i see that this guy on ebay sells straight test pipes for 35 bucks, anyone with a 2gnt with a straight pipe out there? was it worth it at all?? anyone??

Its worth it if you are turboed or are running nitrous. if not dont even bother.

Hmm, I know some here won't agree with me, but if you think about it the cat converter is a block of material in the way of your exhaust flow. A straight pipe, the same diameter as the rest of the exhaust, should help in some way, even if it is a little bit.

A test pipe has the possibility of being the cheapest mod you could do. Buy a two inch diameter stainless steel pipe of the proper length(316, 304, 306, whatever, as long as it is stainless steel, it can't possibly cost very much for a simple straight tube), but two new gaskets, and two stock flanges (neither is very expensive), have teh flanges welded onto the ends of the pipe (simple for a shop to do, and it would be so quick it should be a very cheap job), and instant test pipe.

The total cost involved for pipe, flanges, gaskets, and welding can't possibly cost more than $50, at least I wouldn't think so. So for a hp per dollar spent, the hp gained might be very small but the money spent would also be quite small so it would still be worth it.

And, for a turbo owner, it's not just a hp or two, many turbo guys run test pipes because of the noticeable power gain.

Why wouldn't you want a test pipe on a NA car? It's a plain and simple restriction. If you don't have to go through the hassles of emmissions testing, or know how to get around it, then a test pipe should be a great modification.

Our exhaust is so restrictive as it is. Anything to open it up will create more power on the top end. If you are worried about driveability, then it may not be the right mod for you. You will loose low end torque. No questions.

The only bad thing about a test pipe is that it's going to be LOUD. A race muffler (read: straight through) in place of the test pipe/cat will reduce the noise a bit and mellow it out.

a test pipe wont cause loss od low end torque in a turboed car right? or will it...and another question...what do people do about the o2 sensor??

nope, the test pipe does not affect the low end for a turbo

and, I guess most people just ignore the check engine light, or they rig something up so it thinks the cat is working

anyone care to post a way to rig it up so that the cpu thinks the cat is working properly??

Somebody sells a simulator for the rear O2 sensor... sending a false signal to the ECU, don't remember who or where it was.

I agree with Todd, have you guys ever seen what a stock catalytic converter is made of? It's a solid block, very restrictive. I have emissions, so will go with a high flow cat when I get arund to it. But I do see gains no matter what route you plan to build.

Una salus victus.
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have you guys ever seen what a stock
>catalytic converter is made of?

yup :)

It's a solid block, very
>restrictive. I have emissions, so will go with a high flow
>cat when I get arund to it. But I do see gains no matter
>what route you plan to build.

yes, it is heavy, very heavy. the new high flow cat I have must weigh 1/2 to 2/3rds as much as the stock one

we'll hopefully see shortly what the high flow cat does at the drag strip I'll probably get a progress report on the welding being done to it late today

>what do people do about the o2 sensor??

I've never had any problems with the o2 sensor after I put my test pipe on.

There is definately a performance gain when you put one on a non-turbo, you can feel it. I think it's a good gain - as long as you can put up with the stink. The exhaust is stinky after you put it on.

Also - if you have the stock muffler, it'll buzz after you put it on. I'm looking at getting the GST muffler to fix this problem on my car. I can deal with the stink, but the buzz is just annoying.

95 Eclipse RS : 5 speed
Gude cams : Test pipe : CAI : Dual air horns
incomming - lower strut bars

I'll agree with VX100; having a straight pipe on an n/a shouldn't hurt performance. Actually, I believe it should help performance just a little. It might make your exhaust a little louder (more race car-like). Also, a straight pipe is better than a gutted cat-converter because a gutted cat will only act like a cooling chamber--that's not what you want. Hotter air will travel faster than cooler air. Being that a straight pipe will flow better than the very restrictive stock cat, I believe it should help with performance in the mid to high rpm's.

Powerhouse racing makes a module to fool your ecu that the o2 sensor is working properly and won't throw a CEL at you. It's pricey $95 though. There are probably more like this out there too. www.powerhouseracing.com

I have a testpipe on right now. It's ok I guess, my car sounds like a honda now though, really loud at high RPM's. Can't tell if it improved my performance, I think it pulls a little harder in 3rd. I bought it mostly because I'm running N2O though. Oh and it didn't come with any brackets or hangers, so it's just hanging there with no support right now. I went to a muffler shop and they told me they won't touch it cause they know it's illegal... Sucks....