test pipes on n/a????
01-22-2004 | 05:14 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36
From: south carolina
test pipes on n/a????
i have read that you shouldnt use test pipes on a n/a because of the pressure that would come back into the engine, .... i saw these SZ Test Pipes at
http://conceptzperformance.com/Cart/...24.197.127.140
are these bad for the n/a... this is the only site ive seen with test pipes for n/a model. im wanting to put an exhaust system and find it cheaper to buy the muffler and pipes seperate... brain storming here.... so what about those test pipes??? thanks for anyones info
http://conceptzperformance.com/Cart/...24.197.127.140
are these bad for the n/a... this is the only site ive seen with test pipes for n/a model. im wanting to put an exhaust system and find it cheaper to buy the muffler and pipes seperate... brain storming here.... so what about those test pipes??? thanks for anyones info
01-22-2004 | 07:29 PM
#2
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,494
From: Palmyra,Va
since n/a is not turbocharged (duh) the back pressure is important to keep the off the line speed, but if you have an x bent and a decent muffler you should be ok. it will also make your car louder, not to mention it wont pass the emmision test
01-22-2004 | 07:40 PM
#3
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,074
From: Salinas, CA
You will lose performance with those. It will make your car louder, but will take away all back pressure. turbo motors want their exhaust as free flowing as possible because it allows the turbine to spin more freely, but in an NA motor...the motor needs some back pressure and it will hurt the performance if you open the exhaust too much.
01-22-2004 | 08:17 PM
#5
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,672
From: Gerber, CA
Any top speed he MAY gain would not make up for the bottom end he WILL lose. With the N/A, after you've replaced the Cat-Back system, there's not a whole lot you can do to increase horsepower significantly in the exhaust. It would make more sense to get an exhaust manifold instead of the test pipe. It's more work, but more worth it.
01-23-2004 | 08:58 AM
#9
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Why buy a test pipe? My cat was plugged so I pulled it off and broke the guts out of it. (I don't need to worry about emisions and I'm cheap.) My Z is not louder and it runs just fine. At 264,000 miles I'm saving up for a rebuild. I still drive it every day and it gets better gas milage than my truck, (crate 350, wieland stealth alluminum intake, edelbrok carb., headers with 2 1/2 in. exhaust and flowmasters.)
01-23-2004 | 09:08 AM
#10
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,074
From: Salinas, CA
Yep, that is another option and a rather economical option. It's common to gut your cats. If you do have to worry about emmissions...maybe a test pipe that you can take in and out might be the way to go....
01-23-2004 | 09:20 AM
#11
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Yeah emo it sucks being poor. I have a wife and Z to support. 
When I still lived in Az. some of my buddies would run test pipes and switch back to the cat when it was time for emisions. The way I figure it tho...I need a new cat anyway, why not break this one to reduce the pressure? When and if emissions get to my county I'll buy a new cat and stick it on. Lucky for me, Idaho is really slow at passing and enforcing these regulations.
When I still lived in Az. some of my buddies would run test pipes and switch back to the cat when it was time for emisions. The way I figure it tho...I need a new cat anyway, why not break this one to reduce the pressure? When and if emissions get to my county I'll buy a new cat and stick it on. Lucky for me, Idaho is really slow at passing and enforcing these regulations.
01-23-2004 | 09:28 AM
#12
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,074
From: Salinas, CA
Yea..it sounds logical to me. If you want to direct the air even more...you could remove your cat and put in some exhaust piping (rahter inexpensive)...that is if you have some welding experience....basically make your own test pipe. But gutted cats do pretty well for being free ninety free. Did you feel a gain from doing this? Just wondering.
01-23-2004 | 08:31 PM
#13
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,494
From: Palmyra,Va
so test pipes for an n/a good or bad.....
and Z is a 11 month old female rottweiler, who absolutely loves to ride in my z. she won't let anyone come close to my z. and since i took the stock seats out she just chills on the passenger side one all day
and Z is a 11 month old female rottweiler, who absolutely loves to ride in my z. she won't let anyone come close to my z. and since i took the stock seats out she just chills on the passenger side one all day
01-24-2004 | 08:53 AM
#14
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Honestly, I didn't notice any gains at all. The only reason I did it was because my cat was plugged. My Z is very tired tho.
I wouldn't tell anyone to do it for any reason other than "being too broke to buy a new cat". The only thing now is I have the money I just don't see any reason to sink it in a new cat.
I just found another z with less miles, but some guy cut the top off of it. I'm thinking I'll buy it just for the motor, then try to sell the rest of the parts to anyone who may need them.
Chris
I wouldn't tell anyone to do it for any reason other than "being too broke to buy a new cat". The only thing now is I have the money I just don't see any reason to sink it in a new cat.
I just found another z with less miles, but some guy cut the top off of it. I'm thinking I'll buy it just for the motor, then try to sell the rest of the parts to anyone who may need them.
Chris
01-26-2004 | 02:01 AM
#19
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Yep, the guy cut the top off. He said he had visions of making a mudder out of it! (welcome to Idaho) He even welded in a roll bar. Any way the car has leather seats and a descent interior. The "mud tires" are acctually snow tires, which I can use right about now. The tranny is shot but I just want the engine.
01-27-2004 | 03:09 PM
#25
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,672
From: Gerber, CA
Did I mention I like beer? Back to the original topic though, With Test pipes, how much could I expect to see out of my car? Since I'm in CA, I'll need the hi-flow cats with it. I'm guessing 15-20 HP. Anyone have info on this?
