A few questions for you guys. I hope these haven't been done too much. From what I understand, the 2002 exhaust system is very free flowing. I don't want to waste a ton of cash for an exhaust system to net 5 hp. So, I figure the only thing keeping the exhaust held back is the cat. I don't have to worry about emissions in my area so I was going to order a test pipe and install it instead of a complete catback (~5 hp) or y-pipe (apparently almost useless on the 2002s). I know that custommaxima and budget offer test pipes. Do any other company's offer them? Also, how much does the budget test pipe run (for those of you who have bought one? Finally, do you guys think that it is a wise choice for me to go this route. Another thing, I don't like a loud exhaust. Thanks.

 

Oh yeah. Forgot to add. I'm not really interested in the rt cat either.

 

If you keep everything else stock, it shouldn't make much more noise. You can just get one with a resonator (custommaxima) or see if budget offers theirs with one if you want it as quiet as possible.

 

It wont make your car louder at all. I have the CM pipe and its nice.

 

Just get a $35 testpipe and call it a day

 

I've got the CM resonated straight pipe. No increase in exhaust noise. Prolly not more than 1 hp increase, though. Not really worth it if there's a chance of emisions inspection, though. IF you get caught without the cat, the fines can be pretty stiff....

 

So, from what I am hearing, modding the exhaust of a 2002 is a losing venture. Is it safe to say that the cost of modding the exhaust is more than the benefit?

 

For the 2k2+ it seems to be. The 2k-2k1s respond much better to exhaust mods.

 

 

The CM cat replacements aren't loud cuz they have a resonator on them. But if you get a test pipe it's more free flow. Nothing restricting airflow. Your exhaust will get a lil more raspy..

 

I have a 97 maxima SE. I had the CM test pipe with resonator installed today. Wanted to see what it would do for myself. I have (y and b pipe, jwt popcharger, and aftermarket muffler) I took out on the road and it sounded much the same, but not exactly. Did not get all whacky loud . I guess its because of the CM built in resonator. As for as performance, I notice the engine seemed free, and in the high rpms of each gear she was really climbing. For my car i think its great, and I feel a tiny bit more acceleration. Its harder for me to believe anyone who says the didnt feel a bit more, i would suspect there setup is different or something.

bottom line: i would at least try it. i wouldnt mess with a high flow cat

 

The responses have been pretty consistent in the org-
that the 5hp u get from any exhaust setup 2k2-2k3's
comes from an aftermarket B-pipe