Topic.

Seems like it to me, but I wasn't sure. problem with exhaust pieces is everything has like 3 different names lmao.

Can someone please explain to me the entire 350z exhaust starting with headers? I am been trying to understand this for a while now and I think I get it but I want it broken down good please :]

thanks

 

Headers->Test-Pipes->Y-Pipe (or X if it is a true dual)->exhaust.

Generally the term downpipes are reserved to turbo cars.

 

No they are definantly not the same thing. A test pipe is basically a metal tube that replaces the catalitic converter(s). And I'm not totally sure about the downpipes, but I'm priety sure that the replace the headers on a car that is turbocharged.

 

Not quite. Goes like this on turbo cars.....Exhaust manifold(s)->turbo(s)->downpipe(s)-> test-pipe(s)->etc.

 

It always confuses me because I was looking for some cheap resonated 2.5" test pipes on ebay since it's just a hunk of metal and there weren't any cheap resonated "test pipes" however I did find a set that looked just like resonated test pipes but said "Downpipe"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissa...Q5fAccessories

However of coarse right in the description they say "straight through design" meaning test pipe lol. I don't care what they name it as long as it works. Those are resonated test pipes right? I'm going to VHT coat them and the rest of the exhaust anyway if you are going to tell me not to buy it because it will rust.

 

Down pipe may refer to turbo applications. You have up pipes and down pipes.

The test pipe replaces the catalytic converter. You can test the motor, emissions and exhaust without the complexity of the catalytic converter.

Down pipe and test pipe may be used interchangeably.

 

Headers (above) replace the OEM exhaust manifold. A header is a exhaust manifold.

 

Ebay gives unique names to stuff to try to make them sound cool.

 

I guess that's a good explanation for sure lol

 

test pipe AKA race pipe as well

 

Both Downpipes and Test Pipes/race pipes, cat delete pipes are the same thing. The terms are just interchanged depending if its Turbo or N/A.

 

Agreed. Downpipes connect the turbos to the test/mid-pipes.

 

The questions seems to have been answered but I wanted to share 1 observation.

On my previous audi, my setup was:
header/turbo -> testpipe -> flexpipe/downpipe -> remainder of exhuast (resonator/muffler)

The reason the flexpipe could be referred to the downpipe on the audi is because after the cat, that next pipe section literally goes down to below the engine. Generally, people on the audi forums would refer to the testpipe as the pipe replacing the cat. And some referred to the downpipe as the flex section going beneath the car.

For the Z, I suppose the important thing to ask is whether this pipe (testpipe or downpipe) is the section replacing only the cat.

my .2c