I have a mostly stock X with just a K&N cone filter, and an AMS base flash. I wont have money for a while for my cp-e dual tip catback, but i was thinking about putting on a 3" test pipe to remove the cat. Has anyone done this? is there a difference in sound? what about performance? I would expect the turbo to spool a little easier. I know the stock catback will be the bottleneck, but i was just wondering what difference a test pipe would make, if any, with my base flashed X.

 

I was going to put on the AMS DP and a T1R resonated TP, then the rest be the stock exhaust. It will open everything up. Until I have the extra funds for the catback exhaust.

I think if you would change the DP and TP and keep the rest stock, you will be fine and I'm sure you will have gains, but not as much as CBE that would be more free flowing.

 

i did this with a UR resonated test pipe for a good couple of months, and i also had a downpipe as well, it was little deeper but still sounded stock i could really tell when i was cruising on the highway it was a lil louder inside, but performance the turbo spooled a lil quicker but nothing crazy and it was a little faster but just remember the free'er it flows the faster it goes hah so good luck

 

Ok cool. That is pretty much what i wanted to hear. looks like i will be rocking a test pipe on the stock catback for a while! I figured the sound wouldn't change too much, but being a little deeper will be good. also, bolting in another 10hp or so will definitely make the low price of a test pipe worth while. thanks!

 

Also did a test pipe and AMS base flash before I got the Perrin CBE. The test pipe, from Ichiba and installed by the Touge Factory guys, added a decent amount. On the butt dyno mind you. A bit raspier and definitely stinkier while sitting at red lights. You'll see.

 

minor raspiness! love it. cant wait to get my test pipe. maybe i'll make a subtle suggestion for a bday gift from my gf

 

got the test pipe with the factory resonator and no muffler and man it sounds good deep growl, very throaty i recommend not adding a muffler just keep the resonator on there and you will be laughing

 

I have had the UR O2 downpipe/test pipe with stock exhaust for a while now. Great power gains and as quiet as stock. I am building my exhaust soon. I have an FP Red for now.

 

You don't want to put a 3" testpipe to a 2.5" exhaust.

 

is anyone aware of any vids or sound clips of a test pipe being used with the stock catback? i've done a lot of searching, but haven't been able to find anything.

 

buddy i have an 08 mr the only thing "exhaust wise" that i changed was the test pipe for now ,
i would say its a sound upgrade but dont buy a test pipe for sound it doesnt change enough for you to even notice the befor and after ,
1/4 mile wise i changed from 13.6 to 13.1 with about the same conditions so....!
get a cat!

 

Yeah, I put a TP in because I wanted to run a WBO2.

I don't notice any change in exhaust note, at idle, partial, or WOT.

Of course, I'll eventually replace the rest of the exhaust, but one thing at a time. Tuning with ECUFlash demanded WB logging!

 

i didn't expect there to be much of a difference in sound. if it isn't enough of a difference to make a video worthwhile...then i guess that answers my question, lol. i was thinking about doing a test pipe first, with the intention of doing a full TBE at some point. I am mostly concerned with performance gains, and i know the stock cat is quite a bottleneck. i'll see how the financial situation goes. if possible, i'll get a catback/testpipe combo at the same time.