Does anyone know what the approx. fines are for getting caught with a test pipe? Also, is it legal to use a high flow cat? How is a high flow cat differ. from my stock cat? Im sure its pretty hard to get caught with a test pipe anyways, right?

 

Your stock cat,is a High flow cat,already.
Fines can go up to $2500.00.still want a T.P.???

 

The chances of you getting caught in New Jersey are extremely low. I have numerous friends who have been running test pipes with no problems for years. I'm not sure about the situation in California however.

 

I'm pretty sure that things are much more strict in Cali then in the rest of the country, but I can only speak from what I have read. I know that in NY the only chance that you really have of being caught is when you go for an inspection, not too many cops are looking to get underneath the car when they pull you over.

 

when do we need inspections? You mean when we have smog checks? Who needs to inspect my car? My buddy said he can hook me up with smog checks, so am I alright?

 

^I can't help you out there because Cali state laws are different then where I am from. We have yearly inspections, I don't know if your smog checks are the same thing. I'm sure that someone from Cali will chime in to help you out.

 

In CA. there is a smog inspection, to make sure its in working order you must pass the test. ive never seen any smog techs look under the car. however I have been driving behind a car with test pipes, and they stink. so you may get away with until a CHP with a good nose catches you.

 

Any cop you pulls you over s/b able to smell the lack of a cat. Here in Austin, they're installing roadside smog detectors to identify polluters. Is it really worth what little performance benefit you may get for the risks?

 

first, test pipe is one of the best bang for buck mods for our cars. 7-16whp gains. even more when coupled with i/h/e.


as for the legality. obviously, it's illegal to run without a catalytic converter. the risk is up to you. i've never seen/heard of a $2500 fine for it, though. You can get a fix-it ticket just like having a sticker on your back window, or an intake that isn't CARB legal. or they can fine you for it (it's not $2500). it's like maybe a couple hundred at most.


if they see it during a smog inspection, you'll just fail the inspection and you will have to put the cat back in and go re-test. you won't fail the regular emissions inspection though assuming you don't have a CEL from the test pipe. (that's what antifoulers are for)


if a cop pulls you over and looks, then yes you can get a ticket. but if you put the cat back on, and go have the PD inspect it, they may be willing to throw it out or reduce it.

 

7-16whp!!! i did not know that! Dang I woudl have never ever thought it woudl produce that much...mayeb 1-5whp if that.