Will a shop install a test pipe?

[Snorman]

Years ago, I guess after swapping out H-pipes on my Mustangs a few times, I developed a hate for exhaust work.
I know that in many cases, shops won't install aftermarket H-pipe on 'Stangs if they aren't equipped with cats. In some cases, they won't even weld up a catback if the car doesn't have cats.
I've got a new test pipe sitting in my garage, but I haven't yet built up enough desire to go out, lay on my back under the car in the driveway, and wrestle with a corroded DP and cat for hours on end.
I'm wondering if a local muffler shop (or Ron's Custom Auto ), would throw it on for me.
S.

 

[Mr URL]

Most places won't cause it's against the law. Try asking them directly (quietly) and see.

 

[6=8]

What about some interchangability?

I've given this a little thought, and one way around it might be to have the shop install both a cat and test pipe. Make them interchangeable, so when it is race time, you can add the test pipe. When it is "Street Time", add the cat. I imagin having a flange added to the down pipe as well as the exhaust system is in order for a bolt-on deal.

When you leave the shop, have them install the cat with your test pipe, pre fit, in the trunk... No breaking the law. You can swap in the test pipe or gutted cat later on your own time for "Offroad Use Only."

When it's smog/registration time, no worries!

Anyone else done something like this?

 

[DCVING 6]

I went to this muffler shop where we had a few club meetings at to hang my Hooker system. I explained to the guy that it had a test pipe with it, and i was going to hollow out my stock cat to wrap around it later. I had my dad drop my car off because it was like 10 minutes from his work. Well the guy says he won't do it and that a cat needs to go on. So my dad says put one on. They guy charged me $300 for a "high flow" converter. I was pissed, but there was nothing I could do. They had to weld a flange on it to fit my hooker exaust, so they couldn't take it back. And my dad ok'd the work.

I got a new downpipe, and it is flanged. So I am having my cat and testpipe flanged so I can swap them out when the need arises.

 

[victa1]

Some shops, if your a good customer, will do it for you. But if you decide to squeal, they (rightly!) "won't know you".

 

[Roger]

I found a shop that would cut off the corroded bolts & use baling wire to hold it together so I could take it home & install the "new converter I had at home"

 

[JToups386]

I've found mixed replies from different shops over the years. As the EPA rules have become more stringent, the willingness of shops has decreased. As in most cases, it's best to know someone in the business, or find a "friend of a friend"... As someone else mentioned above, you should get it fixed with a flanged cat, that you can remove and replace with a dump pipe, until time to get inspected. Legally, they cannot touch anything that modifies the cat, unless it's custom work on a track-only vehicle. We all have to find ways around the rules in this situation, as there are no set guidelines of who will do what...

 

[turbojimmy]

I couldn't even get my local Meineke to install a high flow cat on my Typhoon because it didn't have an EPA certification "card" with it. The local Midas did it, though, no questions asked.

You can probably find someone to do it, but realize you're asking them to break the law. The fine is $10,000 for a shop caught doing it.

Jim

 

[305turbo]

Than god I live in Saskachewan, Canada. took my car in for new mufflers and found I had a headder leak.They dident care if it dossent smoke then it is fine with my cops.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

"...one way around it might be to have the shop install both a cat and test pipe. Make them interchangeable, so when it is race time, you can add the test pipe. When it is "Street Time", add the cat. I imagin having a flange added to the down pipe as well as the exhaust system is in order for a bolt-on deal.

When you leave the shop, have them install the cat with your test pipe, pre fit, in the trunk... No breaking the law. You can swap in the test pipe or gutted cat later on your own time for "Offroad Use Only."

When it's smog/registration time, no worries!

Anyone else done something like this?"

Yes, I had a muffler shop do just this with my last T. Had a "bell" (is that what it's called?) welded onto my downpipe with a three bolt retainer captured behind it. Then had the cat also modified to accept this same type of retainer. With a large, soft aluminum gasket in the middle. Also had a test pipe made the same. I still have that downpipe and the cat, but my new T has a 3" d/p instead of the 2 3/4". And I've been fighting with my new cat/test pipe for months! I'm now using a slip fit from the d/p to the test pipe/cat. What a PITA!!