I. LaBree Motor Sports Test Pipes

As some of you may know, I had test pipes installed last week. I was 2 of 8 people that didn't care for the sound. The pipes kicked butt on performance. And, the sound was fine during regular driving. But, on wide open throttle, there was that raspy high-pitched sound, almost kazoo like that people have been complaining about with LSD test pipes and XERD headers.

Now, I'm pretty objective when it comes to recommending something. I can say that the test pipes are terrific on performance and they may be fine for you but, the sound at wide open throttle just wasn't for me.

II. LaBree Motor Sports Test Pipes with Resonator

There is no other way to describe the LBMS test pipes with resonator except to say that they rock!!

I can unequivocally say that these test pipes not only add noticable gains in performance but, they sound awesome. When I talk about noticable gains, I'm talking, "wow, that definitely feels quicker than before" gains.

The sound is deep, throaty and just pure pleasure to hear through-out the powerband. There is a noticable burble on low speed downshifts and no sign of any raspiness that people have been complaining about from other testpipes. The resonator eliminates the problem. There is no other manufacturer that has test pipes with resonators that solves the raspy sound problem. Getting rid of that noise is so worth every extra penny.

The test pipes passed the sniffer. How it performs years down the road is anyones guess but for now, it will pass smog. If you're really worried about smog, go with the LBMS high flow cats. Weight is significantly reduced from the stock cats. And, as far as performance gain, it's 12 hp without headers! Add headers and I would bet you're beating XERD without having to hear that nasty sound. I will post pics and weight information this coming week.

I can say again that I'm very objective about these things and I will tell you honestly if I think something sucks. So, when I say if you have a Z and you're in the market for testpipes or to add some horsepower, this is a must have modification - believe it!

For more information and for ordering:

LaBree MotorSports
Brent LaBree, Owner
21521 Strathern St.,
Canoga Park, CA 91304
818.704.7950

 

You're right! That is not only a steal, that's highway robbery!

 

What's with the sarcasm? Mr. PH, just check all the complaints about the raspy noise from the LSD test pipes and XERD headers:

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....330#post495330

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....lsd+test+pipes

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....lsd+test+pipes

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....lsd+test+pipes

Now I don't know how much the LSD test pipes cost. I do know that the LBMS test pipes are $380 and the LBMS test pipes with resonator are $490. I do know that these pipes produce 12 hp. And, I definitely know that the extra $110 to get rid of the raspy sound everyone is complaining about above is worth it!

 

I'd like a sound clip to verify the raspiness is gone.

 

I don't have the equipment for that. But, I'll do one better. Fred was at LBMS this morning with me getting the TD exhaust installed. He will verify.

And, I can have people from the November 1, 2003 dyno day confirm too if you like.

Trust me cowboy, I hated that annoying @ss, embarassing sound for a week while driving with regular test pipes and I'm totally glad it's gone. It's only after having to deal with that sound at 3,500 rpm WOT do you appreciate how much it is worth it to get the LBMS test pipe with resonator.

 

The test pipes are 175 to 250 dollars. More than half the price. It was not sarcasm, it was seriousness. That is a ripoff. Just my opinion, you don't have to get mad. You posted in a public forum, expect public response.

 

Not mad. If I was, you would be able to tell.

Sorry if you got that impression.

And, that's a great price! Tell you what though. I'd still pay more to get rid of the god-awful kazoo, Honda fart can sound that I know would come with that cheap price.

Wait a minute. I did pay more. This was not a freebie for me. The only goodwill I got was free installation for posting about the group buy. No bias here, just glowing recommendation for the LBMS test pipe with resonator.

 

Cool!

 

Please post some photos of the LBMS test pipes with and without resonators if you can please. Are the LBMS high-flow cats having the same problem as the Randon Techs...rattles and buzzing noises?

 

I expect to post pics of both the test pipes with and without resonators later this week when I get them e-mailed to my office.

I have not heard the LBMS high flow cats so I can't really comment except to say that I spoke with Steve who had them installed with Borla headers last week. Steve loves how they sound and did not mention any rattle nor buzzing noises. His comment: "overall im pleased with the sound and performance."

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....513#post497513

 

dyno please

 

Unfortunately, I don't have a baseline dyno. I never expected to do as many mods as I have. However, I plan to do a dyno day on November 1, 2003. Assuming 235 hp - 245 hp stock, we should have some idea.

But, here is a dyno of plain test pipes without resonator that show 12 hp.



The baseline and high flow cats also had the borla TD as well. The resonator I'm told should add 1 - 2 hp but, that's not dyno confirmed yet. As soon as I have the baseline and LBMS test pipe with resonator dyno, I'll post. Oh, and I think I'll try to capture a sound clip with my laptop mic tomorrow. It won't do the sound justice but will confirm no rasp at 3,500 rpm.

 

how does a resonator add hp? its only purpose is for sound dampening. in fact, it should hurt performance a little, albeit insignificant.

 

werd. How much louder does the exhuast sound and are there any check engine lights for the no cats? I know on my TA when I went catless I needed to get O2 simms otherwise I would have a check engine light in my face.

 

That's what I thought too, or that there would be no gain. Apparantly, it improves flow turning the exhaust in a spiral direction. There is supposed to be a slight vaccuum or sucking of the air out. Do I know the answer or if this explanation is on the money? No. I'm no expert, just reporting what I was told. I will have to wait just like everybody else for the dyno for the test pipes with resonator when they become available from the default car.

It is definitely louder, I'd would estimate 30% to 40%, maybe more. I was told there would be no check engine lights and infact, there is no check engine light.

 

sweet! How hard is it to install?

 

Didn't look very difficult, if you have a lift and tools. However, there was some tig welding for a bracket that connects the testpipes to a brace under the tranny. I'd recommend professional installation because the pros took about 45 min to an hour to do it right.

By the way, this product is masterfully created with exceptional welds. The guys that do this job get paid $30/hr and apprentice under Brent who has over 40 years of experience. These aren't some yahoos getting paid minimum wage that are creating pipes. They are mandrel bent and the resonator is precisely welded.

Here are the sound clips Bebopin requested:

http://www.angelfire.com/oz/hfm/tpzip.zip

 

any pics of the resonator?

 

 

ooops....hehehe

maybe i should read

Victor *sigh