Although I've been driving for many years, I'm a bit new to the whole sports car thing, so pardon the newb questions. New to this forum also. (my knowledge base is deeper in motorcycles).

Last year I bought a 2003 Honda S2000, and have installed the K&N FIPK intake, and the T1R-70 Sparrow dual exhaust. These changes made a noticeable improvement in both performance and sound. I'm now considering finishing the job by adding a 70mm header and a 70 mm test pipe, although I'm not certain if I really want to do this because:

a. I understand biannual vehicle inspections would require the cat to be in place to pass (not thrilled with the idea of having to crawl under the car and do a swap, even if it is only once every other year)

b. I'm a little concerned from the ethical standpoint of removing the cat, (pollution), just to get a perceived improvement in performance.

So, my question is this: should I complete the job, or leave it as is? Why?

 

Do it, although its more pollution, it is nothing compared to the amount of CO2 factories are pumping into the air.

 

it's a noticeable gain from a test pipe, but no-one but you can decide an ethics based question.

i'm not sure anyone will really care what you do...

 

If you are worried about ethics and the environment, then don't put a test pipe on there. Get a 70mm high-flow cat instead.

And I don't know if there is a header out there w/ a 70mm collector. I could be wrong. I used a header with a 63mm (2.5") collector and then a 70mm (2.75") high-flow cat and 70mm dual exhaust.

 

I wasn't aware of a high-flow cat!! Just Googled it... looks like the ad suggests 'best of both worlds'. So, with one of these, I'll pass the vehicle inspection test, and will pollute less than a TP, yes? If so, looks like this may be the answer for me.

Two days on this forum, and I've already learned something. Thanks!

 

I would go with the hi-flow cat but not the header. Our cars haven't seemed too make much difference with the aftermarket headers.

 

got any pics of your current setup?

 

tp ftw

 

who was this directed to?

 

Pardon me, English please?

 

Test Pipe For the Win = TP FTW

I run J's Racing header into a high flow cat to a Tanabe Hyper Medallion Exhaust. It sounds great, the butt dyno says its faster, and I still pass emissions.

 

The header probably wont net you much power, just like the rest of the mods. In fact usually headers lose power in some spots to gain it in others. I say leave the stock cat and stock header and use that $$ elsewhere. Like on some nice tires or track time with the car.