Test pipe or CAT????

[spoolinV6]

My stock cat is nearly deteriorated. Can definately feel the hesitation when I mash the throttle. From what i know i think the car is done with emissions testing in IL and was wondering if i should replace the old cat with a test pipe or stick with a high flow cat.

Will a test pipe with a closed dump be that much louder than a cat???

How about performance gains....test pipe vs. cat??

If i did go with a test pipe does anyone know where i can find one with a 3" inlet/ 3"outlet

Thanks

 

[NCTURBOS]

What downpipe are you running? If it's an intregal wastegate style try Red Armstrong (440)235-3232 for either the CAT or the cut-out. I know he used to have both.

There is a sound difference between the two, and the performance difference will be greater as you try to push more air through it.


K.

 

[spoolinV6]

im deciding on the kirban 3" DP or the 3" THDP....$185 vs. $400 (need some input on this!!!). I understand that the kirban design uses the stock elbow, just trying to decide if the THDP is really worth the $400.

As for the test pipe it would need to have a 3" inlet and a 2.5" outlet. So where else could i find test/dump pipes??

 

[turbojd]

I heard those Kirban 3" 2 piece downpipes leak alot where they are clamped, others will chime in on this. When I gutted my 3" catalytic converter it made the car slightly louder.

 

[NCTURBOS]

im deciding on the kirban 3" DP or the 3" THDP....$185 vs. $400 (need some input on this!!!). I understand that the kirban design uses the stock elbow, just trying to decide if the THDP is really worth the $400.

I've had both. My opinion save alittle longer and spend the $$$ on the THDP. I'm not really one to sell/install inferior parts to a car.


K.

 

[spoolinV6]

I've had both. My opinion save alittle longer and spend the $$$ on the THDP. I'm not really one to sell/install inferior parts to a car.


K.

Did you have any problems at all with the Kirban DP? Besides it being a little more restrictive than the THDP

 

[galoush]

hey spoolin with what you have now the 3 inch Downpipe isnt going to get you much , why dont you remove the cat already bad and gut it , a pipe and a hammer is about the only things your going to need then bolt it back up hollow .

 

[spoolinV6]

hey spoolin with what you have now the 3 inch Downpipe isnt going to get you much , why dont you remove the cat already bad and gut it , a pipe and a hammer is about the only things your going to need then bolt it back up hollow .

ya i thought of that too. Any other ideas for noticable mods??

 

[galoush]

Gutting the cat should make a noticable improvement , then run higher boost ( I dont know what you run now) I dont run one but some guys have alot of luck with the alcohol systems and pump gas , if you can run 21psi on the street vrs. 16psi your going to see more power . If your running boost levels with the chip only an adj stock type wastegate might be nice . Id get on that Cat first , take it off gut it then put it back on . My original car back in 95 had same mods as yours and with 20psi and a street chip ran 13 flat consistent on BFG TA street tires .....so with the cat taken care of and bost you can easily do the same.

 

[galoush]

When you do decide to get a bigger DP id go with the terry houston style , I see RJC makes them as im sure others , but id wait to do that with a bigger turbo

 

[spoolinV6]

so u think there wont be much of a difference between the stock DP and the kirban DP w/stock elbow.....

honest opinions please....if so i would rather spend the money some where else.

 

[scojack_2001]

I heard those Kirban 3" 2 piece downpipes leak alot where they are clamped, others will chime in on this. When I gutted my 3" catalytic converter it made the car slightly louder.

Had one on my WH1. It was leaking and it was hitting the A-arm setting off the knock sensor. Had it welded up and that took care of it. Also had it modified for a dump before the cat. Seemed to work good at the time. I gained 2psi on the dyno when I uncapped the dump...

I've had both. My opinion save alittle longer and spend the $$$ on the THDP. I'm not really one to sell/install inferior parts to a car.

K.

2nd that. Cant go wrong with a THDP or a TA downpipe. Both fit great and fit the first time. GBP pipe is also nice. Lot of choices out there.

so u think there wont be much of a difference between the stock DP and the kirban DP w/stock elbow.....

honest opinions please....if so i would rather spend the money some where else.

If it were me, I would go with a THDP or similar DP. Spend the money once. Kirbans doesnt offer a testpipe with his DP, only a cat. However, you can make one if you get a flange and a piece of pipe and can weld. DP and cat from Kirbans is ~$350, and I paid $439 for my THDP. Not a big difference in price.

If I were on a budget, I would get a stock-style 3" DP with a testpipe and a ported elbow. I have a Hooker testpipe I can send you if you want. It wasnt loud at all with the Hooker exhaust with no drone. THDP w/testpipe has a deeper note at idle and turbo is a little louder..

Just my .02