I'm in the market for test pipes and wanted to know which one to go with?
After doing some reasearch on this site, I've came to the conclusion that some or all test pipes will yield a "gas smell" at idle, when in traffic. I won't be able to take this. Living in NYC, traffic is everywhere. Are all test pipes like this or it depends on brand? Will resonated test pipes have the same "gas smell?(I'm pretty sure they will, but just wanted to see if there's a possiblilty one doesn't)

Resonated test pipes will minimize the rasp associated with straight pipes and is a little more quiet. Not sure if it applies or affects FI Z's. I don't want it too loud and I don't like the rasp. I already have the Injen SES which is loud enough.

Guys with test pipes on their FI Z's: Can you give me some impressions or comments on what brand of pipes you are running and the likes and dislikes about them? I understand that straight pipes will be just "straight pipes", but I would like to get some opinions on the ones you prefer. Thanks

 

The smell is due to the lack of catalytic converter, which takes the gases and chemically changes them. If you don't want the smell, get high flow cats.

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I figured that was the case. So resonated test pipes will only minimize the rasp and noise and will have no effect on the gas smell? (Just making sure)


If I go with test pipes, will the rasp be present to a minimum with FI or will it be completly muted?

 

The raw fuel smell actually minimizes or goes away after a couple of weeks then it is just a heavier exhaust smell, it is probably while the ECU gets used to them.

I have the resonated test pipes and loved them in the NA stage as it kept the rasp down but when I put the TT kit on the sound really got quiet almost sounds like a stock 350Z and I probably could have gone with regular test pipes, but let me clarify that this only applies to the Turbo FI's not the superchargers.

 

I have the kintetix resonated test pipes, and the rasp is barley noticeable. Like westpak said, there is just a little heavier exhaust smell. The only time I actually notice the smell is when I turn on my car and then stand directly behind the car. When I'm in the car, even with windows down, I don't notice the smell at all.

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me! At first, I thought you will ALWAYS get the gas smell at idle which made me think twice about getting test pipes, even if the gains were substantial.

Now, my final question is, I know that the TT will reduce the exhaust note but will it also help eliminate the rasp associated with test pipes? or am I dreaming and the only way to eliminate the rasp is to get resonated test pipes?

 

My opinion, go with resonated. I have the Procharger with slight to moderate rasp. Wish I had gone with resonated, but I am used to it now. If you absolutely don't want rasp, resonated are best, although it may still sound different than stock.

 

Bump, for some more info from guys that run test pipes with turbo.

 

i dont have a turbo but i currently run labree resonated test pipes (with an extra O2 bung for that WB 02 sensor you will want to run). I previously ran Rt HF cats - they collapsed. Not only do I have more power with the labree, they plain sound better with no rasp.

They were about 400 dollars but well worth it. If you are doing a turbo, an extra 200 bones to get resonated is not gonna kill you.

 

I am running TT with Xerd test pipes (non resonated) and a NISMO cat back, and it is a little louder than it was with stock cats and NISMO catback. A slight raspeness is present, nothing to get alarmed about. But I think I will get a set of high flow cats eventually because there is a little more "droning" sound going a steady 100 on the interstate.

 

^Thanks for your reply! I was looking at the XERD test pipes but I guess it's off the list because I don't really like the rasp or the droning.


Will test pipes and resonated test pipes yield the same results in terms of power gains for a TT setup?

 

Yes.

 

Okay thanks for the replies so far. I'm starting to narrow it down to a few.

1)Labree resonated test pipes
2)Kinetix resonated test pipes
3)Kinetix HF cats
4)Crawford HF cats

I'm leaning towards kinetix resonated test pipes.

 

I have a set of Kinetix HF cats I'm going to sell since I'm going APS ST, they didn't rasp at all on my NA Z. They have a hole for wideband if you cut the weld off. Let me know if you want them.

 

APS TT with Helix test pipes and Nismo exhaust here. A low rumble at low RPMs and a mighty roar when WOT. Making 414 RWHP, 9 lbs psi and 91 0ctane

 

How about the APS Tet Pipes? Anyone using those?

 

I'm going to add another variable into the equation, as far as sound goes . . .

All of which was installed on a Greddy TT:

First setup & impressions: Kinetic test pipes, with Gruppe S Y Pipe, & RSr exhaust

Loud, droning sound at cruising speed and the ability to shoot minor flames

Final setup & impressions: Kinetic test pipes & Espelir GT500 True Dual Exhaust
No droning sounds, quieter than stock, yet exotic-car sounding. No flames. I LOVE IT!

TT will baffle the exhaust note as mentioned previously and your exhaust setup will dictate how loud (or how much drone) your vehicle will be. The Espelir true dual exhaust looks very similiar to the Injen true dual, but is a fraction of the noise. I never have to use the supplied silencers . . . and if you don't pay attention, you would think it was a factory exhaust note.

Hope that helps.

G

 

Test pipes are test pipes guys, if they aren't resonated they are going to be raspy unless you have a Turbo in the path. All test pipes will be shaped the same, although the diameter might differ a bit.

 

Narkotic-I will be running the Greddy TT. So are you saying that the TT will completly mute the raspiness associated with test pipes?

Are you running test pipes? what brand? Thanks

 

I have APS TT with xerd test pipes there is still a little rasp from 4-4.5k.If you don't like the sound then go withresonated pipes.