Install- The install was fairly easy thanks to many posts in the forums. They provided excellent insight on ways to make the install go more smoothly. Although there was no way to make getting the stock cats off any easier. My G has 40k on it and getting all the bolts off while the car was on ramps was almost impossible with no power tools. I broke the housing in half on one of my drivers. But HARD work, lots of WD, and a breaker bar got them off in about an hour. Installing the pipes was a breeze after all the BS of getting cats of was over. The tools I used were - a driver (2 counting the one I busted), 14mm socket (stock bolts), 17mm socket (test pipe bolts), 2 10" extensions, 6" extension, 14mm and 17mm wrenches, a breaker bar, and a can of WD40.

Performance - I haven't had the car dynoed but I can definently tell the difference. I reset the computer after install and once I put about 50 miles on it, it seemed to really kick in. I didn't seem to lose any top end. I currently have the pipes connected to the stock exhaust including the y pipe. But the thing that impressed me just as much as the increase in power was the sound. The car sounds AMAZING!, exotic enough to sound like a 996. Just a deep throaty growl, I LOVE IT! I'll try to get some sound clips up soon.

I would definently recommend the LMS test pipes. I can't speak for other brands but I now know about the quality of these test pipes, along with the power gains and the AWESOME sound. This is hands down the best mod I've done so far. I have the Pro-1 Y pipe coming this week, I'll let you know if I change anything once its installed.

 

I want a set of these too, can u tell me where did you get them from?

 

I bought them from Poizon, a member on this forum. I had been searching for a set of these used for almost 5 months, so it took awhile. I do know that LMS website is down due to Katrina. Another quick note, they don't throw a CEL.

 

Lol I sent a pm to poizon about this earlier today, lol.
Thanks for the heads up, I looked at LMS's website but they don't sell their products online i guess?

I am seriously looking forward to buy a pair of these but couldn't find anyone selling them....

 

yeah...please get some sound clips or movies up STAT

 

I installed the Pro-1 Y pipe about a week ago. My impressions have changed. There is definent low end torque lost. But it seems to show up in the higher RPM range (4k and above). Also, I am getting rasp around 3500 rpms (annoying). I'm going to have the reducer cone installed soon to see if that helps. I'll let you know.

 

What does this mean? "low end torque lost. But it seems to show up in the higher RPM range (4k and above)."

...and, was this a direct result of the Y-pipe or the test pipes?

 

What I'm saying is that it seems to "LAG" a little in the lower rpms but it pulls harder above 4k rpms. The car definently seemed quicker down low with just the pipes, and no rasp. I'm currently stock from the Y back by the way. But once I added the Y pipe everything changed. I would say that if you're not the type of driver that likes to be on the gas all the time you should just stick with the pipes and no aftermarket y pipe.

 

The test pipes you got, are they resonated? Do u have a early 2004 or late 2004? I heard the later 2004 and 2005 throw CELs while earlier ones dont.

 

The Labree test pipes are resonated. And you are correct about the late 04's and 05's throwing the CEL. I have an early 04' so I didn't have to worry about it. But the plug fouler trick works great from what I hear.

 

is there a big difference in test pipes and also in resonated vs none

 

There sure is! The biggest difference is the quality, from my experience it always been you get what you pay for. The more you spend the better they hold up. As far as resonated vs. non-resonated, with the resonated pipes you will get alot less rasp, if any. With the non-resonated ones, the rasp is much more profound, but if you like the sound of tin cans rattling, who cares.

 

I probably have the first set of LBMS resonated testpipes. In fact, I know I do. They became resonated when I complained about the rasp from the original testpipes.

The quality and workmanship is top notch. They ride a little low so becareful if you swap out your suspension. The sound is excellent. And, there are definite gains in power. Good choice.

 

I had the LaBree resonated test pipes on last year . Still got some rasp... alittle less, but still had it

 

so based on what you saying the resonated test pipes still give you rasp ... just not as much.

I wish it was possible to compare the non resonated to resonated as to how much rasp they give off.

 

Non-resonated test pipes are pretty bad from what I hear. If there is someone that is NA and has these please chime in and help this guy out. Apparently if you're FI you won't get rasp from the non-resonated pipes, from what I understand anyways.

 

To a degree it depends on your exhaust system. I have stillen headers and exhaust and I had rasp at about 3k - 4k. I now have installed the Labree resonated test pipes and I have more rasp and it has extended from 3k-7k. At a previous point in the install game I had the non-resonated stillen test pipes (with the exhaust and headers) and I had rasp from 3k-7k but it was louder and more excentuated from my memory than with the labree's.

 

Is Labree the same company as Sebring Tuning? I ordered the Labree pipes and they are etched with the Sebring logo. Also someone said they came with new bolts?> not mine

 

i have exhaust, intake, plenum spacer and labree resinated test pipes, and the labree test pipes are my favorite mod, they make the sound just about orgasmic and the power was niceee, highly recommended to everyone. plus the service is great.

 

I just had my labree's installed last night. I also had the clutch and flywheel done so that adds to the new noises going on in there. but let me tell you the pieces are top notch! The sound is intoxicating, and the new power is very pleasing. As for rasp it is very very minimal. They have less than 50 miles on them so far and are still bruning off residue that came in them and even so there was not much of a smell either. I cant really say there is much of a rasp.
Maybe its the set up I have. I have the Borla TD injen Cai and 5/16 spacer.