I have a 1995 integra, and i wanted to find out which is better for horsepower a test pipe for a straight pipe exhaust or a hi flow cat? I know that some hi flow cats do give you more power, BUT I dont know anything about a test pipe in power.

 

Before getting a test pipe, you should consider emissions. And considering that you live in CA, and emissions are really strict down there, I'd stick with a cat.

 

If you're getting a test pipe, Its not that much HP. Its not worth it. Stick with your regular cat or hi flow. Test pipe, is waaaay to loud IMO.

 

If you are not turbo you need a cat to provide you with some back-pressure. No back-pressure may reduce performance and may increase the chances of you burning valves. Stick with the high-flow cat.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cnydc2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> No back-pressure may reduce performance and may increase the chances of you burning valves. Stick with the high-flow cat. </TD></TR></TABLE>

isn't it the other way around?

 

you really don't have a choice there in CA. using a test pipe will cause you to fail smog testing. a high flow is a smarter choice anyways, smooths out the tones of the exhaust. the difference between a test pipe and a good high flow cat is minimal anyways.

 

after reading this topic i may be on my way to get a high flow cat as soon as i get my car back and i get a little cash flow. thanks guys

 

to me...it all depends on which one can you get cheaper...even if you live in CA doesn't mean you can't have a test pipe....when it comes to smog time again..you'll still have your stock one...

 

my friend has a testpipe.. its nice gain.. not too loud..

 

Test pipe is gonna make more power, but not enough to warrant getting an emmissions ticket, or the environmental damage caused.

With the way cops in Cali are these days, your chances of getting caught are just too high. If you are concerned just get a high flow cat, but like I said save yourself some money and a headache, and keep your cat on.

GOOD LUCK

 

i would get a hi flow cats....

if your on budget a ebay cat (resonated test pipe would work ok in the mean time)

much better choice than a test tipe...
wnt be raspy as one!

 

I shall give you my opinions on test pipe, its the best bang for the buck I had 2 1/4 inch pipe made for $50 cdn, good power up top around 4hp gain. I have mine coupled with a DC Sports catback exhaust, it is NOT loud at all, doesn't smell, no extra carbon build up on the exhaust tip, but the only disadvantage is that i do have that ricey exhaust note now. I don't know how often you have to go for emissions tests in Cali, but if its often, that don't bother as it will be a hassle to take it on and off.

 

i'm gonna try to get a audio clip of my cars exhaust and show you how mine sounds with a test pipe Skunk2 POWA!!

 

I have a 99 gsr with a test pipe and a tanabe hyper medallion muffler its sounds perfect and gives a little power over the stock cat and gives a noticable difference in power without it being too loud. I say go wiht the test pipe it has a better flow than a high flow cat.

 

I would go with a high flow cat or your stock one. test pipe and to strait pipe is to loud. the guy that had my teg before me cut out the cat and it is so loud and really rasspy! The emmision in cali are really strict. just stick with a high flow cat that increases HP.
DnA Motorsports

 

i have a 2.5'' high flow cat that i'd sell you for $65 + shipping. it's never even been out of the box. IM me if you want it.

 

Keep the cat. Dont pollute anymore than we have to. 1-2 HP is not worth it

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MITSUBA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I say go wiht the test pipe it has a better flow than a high flow cat.</TD></TR></TABLE>
no, it doesn't. a test pipe makes no noticeable gain, if any, over a high flow cat.
high flow cat is definately the way to go. a test pipe makes it sound a little more raspy and definately a little louder. you get a much better tone with a high flow cat. plus you can pass emissions with a high flow cat.

 

if you got caught with a test pipe from chp, i believe its an automatic impound or something like $800+ fines plus a trip to the state ref. I had many people warn me about that when I had my test pipe. I admit, the test pipe made a noticeable difference in sound and in performance on my 94 gsr. Only problem was, I wasnt doing any racing...I was basicallly just poluting just so I can have a little more power. I recommend just going with a high flow cat. You cant get in trouble for having one, and on most high flow cats, they are carb'd approved or they still will let your car pass smog. just my .02

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cnydc2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you are not turbo you need a cat to provide you with some back-pressure. No back-pressure may reduce performance and may increase the chances of you burning valves. Stick with the high-flow cat. </TD></TR></TABLE>

This is a myth, if you don't believe me, google 'backpressure myth' and let me know what you find.
Here is just one
http://www.miata.net/garage/Kn....html

That being said, exhaust gas velocity is important, not backpressure. You always want to reduce backpressure as much as possible, while also increasing gas velocity. That is why it is important not to have huge piping (3 inches) on a NA 4-cyl car (2.25 or 2.5 inches is preferred).

For your question, in Cali, I would go with a hi-flow cat, it's not worth it to worry about a ticket, impound, and killing my future kid's lungs just to have an extra 1hp. A test pipe will definitely outperform a stock cat, but a hi-flow cat will do just as well and be much more hassle free in terms of emissions.