I have a stock 2002, and I have been reading about test pipe installs. I went to the muffler shop today to what they would charge to install. His concern was possible loss of power, sense I was all stock. Said it could have a problem with lack of back pressure?? Also is it necessary for the small.....what looks like a muffler
I want a little more sound but now i'm not sure what to do.

HIS options are.
Leave converter leave single small muffler and go pipe only out the back(dual)
Leave converter remove small muffler and replace oem muffs with flow masters($$)
Remove cat add test pipe.(but take a chance on power loss)

Is there anything at all inside the test pipe? Or does it just have the swell in it , to act as a resonating chamber? The purpose of the small looking muffler?

Man ....lol is nothings easy....????
Oh yeah ...mo only "home mod" is gutted air box and K&N filter.

 

Dude screw muffler shops... Just get a 60mm test pipe and CEL fix off ebay for $60.00 and bolt it up. Back pressure issues would only occure with MAYBE 3'' exhaust on stock motors, but even so HKS just put out a 75mm which is almost 3'' and people are raving about it. Oh and he wants you to do flow masters because thats where they make money, that shit is dumb, and they'll use aluminized piping which will rust in 3 years and 90% of all local shops dont have mandrel bending units, it will be crush bent and look like ass. Flowmasters sound best on V8s IMO. With the huge varitey of exhausts for the s2k you shouldn't have a problem finding one you like and bolting it on yourself.

 

yeah...bolting on a test pipe really isn't hard. I plan on using one for track days and stuff. Just get (insert brand here) test pipe and get an autozone CEL fix for $10 (double up for safety...they're $5 each).

If you're sticking with the stock exhaust, use a 60mm pipe. Or if you're getting a 70mm or larger aftermarket exhaust later on, get a 70mm pipe. Done.

You're going to lose power modding the rest of the exhaust system by just hacking it up randomly. There seem to be more exhausts made for the S2000 that lose power compared to the ones that gain power. I'd leave the rest of the exhaust alone.

Test pipes by themselves usually show a small gain...like around 2-5hp.

 

Just get the 60mm if you dont plan on upgrading soon. I have the invidia 60mm test pipe w/ CEL fix I got from Evasive and couldnt be happier with it! Better throttle response and sounds nicer.

 

he did say he knew nothing about the car...and I shoulda known better than to ask anyone but an owner of one.

 

Consider it done then.....You fellas would know better then anyone

 

I don't want to sound snobby but the S deserves better than some hacked up, arc welded, press bent, mild steel Midas-Meineke exhaust system. I'm sure you can find a quality pre-owned cat-back designed for the S. Ditto on the test pipe.

 

id go with a 70 mm test pipe. i went with an invidia and love it. i also have it paired with a t1r v3 70mm cat back. good power gains.

 

70mm Invidia TP w/ cel fix FTW. If your going to spend $$$ on one might as well go 70mm.

 

Yeah i have to agree with all of the above. Muffler shops are just out for their money. As far as the exhaust goes just decide on weather you want single or dual. Single will net possibly a few more hp depending on the unit, it will be a shit ton louder, and weigh less. Duals look nice (the bumper has 2 cut outs), sound is a lil lower in volume and a bit more weight. But both designs have a few options that gain power over stock. Just do a quick search on Youtube for some sound clips and im sure u can find one that suits you.