My goal is to modernize my 2004 to current power standards. I've noticed a lot of sports coupes and sedans have around 330 HP. G37, 370Z, STI, Evo, BMW 3.5 liters, and a few more. 330 crank HP is my goal. Not looking to build a race car. I'll get a Vette when I'm financially able to. Right now I just want to upgrade moderately.

 

Thanks. Will do after other mods.

 

good choice!

 

Cats are there to help clean the exhaust gases coming out of the engine/headers. Now if you don't care about the air but want more H.P. then replacing cats with test pipes will improve the flow of exhaust gases very much. Now test pipes have some things that should be understood before jumping at the "more H.R. call".

They really start working at mid to high rpm, so a tune would be a must because of all the more air & fuel the car will need. Also without gears you'll spend a lot of time to get to the higher rpm range, so the car may not feel that quick. There's also the change in sound. Test pipes will not make the sound of the car like some custom exhaust. What ever cat back/test pipe back exhaust you have, test pipes will STILL make that raspy/creepy sound, especially at idle & low rpm.

So as long as you tune it, gear it, don't mind the sound and if you want more H.P. then test pipes is pretty much the best N/A H.P. mod you can make....
Andre12031948

 

^That and LTH...

 

LTH? I've seen you post that elsewhere, but I don't know what it means.

 

Long Tube Headers

 

An absolute nightmare to install though.

 

I guess with LTH you won't need test pipes In MY OPINION, if you have an HR all you'll need would be Test pipes. My opinion is based on the knowledge that Nissan spend a ton of money & reseach developing those headers for the new HR engine that came in 07/08 Z'sss. Nissan continued with them(similar) headers in the 370's. That's why I had test pipes in my 08 & got test pipes for my 370z.....

Oh and I agree with the above post...

 

you could get ART pipes to eliminate some of the rasp

 

Somehow I missed this. Thanks for the detailed info.

 

I'm only reviving the dead thread because I didn't want to create a new thread. Test pipes were installed month ago and I'm pleased. I've come to accept and live with the rasp. My flex portion of my Y pipe went bad. I'm looking to replace. Should I go stock Y pipe or aftermarket? Also, I'm looking to get headers. Purpose? Sound a a tad Torque increase that was lost with the test pipe install. Will headers improve my sound? Deeper? Louder?

I need to get the Y pipe replaced ASAP because the rattling/buzzing sound is horrible. Started a month after test pipes were installed.

Headers:
http://www.stillen.com/product/headers/stillen-304-stainless-steel-headers-508350s-12217.html

Cheap Y Pipe:
http://www.amazon.com/Nissan-350Z-Exhaust-Downpipe-Y-Pipe/dp/B007BVUA8I

Expensive at pipe:
http://www.customcarscentral.com/aam35emfyp253-nissan-350z.html

Which Y pipe should I buy? Should I get those headers? I realize install will cost me a lot since it's a five hour job for headers. I'm looking to complete my breathing bolt ons before August. Don't have a intake yet. I have Magnaflow cat back and Invidia test pipes.

 

The guy charges $250/hr for labour? That's a little steep, although he did it fairly quickly. I paid $250 for my cat delete and it took the mechanic a little under 3 hours. Damn demon bolts

 

just did mine.. demon bolts were a breeze to remove.. however the install of passenger side demon.. threads stripped at 15 pounds pressure,, WTF!?

Took me >4 hours to use a dremmel extension and cut the damn nut off... tough to do without actually seeing it!

 

Yeah... No. I had thought of doing it myself, that is until I read all the horror stories of the demon bolts. I knew that I would eventually give up and bring it into a shop even if I attempted. Doesn't matter if the shops charged $50 or $250, no amount of money is worth my sanity.

 

I agree. That's why I willingly paid $250. Can anyone help me with my question above in regards to the headers and Y pipe? Thanks.

 

AAM would be a safe bet for power and quality. I personally have had great luck with my Motordyne XYZ pipe w/ straight pipe. Im running non resonated test pipes with a pop charger and stock mid pipe and muffler with the XYZ pipe and it sounds amazing. It has that stock note in low rpms but once you get it above 3-3200 rpm it will start screaming.
As far as the headers go I cannot say, I have yet to do that to my Z.
Hope this helps your decision process!

Cheers

 

Thanks for the response. I went with the Stillen Y pipe and I'm impressed. The same day I had that installed I also had my Injen CAI and Motordyne Thermal Plenum Spacer installed. I have non resonated test pipes as well (Invidia). I'm impressed with everything, but I need a tune. I'm not sure if I'll be doing headers this year, but I may just get it over with to complete the breathing mods.

 

Hey guys i was wondering if the agency power catback includes y pipes. If not do you suggest i buy them in addition to the exhaust. (2003 Z)

 

The Agency Power single exit does not come with Y-Pipe. And that is up to you, it will still be plenty loud on the stock Y-pipe. I'm sure the Motordyne XYZ pipe would do you justice though.
Cheers!