I'm just now finishing up my engine rebuild almost 10 months after my turbo blew. Fully rebuilt engine from the bottom-up and a rebuilt KO3s from G-Pop Shop. Obviously can't afford any upgrades now on a college budget, but figured I can at least start with a test pipe for now. Looking for some recommendations since there are several available for $150-175. Post the pros/cons of the different brands, ie. overall quality or the 02 bungs are significantly better on one

*edit: Would also like one with stainless bungs and welds, but I think for the most part that shouldn't be an issue unless it's an ebay pipe

... and no emissions in FL so I don't need a high-flow cat

* EDIT #2

Here is a link to my parts list comparing the available test pipes. Here's an overview:

*UPDATE: Finally wrapping up my engine build and just wanted to add some test pipe info. We went with the evolution racewerks pipe initially. I don't wanna bash them as I know they are very popular for their FMIC, but I think it's only fair to throw this information out there. They claim the entire pipe is 304 stainless steel, the first pipe I received from them was 409 stainless (400 series stainless is magnetic, 300 series is not). Compared to 304, 409 SS isn't quite as good at being "stainless" and will oxidize noticeably more, especially in salty atmospheres. Probably negligible out in the mid-west, but up north or even out near the beach it's not as desirable. I sent it back since their pipe was the most expensive and I wanted to get what I paid for. They did get another one built for me, out of 304 this time (apart from the smaller section and flanges), but it just wasn't even close to fitting correctly. The angle of the exit flange was off and the it was a good 1.5" short. I ended up just sending it back all together and ordering the ATP pipe from ECS. The next issue was finding a way to reduce the 3" test pipe down to the 2 1/8" downpipe. The turbulence from that big of a diameter drop would have just as bad of an affect on back pressure as a cat, if not more. This is a whole other issue in itself and for now I'm just gonna gut my cat until I can afford a proper turbo back exhaust. I didn't find out until after all this that Labree Motorsports make a beautiful test pipe that reduces with a proper cone from 3" down to 2.5" and then mates up with their 2.5" downpipe. I'd say the Labree setup is optimal for a really nice flowing exhaust.




Evolution Racewerks~$250 shipped

• Full stainless bungs, welds, and hardware
• Internal flange welds
• Flared to 2.5" outlet
• mirror or brushed finish
• includes down pipe gasket
• Lifetime Warranty

RAI Motorsports~$190 shipped

• full 3" pipe
• down pipe O2 sensor has a "J-Bung" so you don't need non-foulers for CEL
• not mandrel bent, two pieces of of pipe welded together
• no warranty

034 Motorsports~$172 shipped

• hardware not included, add $33.00
• 3" inlet (and outlet?), not a lot of detail on the site
• site states 2-3 wait before shipping, but call for estimate
• 1-year warranty

ECS Tuning~$160 shipped

• This is the ATP Turbo test pipe, but probably referred to more as the ECS pipe
• assuming it's stainless, doesn't state though
• 3" inlet/outlet
• included hardware appears to be cheap (brass nuts?)
• can't tell if bungs and welds are stainless, look as if they may not be
• 1-year warranty

The RAI J-Bung is nice, but they sell that separately as well, along with another type of bung extension. Not sure why it's 2 pieces instead of bent and no warranty sucks although failure of a test pipe is pretty unlikely.
ECS/ATP one doesn't appear to be of the best quality, but again there are no complaints about it either. The Evolution pipe is nice, I'd say its the best overall, especially if you have an OEM (or 2.5") down pipe. If you'r going to upgrade to 2.75" or 3" exhaust in the future most kits include a down pipe and the Evo one might not be best.

I'm going to call all the shops Monday to clear up any questions and I'll update this again.

 

I went with the ER (evolution racewerks piece) Has a lifetime warranty and has the bungs and really nice welds. Don't forget to get some spark plug anti foulers so that you don't get any codes.

 

What about a new down pipe to go with it?

 

Don't order it from pro tuning lab...
They scammed me.
And are apparently sema certified.
Im still looking....
i think im gonna go with ecs tuning tho, pretty good deal.

 

Ill check ER one out, I actually haven't seen that one yet. I'd like to do the downpipe too but don't have the cash right now and figured that won't be as bad to install later. The only downpipe I've seen is the 034 motorsport one and I think that one's over $300, I'm trying to pay for college out of pocket right now so cash is tight. Plus it looks like audi is only going to cover half of the costs of my sludge repair since I don't have the oil change records because it blew two weeks after I bought it from the previous owner.

 

Sorry to hear about the sludge repair. RAI Motorsports out of Baltimore, MD has a really nice test pipe with a J-bung for the secondary O2 sensor that (supposedly) prevents a CEL without having to use spark plug anti-foulers. That said, I HAVE heard people saying that fitment can be an issue because of the added size of the J-bung. It's also right in your price range:

http://www.raimotorsport.com/B5-B6-A...i-acd-0001.htm

 

May be a dumb question, but what type of horsepower gains should you expect from getting the down pipe also?

Heres the ecs one
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...ipe/ES1844140/

Then just go buy anti fouler for 8$

I like the j bung tho.

 

I'm sure there's a few ponies to be gained by getting the down pipe as well, but i think its more a case of making everything work. As i recall, Brad HAD to get a downpipe to make his test pipe/exhaust fit together.

 

Oh.....
So it doesn't just bolt on to stock!

 

I sware your the reincarnation of Jesus i live an hour away and had no idea they existed and i did them bussiness by buying a timing belt kit!!