Well I am upgrading my FMI and exhaust next month but I was wondering about the test-pipe. There is no longer a cat with this setup correct? Which would also leave the car incapable of passing emissions like say here in Virginia, right? Anyone running a test-pipe with a high-flow cat further down the exhaust? Thinking 034 setup 3" but also want this to pass emissions due to the fact that this is my commuter...

STUPID NOOB... Any input would be appreciated!

 

test pipe always means removing cat. Just posted in the other thread that you can have the stock one made to fit either a testpipe or have one custom made using the stock cat. The stock cat is a high flow and can be opened to 3".

 

i dont see the point of having a test pipe with a cat down the line. Just call Labree and have them weld up a high flow cat. It will yeild you similar power and save you the headache of failing emissions.

 

The thing is, the cat isnt the restriction, the diam of the piping is. Opening the stock cat to 3" along with the piping you wont have a restriction anymore. Like said in the other thread, you will only be sacraficing a mere 1-2whp on a stock turbo setup running a stock cat.

 

From what I understand from Brent at Labree, they have two DPs for our cars and one is street legal but doesn't flow any different than our stock cat and they also have a race/test pipe that will not pass SMOG tests anywhere.
If you can open up the stock cat to 3" like you say, then I think I will do that because I plan on running the -one off- 3" exhaust system.

 

You cant pass emissions without a cat. The o2 sensor will send the ecu a code and you will fail. You can get a chip that has a file that keeps the cel from coming up, but you still have the "cat below efficientcy code".

 

Understood. Thanks cincyTT