X-Mas downpipe?

[Italian Lunaticz]

Ok im thinking about getting a downpipe for my NA 93. I know theres a lot of threads on this topic but i wanna be sure before i have my rents throw money out there or myself if i decide to get it after x-mas. I've looked at 3sx and everything and the FAQ's. I just want to know anyone that has one whats the best type to get performance sound and price wise. Just wanted some input so i can pick one out soon and see if i can get it. Also the one on 3sx i thought was only 2.5 and i thought the best was at 3". They have ones on Ebay for half the price should i look into that? Any input helps. (P.S. Correct me if im wrong but the if i get an aftermarket downpipe it doenst replace the back cat it bolts on to that but can be replaced with the race pipe?) No cutting necessary right? Anyone have the race pipe and is it worth it?

[xXxRocker5150]

Umm I'm not sure about the race pipe, but it doesn't replace ur cats, and if you get a 3' pipe it'll add a little HP but kill ur low end torque, I'd go with the 3sx 2.5" piping, but then I'm telling you from what I've heard...

[Musashi3000GT]

Italian, you do not want a 3" on your car unless its turbo. The N/A needs backpreassure so going 3" will kill your performance. 2.5 is the max you can go without forced induction. also the race pipe replaces the cat. the test pipe and the race pipe are the same thing. the Down pipe is the piping between your header and your cat. the down pipe does not replace the cat cause it stops right at the cat. there was one down pipe that came with a race pipe installed and replaced the cat but it did specify "THIS WILL REPLACE YOPUR CAT" on it. I cant remember where I saw it.

[Italian Lunaticz]

Sounds good thanks for the info i guess i will def look into the 3sx or possibly e-bay didnt know 3" was only good for turbo thanks. One last question, most likely im gonna go for the 3sx downpipe and i can get the race pipe for the extra 40 bucks any idea if i should get the race pipe when i order? Also would it be possible to put the cat back on once the race pipe is installed incase of emission test? I know theres a high flow cat but its 250.00 and i dont want that anyway. Also same thing for the downpipe easy to put the stock back on once its off? Because when i sell the car im gonna put it back to stock.

[uncutnick3kgt]

<<<< has a 3sx downpipe and also the race pipe or test pipe....makes the car sound very good and also gives an extra little kick when ur on the freeway and floor it...

[Italian Lunaticz]

so im guessing its good for off a roll if your racing...what bout off the line?

[Im2Fast4U]

The N/A needs backpreassure so going 3" will kill your performance

Arrrggghhh... why do people keep insisting on that? Yes, 3" would be overkill but most of the whole backpressure myth, is just that, a myth. A n/a doesn't need anything bigger than 2.5", but 3" wouldn't "kill" your performance.

Yes, you can switch out the tp and put the cat back on for emissions. The tp will bolt on just like your cat does now (although getting the cat off in the first place can be a major PITA). I'm not sure about switching the dp... but if you're planning to sell the car anytime soon, why bother modding it? And if you're not selling it soon, then don't worry about it now . Oh and, for the most part, those high flow cats aren't worth the money.

[Igovert500]

I'd stear clear of ebay downpipes...unless it is a namebrand one being sold privately...with downpipes, if the fitment is off by a mere 2mm, it can be a serious PITA. So I'd go with the 3sx...a company that actually makes these things specific for our cars.

[Musashi3000GT]

Originally Posted by Im2Fast4U

Arrrggghhh... why do people keep insisting on that? Yes, 3" would be overkill but most of the whole backpressure myth, is just that, a myth.

REALY? a myth? we are all gentlemen here but try posting that on 3si and you'll get flamed. But seriously compare dyno sheets with a n/a 3s with 2.5 and one with 3 inch. and you'll see the power peak happens way later in the power band. essentially youll be sitting there hitting the gas and you car will be crawling up slowly untill it hits higher rpms.
it wont drop your hp but it just wont deliver it as quickly. perhaps you ment to say a "missconception" instead of "myth".

[xXxRocker5150]

Originally Posted by Musashi3000GT

Italian, you do not want a 3" on your car unless its turbo. The N/A needs backpreassure so going 3" will kill your performance. 2.5 is the max you can go without forced induction. also the race pipe replaces the cat. the test pipe and the race pipe are the same thing. the Down pipe is the piping between your header and your cat. the down pipe does not replace the cat cause it stops right at the cat. there was one down pipe that came with a race pipe installed and replaced the cat but it did specify "THIS WILL REPLACE YOPUR CAT" on it. I cant remember where I saw it.

Yea, that's what I meant in my original post, that the downpipe won't replace your cat, but the race/test pipe will, sorry if I didn't make that clear enough...

And also, I'm with Govert on the ebay thing: Buyer beware on ebay.

[Musashi3000GT]

Rocker, buddy youve been getting wise on cars man! you've learned alot in such a short while, I'll end up asking you for advise soon.

[Igovert500]

Originally Posted by Im2Fast4U

Arrrggghhh... why do people keep insisting on that? Yes, 3" would be overkill but most of the whole backpressure myth, is just that, a myth. A n/a doesn't need anything bigger than 2.5", but 3" wouldn't "kill" your performance.

I do agree that it is overemphasized...just like AWD drivetrain loss...people over exxagerate the facts. Listening to some, you would think once we hit 3rd gear we are slower than my 90 Accord...this is obviously not the case.

But the argument regarding loss of backpressure is applied physics. Yes some have gotten away with 3" catbacks...but if you opened an NA up that much with a 3"downpipe, test pipe, and 3" catback...I gaurentee you would notice a loss in low-end torque. The volume is opened up, therefore pressure is less--->slower exhaust velocity. If the exhaust velocity is lower, the engine isn't breathing any better, until you get to higher rpms where there is more airflow creating more pressure and bringing you back into you peak torque.

[Im2Fast4U]

REALY? a myth? we are all gentlemen here but try posting that on 3si and you'll get flamed.

Been a member there longer than I have here and most members there beleive the same thing... know why? Because it's the truth.

it wont drop your hp but it just wont deliver it as quickly.

So it doesn't "kill" HP, it just shifts your power range. Opening up your exhaust is almost always going to shift your power range. That's why you hear about 90% of people losing some low end torque when they upgrade their exhaust. You might lose some low end but you gain top end.

Igovert500, you're right. I realize some backpressure is needed (just not nearly as much as some people think) and as I said, 3" would be a bit of overkill for a n/a but so many people talk as if simple exhaust mods will make you lose all bp and kill performance. I've even heard people say that with a stock dp, stock cat and just open exhaust after that will have no bp and kill performance. I was just trying to state that people put waaayyyy too much emphasis on backpressure.

[Italian Lunaticz]

K thx guys helped me alot more then i needed if i get one im gonna go with 3sx

[Musashi3000GT]

I agree with what you said 2fast4you, I just thought that calling it a "myth" was inadequate. but yeah dude nothing personal. so what kind of exhaust set up do you have? I used a 2.5" cat back up to a Y split, then a 2 1/4" split to the muffler and I did feel a drop in low end. I havent done much engine work so hopefully once I hop on that I'll regain some low end again.