards. The law states that no functioning OEM catalytic converter can be removed or replaced under any circumstances, and that in order to be replaced you must have documented proof that the OEM cat was faulty. Even then, it can only be replaced with the same model or an appropriate model recommended by the manufacturer, in the same location, fully connected, and accompanied by a warranty from the licensed installer. There is no situation in which deleting your cats is street legal, and the only time you can legally install an OBD-II approved "high flow" cat is when your OEM cat has been documented as being faulty.

Modifications after the cats however, only constitutes "noise pollution".

Here's a link to a site with lots of catalytic converter info: http://www.catalyticconverter.org/law/index.htm
 
If you're worried, and only need to pass a visual test, just take off the OEM heat shield and put them on the new pipes, cats, whatever. :wink:
Or maybe just put OEM back on for inspection?
 
I've used test pipes on cars before. They deffinitely make it smell like unburnt gas/oil.

On an old turbo eclipse of mine I replaced the test pipe with a high-flow cat for emissions, and the smell went away after I cleaned the car...



I'd like to see more opinions and photos of the flowmaster 80 series install please (no youtube at work...)!!!
 
cheapest way is to get a couple glasspacks to replace any of the stock resonators. You may not like the sound, but it's what comes from a budget system.

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I built a 3" DP back to 2.5" Y to 2.5" Magnaflow mufflers for my A4 way back when for ~$600 and it sounded great at altitude and was fairly aggressive at sea level. However, when i put a test pipe in, the sound when to complete garbage (aka fart can). I switched to a tried and true 2.5" turbo-back (~$1k on a group buy) with a mid-resonator and it sounds great now...with the exception of the smell of unburnt gasoline.

What I'm getting at is the old motto "buy nice, or buy twice"
 
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