So I just bought the GReddycat back exhaust for my 07 2.0T, should be here beginning of next week. My question has to do with getting a downpipe. Keep in mind I am a noob,and I used the search function to find ananswer for this and got nothin. Plus, this is my first turbo car (previous was an RSX and before that an S-10).

I read that a downpipe does give a hell of an increase in HP, but that most of the time you won't be able to pass a smog or inspection test. I live in Texas, so starting in 2009 I will have to get annual inspections, and I would rather not have to worry about taking it out, getting inspected, then putting it back inevery year.
Is there truth to this? Where would be the best place to get a downpipe for a my car?

Any help is appreciated.

 

It is true that the downpipe will give you some power, I don't think it will give you "a hell of an increase" though. Its a cheap way to get some power and good sound, so I say do it. Don't worry about the inspection for now. It's not too hard to change it out when you do need to get the inspection done. Depending on the exhaust that you ordered, you might not even pass emissions with that. All depends how strict your state will be. So you might as well get the downpipe and swap it out whenever you swap out the exhaust to get the inspection done.

btw, there's always some place somewhere that you can tip a little, and they will pass you no matter what you have done to your car...

 

A catback exhaust should come with a downpipe. Otherwise, its not a catback exhaust.

 

And the downpipe shouldn't have anything to do with your smog control, as long as your cat is still in place.

 

i think hes confused and thinking of a test pipe.
I know for a fact that in california you'll pass with an intake, full exhaust and chip since the dealer just had to smog my car

 

I think I am confused about the downpipe/testpipe. In the new Audi's, is it the testpipe that runs straight from the turbo? And the downpipe is after the cat?

 

Yeah, a testpipe is used to replace the cat, the downpipe is the bit that goes from the cat/testpipe and has the flex connector.