I was lurking in the 5th gen forum and saw that Justin removed his Cat and replaced with a "test pipe" for a 7.5 hp gain:

"I got 7.5hp to the wheels just by removing the after cat.It didnt cost me a thing so im happy i would recommend this mod to everyone.Im pleased,and think its worth it."

Does anyone know where one could get a test pipe for a 4th gen for a fair price (like $25-35)? Has anyone done this?

 

I have one that i dont use. Uncle Max was interested in it at one point, i dont know what happened there I dont remember anyways.. but mines been sittin in the garage for a long time

 

If it would fit a 95 Maxima, I'd be interested. Why didn't you ever install it? Does it bolt onto the ajacent exhaust piping or does installing require wleding? I saw a guy on ebay selling these for 24.99 +$6 shipping. Let me know. Thanks.

 

Something like this, check the attach file. If you have an o2 sensor after the cat, it will trip the check engine light. My 1999 ca-spec doesn't have one =)

 

Don't know if I have an O2 sensor after Cat. I have a 95. I will check later in the week when I get my Y pipe

 

If you have a 95, you do have an O2 sensor at the cat. The check engine will come on for awhile and might go away few weeks later.

 

does it make the car any louder too? i have a 97, does anyone know if there is an O2 sensor? i like this cheap mod.

 

ATTEN: OgreDave

If you havent already gotten someone to take the pipe off your hands I will for $15. Also do you have the gaskets for it and also the nuts?

Chris

 

There a guy selling these on ebay (or he was a week ago) for 24.99 + shipping. I believe it included gaskets, etc but not 100% sure. I was just curious as to whether it created a power gain.

Now the check engine light thingy-if the idiot light goes on b/c of O2 sensor probs, do I lose power because of the computer being screwed up?

 

We get lots of request to do test pipes. I recently received an email response from the California Air Resource Board CARB regarding Californias policy on test pipes.

Quote:
"California's anti-tampering law does not forbid the advertising of aftermarket emission related devices, however, it requires the ad to carry a disclaimer, if the device has not been exempted by the Air Resources Board. The following are acceptable disclaimers: (1) "Not legal for sale or use in California"; (2) "Not legal for sale or use in California on any pollution controlled motor vehicle"; (3) "Legal in California only for racing vehicles which may never be used upon a highway." Advertising and sale of an emission related device that has not been exempted by the Air Resources Board is prohibited under Vehicle Code Section 27156 and carry a maximum penalty of $2,500"

That being said Federal EPA emissions law say the test pipe and or bypass pipe violates Federal law and the applicator is subject to a fine of up to $10,000. They say the off-road or racing application criteria is not acceptable for the application of a test or bypass pipe. This EPA book makes for pretty boring reading but Dan and I don't look good in stripes so we read it anyway.

We have found there is about a 6-7% reduction in flow using a catalytic converter vs a straight piece of pipe, I believe that a 7%HP increase just from taking one off is a little high unless the old one was plugged up or partially plugged up. You can take a converter off and should be able to see light through it, if you can't it should be replaced.

Dallas

 

Since you guys are all interested, ill take pics, and post it in the for sale section sometime tomorrow (i hope) .. it doesn't include anything but the pipe. Gaskets you're supposed to buy new, the ones they use are the kind that snap shut when hot, and stay shut.. tho you could reuse your old ones. (i did once, but when the catback went on, i used all new ones)

It looks sorta like the one above (1MAX2NV) .. but i dont remember it being that shiny. You'll see tomorrow anyways. Best offer takes, i guess..

Also, im not using it because i went with the RT cat which was supposed to help keep the greddy from dronin.. (really? i couldnt tell ) .. i dont mind the greddy as-is.. but ive heard gutted cars (similar to test pipes) .. they're pretty loud.. (how do you think those lil 4bangers get v8 db ?? )

 

of a guy who makes test pipes for the Max. He will make you one ...here's what he told me
" i can make one for you all i need is the
length of your stock catalysts,24.95+8.00 shipping thanks."
His email is Mufflerdeals@aol.com . I may email him if I can figure out my O2 sensor thingy and measure my cat length. If anyone knows the measurement and how to rig the O2 sensor, let me know. Thanks.