anyone regret getting test pipes?

[wyatth]

I think the issue is the bracket on the OE pipe is in the way of a clamp.
I am not welding every 2 years. I will only do stage 2 with an aftermarket x-pipe (but then the cost-benefit analysis is not as exciting), when a spare OE x pipe comes up, or if there are bypass pipes that make clamping cats possible.

[Scharbag]

I regret installing test pipes and I am welding my cats back in on Thursday. The smell is not the main issue but I prefer not to have more odour. It is the sound that I dislike the most. Too raspy for my liking when you press the throttle pedal aggressively.

In the future, I will find a good x-pipe with HFCs and resonators.

Cheers,

[monterey]

when people say raspy, I don't really know what they mean.

[wyatth]

Originally Posted by Scharbag

I regret installing test pipes and I am welding my cats back in on Thursday. The smell is not the main issue but I prefer not to have more odour. It is the sound that I dislike the most. Too raspy for my liking when you press the throttle pedal aggressively.

In the future, I will find a good x-pipe with HFCs and resonators,

Thanks for this honest feedback. Can you detail what your setup was, and what’s next for you?
I thought HFC x-pipes and bypass pipes w/ stock secondaries would sound and smell similarly.

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by wyatth

Thanks for this honest feedback. Can you detail what your setup was, and what’s next for you?
I thought HFC x-pipes and bypass pipes w/ stock secondaries would sound and smell similarly.

I have a Dinan rear section with EAS test pipes on a stock mid-pipe. It sounds fine when just driving around but if you trounce the loud pedal, the increase in raspiness and sound volume are not my cup of tea.

So I am going back to a stage 1 tune and stock x-pipe. In the future, I might try to get a good X-Pipe with HFCs and resonators. The smell really is not that bad and does not bother me. I just need something that does not have the raspy sound that test pipes bring for my daily driver.

Cheers,

[Iyzmi]

Originally Posted by monterey

when people say raspy, I don't really know what they mean.

It's tough to describe a sound, but I'd say rasp is a sharp, high-pitched, aggressive "race car" noise. You'll know it when you hear it. The test pipes add rasp above 3.7k RPM when you're on the throttle. I can understand how some people wouldn't like it in their DD, but it's very easy to control with your right foot. When I'm cruising around town there is hardly any difference but when I am on the throttle I like being able to hear the exhaust in all its glory so I appreciate the spicey note added by test pipes.

I'm running one of the loudest and most controversial setups out there: ACM mod + non-resonated test pipes. It sounds epic, one of the best possible exhaust setups IMO though most people seem to think it's too aggressive. To be clear, it is only loud and aggressive when you want it to be. It's nearly as quiet as stock at idle and during normal driving. No regrets.

[Dave07997S]

I have no regrets. As far as raspiness goes it is going to depend on the rear section as well. Test pipes on a OEM Xpipe that hasn't been further molested shouldn't have any real rasp with a proper rear section. Keep in mind a "race" rear section is meant really for an OEM midsection. You do test pipes and remove the front cats it will be very aggressive and raspy. Thats why a lot of people who go with the BMW MPE don't really like this exhaust with test pipes. Yet the MPE by itself sounds glorious.

I have a Megan rear section with test pipes and other wise OEM midsection and I have little to no rasp.

Dave

[M3 Number 86]

Just weld a few inches of piping onto the stock cats when you cut them out and make it into a "slip on".

[furry]

My car came with test pipes and ACM exhaust mod. While I love the way I can modulate the sound and volume I think I've gotten used to the smell (i can only smell it when the car is stationary). However I sometimes drive with my toddler in the car and am a bit concerned about fumes - primarily in stop and go traffic or at traffic lights.

[Honda]

If you have a loud rear section (race or even sport version), I wouldn't do Test pipes. It is too raspy for my liking. I honestly don't see how the sound is good to some people.

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by Honda

If you have a loud rear section (race or even sport version), I wouldn't do Test pipes. It is too raspy for my liking. I honestly don't see how the sound is good to some people.

Yup.

Welded my cats back in and what a difference. Rasp is gone and I do not feel like such a tit when I roll on the throttle.

Cheers,

[thatg]

Has anyone gutted their primary cats instead of welding test pipes. Im in californina and wondering if you stuck some spacers/bungs to get rid of the the cel and pass the smog test.

[monterey]

Originally Posted by thatg

Has anyone gutted their primary cats instead of welding test pipes. Im in californina and wondering if you stuck some spacers/bungs to get rid of the the cel and pass the smog test.

those smog guys are trained to look for the spacers. I was fully stock and the guy was under my car with a flashlight for 5 mins. I dont know what he was looking for lol.

[///mawana]

The smell is not for everyone.

[monterey]

I haven't noticed any change in smell fortunately.

[8500RPM]

Bought my car with test pipes and OEM mod, sounds great!

[nycplumber]

I have test pipes now but I'm considering switching to a fully catless x pipe with resonators for some more sound. Has anyone done this and regretted it later on?

[monterey]

Does the test pipe suppose to hang lower than the stock cats? I can't tell if it's starting to droop because it doesn't have a hanger or is it just made to hang lower.

[MPower7]

Originally Posted by monterey

Does the test pipe hand lower than the stock cats? I'm starting to scrape at work.

It's happening to me too.

[Route 16]

I regretted it probably by the 2nd week of having it, essentially because of the smell. I was very close to putting my 2ndary cats back just to remove the smell. But after more than a month I've relearned my driving habits and how to park to avoid the lingering smell in the garage. Also bought a stanley blower fan for $50 at home depot to help the smell flush out. I love my test pipes and definitely here to stay.

[wyatth]

There’s no gain from removing secondaries, so why not put them back in? Dealing with [some of] the smell for no reason.

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by Route 16

I regretted it probably by the 2nd week of having it, essentially because of the smell. I was very close to putting my 2ndary cats back just to remove the smell. But after more than a month I've relearned my driving habits and how to park to avoid the lingering smell in the garage. Also bought a stanley blower fan for $50 at home depot to help the smell flush out. I love my test pipes and definitely here to stay.

What am I missing here and I'm not trying to be a wise ass Ngilbe36 I promise. (I just like getting Nick involved sometimes lols) I have two vehicles, one with test pipe the other with HFC. For a fact others can smell both of my cars from behind. I however cannot smell their stock exhaust vehicles from behind. And from behind I mean while driving.

I have never smelled the exhaust from either of my vehicles while stationary and sitting in my cars or standing outside of them.

So I have to assume that if you are smelling exhaust from your driver seat that you have an exhaust leak. There is no reason that carbon monoxide is being pumped into the interior of the car just because the cats have been removed. The exhaust should still flow freely from the block to the tail pipes. Removing cats doesn't change how the exhaust is routed.

I understand if you back into a garage you will smell your exhaust but I do not believe some of you are referring to that as THE issue.