Hello, all.

I've been a member here for a little while, but never post. I simply research and read. After researching here I decided to buy a Magnaflow catback exhaust and test pipes. The catback has been installed and sounds near-stock. I'm not pleased. I bought Invidia test pipes and they came in today.

The reason I created this thread is to get advice regarding the test pipes. I called around my area and only one shop will install the pipes. All other shops cited federal law stating cats can't be removed. The one shop that said they'd do it quoted me at "$200-300" to do it on Tuesday 02.17.15. My question is: is it worth it to have the pipes installed for $300? I paid $250 for the pipes and I'm pretty much stuck with them because the place I purchased from has a no return policy on special order items. I really want the pipes installed but I'm worried about the illegality of them and the installation price. I do want a louder and better exhaust note though.

Anyone with test pipes installed have advice? My 2004 Z is stock other than the Magnaflow catback. I'm in the beginning stages of modifying. I've had it since April 2013.

Thanks

 

If you live in an area that doesn't test for emissions you shouldn't be too concerned with the legality of having them on your car. As for installation price, it's up to you to decide on whether getting them installed is worth it; You don't really have much negotiating leverage if only one shop is willing to do it (although it never hurts to try and get the price reduced).

 

If you plan on living in VA for any length of time, I wouldn't. You'll probably become really popular with the cops up there. But it's your car, do what you want.

 

Test pipes are illegal no matter if you county/state does emissions testing or not - its a federal law, not a state/county specific. With that being said, I only install my test pipes when I'm at the track...cough cough

$300 is a little high but if you can't do it yourself than you are stuck paying someone to do it for you.

Can you not do them yourself? It's pretty simple and you'll need some o2 sensor non-foulers no matter who does the work.

 

I don't have a ramp or lift and I was told that my bolts on cat are stripped (or another word they used); therefore, welding would have to be done. This came from the place I purchased from. They aren't equipped to do welding. They installed my Magnaflow.

When/if I go to the one shop that said they'll do it should I ask about the O2 sensor non foulers or should they already know to install them. Is this something I should purchase online before I go? And yes my state tests for emissions, but I'm good until April 2016.
Thanks.

 

It's a headache pay the shop. Most strip bolts or don't have 3 feet of extension to get the top bolt

 

I hear ya...Have you looked on craigslist in the automotive services section? You may find a independent guy who will do the work for a lesser price.

 

I hear ya...Have you looked on craigslist in the automotive services section? You may find a independent guy who will do the work for a lesser price.

I'd also find a can of PB blaster and spray that hardware that is stripped...it'll loosen things up.

 

Quick tip...forget PBblaster when it comes to installing test pipes, many people have a really hard time with the top bolts being really really tight even with PB Blaster.

The solution: Kroil

Get some off Amazon and apply it to the top bolts and give it a day...those bolts will come right off for your mechanic or yourself.

Kroil is the about the best product on the market.

Hope this helps,

Saved

 

Also, a good way to find a good independent mechanic is call up insurance agents, just be honest and tell them it was suggested that an insurance agent might know a good mechanic to recommend (insurance guys know a lot of people since they're always networking and centered on auto insurance).

Can also go down to a dealership and ask any of the mechanics if they work on the side. Talk to them privately.

Saved

 

Havent heard of it...I'll def give it a try...PB's been good to me!

 

Just go to a dealership and ask a mechanic to do it for u way cheaper

 

A 50/50 mix of acetone and trans fluid in a spray bottle beats all other penetrants I've ever used. As the acetone dries it draws the transmission fluid into the pours of the metal and gets it to the threads. It's made disassembling dad's 77 bronco a pleasure.

 

Thank you all for the advice. I just got the pipes installed less than an hour ago by the only guy in the area that would remove cats. He charged $250. I gave him an extra ten even though I knew he overcharged me. Took him an hour.

It's snowing here, so when I left his shop I couldn't really get on the gas, but it sounds good from what I heard. There's a hissing sound when I rev though.

The mechanic told me my O2 sensor was bad and I'll need a new sensor. He said to tell that to whoever is going to do my tune.

 

welcome to life!

 

Update: I now know exactly what rasp is. Between 3k-4k RPM it is raspy. Nice growl when idle. I seem to have lost some low end power. Check engine light came on of course. Need 02 sensors. Any advice on rasp and power loss? I am waiting on a tune after I get CAI and plenum spacer.

 

you most likely lost torque, and there isnt much you can do about rasp... what exhaust do you have?

 

 

You're stuck with the rasp.

As for power loss, get a tune.

 

if you do x-pipe it will reduce it some.