I have the smoking issue on my built '03 JWT TT running test pipes and Stillen exhaust. I love the sound and power but the smell of burning oil and the white cloud on heavy engine braking was too much. I put the stock cats back on per JWT recommendation and viola, no oil smell, the oil consumption stopped and no more white cload but I lost 2 psi and lots of hp and it sounds like carp. At some point I'll tap the upper oil pan as I want the power and sound back.

For sound and power I recommend test pipes but be prepared to tap the oil pan. Good luck and let us know which way you go.

 

AARRAH I was all over test pipes till you posted now I am back to considering hi flow cats. Thanks for the post the more info the better.

 

This may be a stupid question, but I am going to ask it anyway.

With test pipes you guys are saying you're getting more power out of the car with test pipes and arizzee just said he "lost 2 psi".

With test pipes and this extra power, do I have a greater chance of engine damage or a blown motor? I have wondered this for a few days after considering going with some test pipes. Sorry for the stupid question, still learning.

 

Yea with no back pressure the turbos can flow quicker and easier, hence why if you don't care about noise or smell to get the most power you just have a dump pipe coming right off the turbo.

 

So then I am correct? You do have a greater risk of engine damage?

 

I think the answer is that it depends. You'll definately need a retune if you put on testpipes as it will run lean without cats if the engine was originally tuned with cats. If the boost increases then there's greater stress on the engine so yes greater risk of damage.

 

+1, you will need to get your tune adjusted when you swap out your stock cats. Overall the test pipes will be better because they will reduce backpressure which allows your engine to breath better, thus creating less stress on the engine. If you get a new safe tune you will have more power, less stress on the engine as well as lower underhood temps. The high underhood temps contribute to stress and power loss. Overall I think it is a very good idea, just make an appointment for a new tune when you get the work done and you will be fine.

 

I have an 05 z J W T installed by vtr with tps and 3 inch aps exhaust over 25000 miles stock block never had any oil issues.

 

Fast Intentions Test pipes on the way against my tuners advice. Fingers crossed.

 

Good luck man!

 

Installed the Fast Intentions test pipes today as of yet there is no smoking or oil consumption but.....it feels like like a huge power increase. The difference is night and day on the butt dyno it felt fast before but it really puts you back in your seat now. Thanks to everyone for the advice and Alex at VTR when he said to do test pipes my mind was made up. I plan on giving the car a workout tomorrow so I will let you guys know if it starts to smoke after that. Thanks again guys.

 

Did you retune? I'd be careful of your afr going too lean with the test pipes.

 

I have been running test pipes on mine for over 10K and no smoking, no oil consumption.

 

No retune I am still running the JWT basetune that was a little rich to start with. I have a wideband so I keep an eye on the AFR.

 

You can't really tune fuel on the kit unless you hook up the ss box to do fuel, what I would do is make sure you are not overboosting.

 

Cats will hide oil smoke.

 

1000 miles on my 850BB with APS 3.5 test pipes and Altererd Story 3" exhaust and no smoke, just a little at WOT as should be!

 

That was a quick first thousand miles. I remember when I first got my turbo kit, I was in that car every night.

 

Well 400 of those was the drive home and 200 was on hte dyno.

 

All good no smoke no oil consumption way more power.