I have an 03 and I'm concerned about getting the CEL with Test pipes. Anyone had their Z with Test pipes for awhile now and not get the CEL?
Which one's do you recommend?
Just in case I go with HF cats. What would you recommend / stay away from?
I've been looking at the Helix HF cats....boy do they look good
Thanks in advance.

-Bootay

 

i have an 03 with resonated test pipes.... no CEL.

i'd recommend Labree resonated test pipes and if you are getting hf cats, i'd recommend crawfords.

 

no cel with an 03 and helix test pipes...

also use spark plug nonfoulers to keep those O2 sensors from getting crummy and damaged.

 

05' here with eBay resonated test pipes.

Used the "Help!" method (Spark plug non-foulers) and no CEL so far.

I've had them on for about a month now.

 

what are spark plug non-foulers? i

 

use search and type in non fouler or Help!...it will give you the exact part number so you can get them at auto zone

just remember you need a pretty large bit 1/2" if i can recall to drill out the one end. i had a machine shop do it...

it's an extention to a spark plug so it doesn't get fouled!

 

If you are going to go with test pipes, make sure you dont buy the cheap ones, get the APS units for $200 they have flanges that bolt on to the factory exhaust mount support located under the transmission. Without those flanges the helix and others will crack and slowly bend the flanges on the back side of the exhaust. The bracket I am referring to looks like a copper horseshoe

 

I'm thinking of buying one on ebay. How would you rate the quality of TP on a 1 to 10 scale?

 

1 to 10 scale? In terms of what, performance gains? If that's the case, I'd rate it a 9 for bang for the buck performance.
I recently decided on the Kinetix Resonated Test-Pipes (took forever to get btw), but so far it was well worth it. Still has quite a bit of raspiness to it, but I'm sure it would far worse with just the regular TPs. Going to dyno run a couple times in a few days or so to compare it to my baseline #'s.

-Bootay

 

If you're debating between hf cats and test pipes, you might also consider the environment. I'm not a crazy environmentalist or anything, but cats do a considerable job of reducing emissions. Depending on the actual power differences between test pipes and hf cats, you might consider hf cats just to feel better.

 

I'm thinking of going the HF cat way as well, what's the power difference?

 

my bad! in terms of fit and finish. thanks

 

For performance:

Turbo = Test Pipes
Supercharger = HF Cats
NA = HF Cats

That's all you really need to know.

 

do you need the foulers on an 03 model?

 

ive had test pipes on my 03 for at least 10k miles and never got a cel. i can't really tell from inside the car (and no one else drives my car), but my friends all tell me the car sounds like a race car with the kinetix resonated test pipes and stock cat-back. so considering the quality was also good, my vote is for kinetix resonated test pipes, if you choose test pipes over hf cats.

 

03> narrow-band 02 sensor> no cel.
test pipes> rasp, not good for ozone layer, smelly gas fumes
ebay pipes> cheap quality, no cust service

 

i'm thinkin of puttin a greenpeace sticker above my smoking muffler w/ two turbos and test pipes.

 

I have a 03. Do you guys think my CEL would turn on? and pass the emission test? If i get the test pipes...

 

Do you guys prefer Kinetix HC or Helix HC ??

 

If you have a 03 there's a good chance you "won't" get a CEL. I have a 03 and installed the Non-fouler mod just in case. It only cost me $9.00 and was well worth the peace of mind.
Emission tests?! No way will you pass those with test pipes on!

-Bootay