So I received my Helix Test pipes a couple of days ago. I went to 3 different exhaust shops on Friday and I got the same response from all of them, "straight pipes are illegal, so we can't touch them".
I know that they're just looking out for their business, but come on!
Is there anyone in the VA area that can help me install them? It would be greatly appreciated

Ian

 

Ask one of the mechanics to do it privately for you. I did that couple times, and sometimes they'll do it at their home for you and even for a much cheaper price.

 

You're asking them to do something illegal. Of course they won't risk getting their business shut down for an hour of labor. It also carries a VERY hefty fine if they get caught. Get someone on the forum to help you install. it's not that hard.

 

I don't know where Little Creek is. I lived in Northern Virginia for a short time, '96 to '98, and I know what a big deal they make about emissions. A lot of private gas stations do them, and the back up to get stickers on the weekends can be horrendous. I can imagine the reluctance on the part of a private business back there, to break the law. Anyway, they are not that tough to install.

I have a set of Crawford Hi-Flows on my "G", I admit I had a muffler shop do it, because I didn't want to lay on my back for a couple hours, but it was not that tough, with a lift I was in and out in less than a half an hour. If you have a set of sockets and an open end wrench set, you can do it yourself. If not, how close are you to a border of another state? I was near Maryland and DC. It might be easier over the border to get it done.

Also, with the laws in Virginia so strict, what will you do come inspection time? You may pass the sniffer, but you certainly will fail any visual.

Lou

 

why do you need someone else to install test pipes? should be easy stuff

 

anyone know if there's been a "how-to" posted on this?

 

oh, and devil, that avatar's gotta go, dude. that ****'s gonna give me nightmares. what is that?!?!

 

It is pretty easy, there are 3 bolts holding the cats to the headers, the 2 lower ones are easy the upper one is a little tougher but mainly on the driver's side where the steering column is a little in the way, the best tools are the ratcheting closed wrenches as there is little space to manuever. Then there are just 2 in the back holding the cat to the y-pipe. SOme have used long extensions and reached in through the engine compartment for the top bolts but I did it all from underneath and just jacked up both sides of the car.

 

Hey westpak this is off topic but is do you know other places that dyno cars around this area besides the one where the Meet was
Thanks

 

I think that I'm just going to install them myself. A bonus about being in the military, is that we've got awesome auto hobby shops on base. I've got free acess to unlimited tools, and it cost around $2.00 to get your car on a lift. There is usually a certified mechanic around incase if you've got any questions. I really don't think that it should be too hard.

A list of tools would be much appreciated!


"oh, and devil, that avatar's gotta go, dude. that ****'s gonna give me nightmares. what is that?!?!"

I never found out. I just thought that it looked cool.


"Also, with the laws in Virginia so strict, what will you do come inspection time? You may pass the sniffer, but you certainly will fail any visual."

I just plan on swapping back my stock cats. Every two years for inspection isn't that bad. My car is registered in MD.

 

you should not mention the fact that you work for the EPA....just kidding....there are substantial fines for violating these laws....do it yourself....can't be that hard, and less hassle with the luxury of drinking a beer while you do it...or watching the friend do it that works for beer...not to technical of a job

 

haha that's an alpaca.

 

Anyone have any clue how much the fines run? I live in PA. And would a cop pull me over because the car is soo loud and then check or would I have to be pulled over for something else first (speeding!) and then he would find it? I was gonna do the same thing of just switching them out at inspection time. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

WTF is an alpaca?? Looks like a grub with legs and huge *** teeth!

 

i dunno how far you are from charlotte, but speed innovations will do it.

704.262.7948

 

Off topic, but, Westpak, we need a dyno day after I put my Vortec kit on. I should start installing it this week.

 

1. Socket 14 to remove the bolts.
2. Socket 10 (?) to remove the O2 Sensor Cable Mount
3. O2 Sensor removal Socket.
4. Bottle Opener to take breaks in between

You should be fine with the tools listed above. I installed my stillen over the weekend and it only took about 3 hours. It took a while because I was taking my time and didnt want to rush anything. Good Luck ! You will be fine installing them on your own. You wont break anything so have FUN !

 

Sounds like a plan, I have some others interested so maybe in a couple of weeks, I will check into it.

 

An open-ended adjustable wrench will work just fine instead of the O2 socket. Also, go to your local hardware store and buy some stainless steel nuts and bolts. They will only cost a buck or two and will save a lot of time when you need to put back the cats at emissions test time.

 

just install them the same way you would with cats.
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