Test Pipe

[AllAbouttheDriver]

Since I have the slowest 3sx ever (1997 base 164HP), I've done some research and getting a test-pipe to replace my cat seems to be the quickest path to more HP. (K & N FIPK & plugs on the way) Now I understand the smog issues, but for my '97 model, there are Pre-cats & o2 sensors in the same area & I just don't want the test-pipe to mess up any sensors or back pressure & end up giving me less HP. So is a '97 3sx bone-stock w/ just test-pipe ok?

[Thourun]

I think so, there aren't any sensors after the downpipe so it shoudl be ok, I've got one in the mail.

[Im2Fast4U]

You're a base model, you don't have pre-cats

And you'll be fine with a testpipe, but if you're doing that you might as well get a whole cat-back while you're at it. Don't buy one from a company, they way overprice. Just find a muffler you like (I reccomend Dynomax) and some tips and take it to an exhaust shop and have them put it all together however you want it. You should be able to get your whole cat-back (parts, piping and labor) for under $300 + $20-$30 for a tp and you'll be good to go.

[AllAbouttheDriver]

I understand that replacing a cat w/ test-pipe will make it louder + exhaust = too loud for me. I goin' for the "my car is all stock" look also. Thank you guys for the replies at this hour. I guess I wanna know if anyone has any horror stories from having a test-pipe. ie..... flames shooting out.

[Stealthee]

Originally Posted by Im2Fast4U

You're a base model, you don't have pre-cats

And you'll be fine with a testpipe, but if you're doing that you might as well get a whole cat-back while you're at it. Don't buy one from a company, they way overprice. Just find a muffler you like (I reccomend Dynomax) and some tips and take it to an exhaust shop and have them put it all together however you want it. You should be able to get your whole cat-back (parts, piping and labor) for under $300 + $20-$30 for a tp and you'll be good to go.

Some NA 3s's from 94-95 have precats and all 3s's, NA and TT have precats from 96-99.

[Im2Fast4U]

We're not just talking about N/As in general; yea alot of SLs and R/Ts have them but for base models, only the 99s had pre-cats (aside from some freak cars that may have them I guess, because that's always a possibility ). He's a 97 base model; only the main kitty

And just putting a testpipe on won't give you any flames or anything like that. And it won't make your exhaust all that loud, especially with the stock cat-back still on. But if you truly want to add some power, you're going to need a new cat-back and, depending on how you get your cat-back setup, the tp might be a bit loud then.

[Stealthee]

You are wrong my friend. My 94 SOHC has pre cats. 94-=95 Cali spec NA's have pre cats. Anything after 96 is OBD2 and considered Cali-spec so they ALL have precats, NA and TT. Go look at the dp section on 3sx. It will tell you I am right.

[Im2Fast4U]

Cali-specs don't count, they aren't realy cars. j/p.

agree to disagree and when in Rome....

[AllAbouttheDriver]

Expected HP increase with just test-pipe?

[Thourun]

For SOHC? Who knows lol, my guess would be 7hp, somone dynoed in a 20hp increase on a TT model ( it had intake and MBC but the 20hp was just from the test pipe).

[AllAbouttheDriver]

How about a "piggy back" device? I see so many advertised @ like 30 HP gains for our cars, but really........??

[Stealthee]

Originally Posted by Im2Fast4U

Cali-specs don't count, they aren't realy cars. j/p.

agree to disagree and when in Rome....

http://www.3sxperformance.com/exhaust-na.asp
A little down the page tells the stories on pre cats.

I am not going to let this one go. I dont want people to be misinformed. 94-95 Cali-spec and ALL 96-99 NA's have pre cats.

[Stealthee]

Originally Posted by Thourun

For SOHC? Who knows lol, my guess would be 7hp, somone dynoed in a 20hp increase on a TT model ( it had intake and MBC but the 20hp was just from the test pipe).

I knew I forgot to respond about something. When I put my test pipe in I felt a significant difference. I went from running 16.0 bone stock to 15.7 with just the test pipe. I would say it easily netted 10hp on my car.

[YogsVR4]

A .3 second drop on just 10hp? Judging hp gains on improved times is little more then best guess. I have no doubt that you felt the car pull harder, but I wonder how much it really gained.

[Stealthee]

I honestly have no clue. I just know that my car hasnt ran that fast since. Bad compression is killing me. I cant wait till the car is fixed and healthy again so I can take it to the track to get times with all my other mods.