When it comes to modifying a car, there are a ton of different options to choose from. One popular modification is installing test pipes (or cat delete pipes as they are also commonly referred to). But what are they? What do they do? And most importantly, are they road legal and will they cause your car to fail an emissions test?
In this blog post, we will answer all of those questions and more.
The Problem With Factory Exhaust Systems
As anyone who has ever driven a sports car knows, one of the most frustrating things about them is their restrictive factory exhaust systems.
Most sports cars come with a catalytic converter as standard, and this is the biggest restriction of exhaust flow.
Exhaust flow rate is one of the limiting factors when it comes to the amount of power the engine can produce and makes the car sound much quieter than it should.
Many people upgrade their exhaust system to get rid of these restrictions, but it can be expensive and time-consuming switching out various parts for aftermarket kit.
So Why Are Factory Exhaust Systems So Restrictive?
The main reason is emissions. Catalytic converters are designed to reduce the amount of harmful gases that your car produces, and this is why they are required by law in many countries.
While they do make your car cleaner, they also have a major impact on performance.
There are ways to get around the restrictions of a catalytic converter and one of the most popular ways to do this is to install “test pipes” on the car.
What Are Test Pipes?
A test pipe is a piece of straight piping that replaces the catalytic converter. Test pipes are much more free-flowing than a standard catalytic converter and can improve the performance of a car. There are several reasons why you might want to install a test pipe.
Less Restrictive Exhaust Flow
One of the main reasons to install a test pipe is for the improved exhaust flow. By removing the catalytic converter, you allow the exhaust gases to flow more freely through the system.
This can lead to increased power and torque as well as improved fuel economy.
Reduce Weight
Another advantage of test pipes is that they are significantly lighter than catalytic converters. This can lead to a reduction in weight which can improve acceleration and the way a car handles.
Improved Sound
Test pipes often give cars a deeper and more aggressive sound due to the increased flow of exhaust gases. If you’re looking for a way to make your car stand out from the crowd, a test pipe is a great option
Why Are They Called “Test Pipes”
Test pipes get their name from the fact that they were originally designed for use on test vehicles. Car manufacturers would install them on cars during the development process in order to assess the performance of different engine setups.
Nowadays, test pipes are available to buy for anyone who wants to improve the performance of their car.
Are Test Pipes Road Legal?
You might be asking yourself, are test pipes road legal? The answer is: it depends. In some states, like California, test pipes are not considered street legal. This is because they don’t meet emissions standards.
Other states, however, have more lenient laws when it comes to aftermarket exhaust systems. So if you’re looking to add a set of test pipes to your street car, be sure to check your local laws first.
While test pipes may not be legal in all states, there’s no denying that they can offer some serious performance gains. If you’re looking for a way to increase horsepower and torque, then installing a set of test pipes might be the way to go.
Just keep in mind that you might have to sacrifice some street legality in the process.
How Much Do Test Pipes Cost To Install?
Installing test pipes on a car is not a difficult task and can be done easily by anyone with some basic mechanical knowledge. The cost of the pipes themselves will vary depending on the make and model of the car, but generally speaking, they are relatively cheap. ( Compared to full exhaust systems)
The real cost comes in the form of labor, as most shops will charge around $100-$200 to install them.
If you’re feeling confident and would like to save some money, then you can always install the test pipes yourself. The process is fairly straightforward and only requires a few simple tools.
However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, then it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals.
You can purchase test pipes from most auto parts stores or online retailers.
Dont forget you may need to re-fit the catalytic converter before any emissions testing on the vehicle so you might want to factor that into the overall cost before deciding if its worth it or not.
Will Test Pipes Trigger A Check Engine Light?
So, will installing test pipes trigger a check engine light? The answer is maybe.
It really depends on your car and its emission control system. Some cars have very sensitive emission control systems that will throw a check engine light as soon as any modification is made, while other cars are much less sensitive and won’t trigger a check engine light unless the modification is significant.
So, if you’re thinking about installing test pipes, it’s a good idea to do some research on your specific car model to see what others have experienced.
Do You Need Engine Tuning/Mapping After Installing Test Pipes?
As for ECU tuning, this is also something that can vary depending on your car. In some cases, you might need to get your ECU tuned after installing test pipes in order to avoid triggering a check engine light.
However, in other cases, you might not need to do any additional tuning. Again, it really depends on your specific car model.
If you really want to maximize performance gains after installing test pipes , it is always advised to re-tune the ECU to make the most gains.
Are There Any Drawbacks From Installing Test Pipes?
One drawback is that test pipes can be quite loud. If you’re looking for a quiet ride, then this might not be the best mod for you. Additionally, depending on your local laws, installing a test pipe could potentially get you in trouble with the authorities.
Finally, test pipes can also cause your car to fail an emissions test, so keep that in mind if you live in an area with strict emissions regulations.
Overall, installing a test pipe can be a great way to improve the performance of your car’s exhaust system. Just be aware of the potential drawbacks before you make the decision to install one on your own car.
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