Swoop0069

Hi everyone im new here, I have a question about test pipes... I would like to know if there are any advantages putting one on... The Vtech has been built up some it has 180 hp... I don't know much about this engine other than what I was told... All i know is that it is fast and runs great... The person I bought it from gave me pipes and said it would boost the engine but I would need a test pipe... Any thoughts????

Swoop

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Wut? Are you intentionally speaking nonsense, or do you not actually know what you're talking about?

Swoop0069

Not intentionally speaking nonsense

Vehicle I just got has a '99 civic Vtech engine. Previous owner gave me an extra exhaust pipe that he said I could use to replace the one installed on the car. He said that I would need to add a "test pipe" in order to install it. I did some searching for "test pipe" online and am guessing that the test pipe takes the place of catalytic converter.

Is that right?
Any advantages/disadvantages to changing out the existing exhaust?
Will it change performance?
I read it may cause issues with triggering engine light, is that true?

New to working on Hondas but familiar with working on big blocks.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

I didn't know a kid's toy company made engines.

Answering your questions in order, no, no, no, and maybe.

TomCat39

Hi and welcome to Honda Tech.

I am a lot more easy going than some on this forum. Then again, we are raised in an oppressive environment so to expect anything less at this point is frivolous.

I understand you are new to Honda's so I will kindly let you know it's called VTEC short for Variable Timing Engine Control. Many take offense to the acronym being misspelled. VTECH usually makes phones in my part of the world.

So Yes, the test pipe is to "replace" the catalytic converter. The test pipe is just to allow better pass through of the exhaust over the stock catalytic converter. It also puts out much more toxic fumes from the car.

You are better off to get a high flow catalytic converter. From my understanding Random Technology makes high quality high flow catalytic converters for our cars. This reduces the power loss insignificantly while keeping your car a lot more environmentally friendly.

You may want to measure the output diameter of the collector part of the header you've been given (the part that connects to the front of the catalytic converter) and then measure the input diameter of the entrance of the cat back exhaust. With this information, I'm sure random technology can get you a bolt on high flow cat that fits your exhaust properly giving you the best of both worlds.

If the engine is built for 180 WHP a larger exhaust could provide more but it would most likely require a retune. More than likely the ECU is chipped and tuned to the motor as the stock ECU would not provide 180 WHP on a stock SOHC 1.6 liter. 180 WHP would be the Integra Type R from japan motor and ECU which is a DOHC engine. Even then I'm not sure if that would be WHP or just crank HP.

Cheers

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Translation: Go read the FAQ sticky. A lot.

em2boy36

what a dumb thread..... -_____-

TomCat39

And that helps make it more intelligent how?

And for those in the know, I know my acronym for VTEC isn't technically exact but it's basically the same thing and fits way better than Honda's real acronym which should be VVTELC if it's to be complete. I find mine is easier to remember and gives the same basic understanding once you know how it operates. And it promotes proper spelling of the acronym.

Figured I better throw that out there before someone gets OCD technical on it and holds it against me.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

VTEC - Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control.

MatteBLK

This is not intended as a flame, but just a little education lesson. Saying stuff like, I am familiar with big blocks and do not know what test pipe does kinda set a flare off...

I'm sorry, I was new to cars once before and didn't know jack. Now that's changed. But to ramble on when the question could have been so much simpler then kinda throwing garbage into a question, holy face palm...

This is like driving a Mustang GT and throwing on a Nissan GTR badge on the back of it, we get it, you like the realm but really learn from the pro's then ramble some garbage.

HondaPartsHero

Just a note when making a thread list your year, make, model, mods, ECU, etc.

Pros:
1. Slight HP increase, mostly at higher RPM's

Cons:
1. Illegal in the US to remove your cat
2. If you're using an OBD2 ECU it will throw a check engine light for secondary 02
3. Raspy exhaust note (this is opinion if it sounds good or bad but IMO it sounds tin cannish at best)
4. Will fail visual inspection in most if not all state emissions inspections (I'm assuming this is the case in Canada as well?)

09chaplak

It'll throw a P0420 like every other day, it'll also give it that old car gas smell. The pro's do not outweigh the con's in this instance.

B serious

iTrader: (1)

I don't think OP is interested anymore.

But..."what type of VTECH engine is this?" would be a good question to start.

Followed by "why does it make 180WHP?"

Glad we got that VTEC/VTECH thing squared away once and for all, though. Bet nobody else ever makes that mistake again.

None of the OP's post makes sense or can actually be answered without much more detail.

Its too bad that a majority of threads go this way. OP provides a nonsense post and either gets scared off by:
-an e-beat down
-anyone asking more than 2 questions to clarify their intent.

Or they were just trolling to get a rise out of people.

It's like craigslist up in this motha.

TomCat39

That's funny.

Then again so is Honda's cryptic VVTELC.

B serious

iTrader: (1)

Well...they shouldn't use "LIFT" at all if thats thr full acronym for VTEC. Not all VTEC motors have variable lift.

I thought it was Valve Timing with Electronic Control. Dunno where the whole VVELLVEETAVUUVUZELLA came from.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

Don't ask me, it's Honda's acronym

OP's questions were answered, even with his nonsensical post. They also could have been answered by reading the FAQ sticky.

Former User

OP, if you return, add this^ to your first post.

09chaplak

I'm not always bored but when I am, I spend my time trying to figure out Honda acronyms. Stay VTEC'ed my friends.

billyem1junki

Nice I love it