no, if you just do a catback you do not need to get a tune. but then it may be too quiet without a test pipe or hi-flow cat. With those, it will make it louder. Also since in NJ they do not do a visual inspection, you will not have run a code if youre tuned at least. so in that case you would still pass emissions.

 

Got it. Thanks so much. I think I want to do the test pipe, but have to read up on tunes. I had someone tell me test pipes were illegal and could lead to huge fines. So that was the biggest deterrent originally.

 

Keep in mind your MPG's will nosedive when you tune, which is bad stock already lol. I'd personally suggest a drop in Cosworth filter and see if you want more power then. You can add that without a tune, then add an exhaust if you want more loudness. Honestly I think your car is louder than you realize. The 2014+ have a less restrictive exhaust than previous years. After adding a test pipe the stock exhaust sounds good enough to not bother with an aftermarket imo.

 

I think if you get a cobb accessport you can use one of the OTS maps with the testpipe.

i would think MPG's would increase after a tune since they're leaning it out more?

 

I found that to be the case with my STi in the EVO it doesn't seem as such. On a long trip you can highway cruise and get decent, but city driving doesn't seem to be very efficient at all and worse after tune with same driving style.

We didn't buy an economy car though so there is that.

 

Thanks Napalm! I'm not worried about the MPG but definitely good to know. And honestly, the power isn't a concern either. I just want more sound.

Hmm? You really think its louder than I think? I was thinking about that too. Feels like it sounds so docile. I would like some rumble. Are you saying I can add just a test pipe to the stock exhaust? If so, wouldn't that require a tune?

Thanks so much!

I will try to look into that, thank you. Really knew to Japanese imports but will see if searching the forum gives me some more information.

 

I spoke to my tuner regarding a test pipe. Right now I have a high flow cat and tuned. I talked to him about making more power, he advised to get rid of my HFC and to get a test pipe. They have tested that the test pipe makes approx. 35+hp than the HFC does. It will smell like fuel, but you can never go wrong with more power. Hope this helps.

 

My MPG is definitely better now at full bolt-ons than it was stock.

You can add a test pipe to the stock exhaust, but you NEED to tune for it. It will make it louder, that's for sure.

 

I don't believe this. Who is your tuner and what test pipe and hfc did he compare? ETS told me they only see a 5-10hp difference between an hfc and test pipe.

 

yeah imo MPG is better with a tune than running the super rich tune it comes with

 

So everyone who does an exhaust with a test pipe gets a tune? What happens if you don't?

 

Alright so I run a dc sports test pipe on my car. The sound difference was negligible imo but I was running a borla catback exhaust before I did that install so I think the borla already has made up the sound of the car. The test pipe is technically illegal where I live but I dont really care you think some average beat cop who pulls you over would know the difference when your speeding? Sense you no longer have a cat to restrict though if the wind is coming from behind you at a stoplight or something you can definitely smell your exhaust. I also just keep my stock cat for emissions test. I mean its a simple four bolt install so taking it out once a year to pass emissions really isnt that much of a hassle. As far as the tune is concerned you will need to get it tuned with a test pipe but from my understanding its because without the cat its gonna pop a check engine light.

 

A test pipe requiring a tune is more about breaking **** from running too lean.

 

Great great post. Thank you!!! Lot of helpful information. Sounds like the test pipe didn't change sound much for you, and just the CB did enough. I just want sound. Its why I want to do an exhaust, sound..and to lose the ugly stock tips. Thanks for the info. Didn't know test pipe meant running into a check engine light as well. Appreciate your help!

 

Thanks for that info too! So no test pipe for me..just catback. I'm going to hope the exhaust note improves significantly with just a catback no test pipe. Thank you!