Test pipe installed! I used 2 anti plug fowlers for the O2 sensor and test drove the car about 20 miles, no CEL yet. It's a Megan TP and has a resonator, I don't think it is much louder, just a little deeper. The K&N CAI I installed a few weeks ago made it much louder (in a good way). I think the 2 mods (along with the intake manifold coolant block) are a good complement for each other. I got a good little increase in power and it sounds a little more aggressive while keeping the car looking stock (what I like).

I test drove it for a while and got on it a few times. The ass dyno detected a mild increase in HP/TRQ but what is most notable is the responsiveness, especially in higher gears at lower speeds. The only downside is the smell. I guess I never realized how much the CAT cleaned up the exhaust... I actually feel a little bad about it. I know it is a small engine and isn't as bad as all those SUVs but there is no doubt in my mind now that the CAT was doing it's job. I always warm up my car in the mornings and never notice the fumes. Today I did the same and thought I was going to die in my garage (yes, the door was open). I feel sorry for the people that drive behind me.

Anyway, I like the power. I will drive the car for a few more weeks and see if I get an increase in MPG (normal driving). Maybe an increase in MPG will help me justify my actions to myself.

Here is a question for some of you who have done this before. Now that I have better flow at the intake and less restriction on the exhaust, should the engine management be adjusted to take advantage? Maybe a VTEC controller to bring on VTEC 500-1000 RPM earlier? Any suggestions? What is the next logical engine mod (aside from FI)?

 

Suggestion: Do Not Buy a VTEC Controller. Unless you like wasting money. And if you do, send the money to me and Ill put it to good use.

 

TP made my car smell horrible and I thought I was giving myself cancer. Really nice performance product, though

 

Yeah, I've heard a few people say the same thing about VTEC controllers. I'll stay away from it.

I'm sure the TP will give me cancer. I just got back from luch though and love the extra power. I may put the CAT back on in a month or so. I just don't know.

 

Now that I've gone back to having my cat on, it is REALLY noticable how much less responsive the throttle is, as well as the reduced (much less aggressive) tone

So sad.

 

Still good with no CEL light?

 

But I can actually breathe and my clothes don't stink.

 

so how easy was the install process

 

If you can't breathe and your clothes stink because of the testpipe, get your engine checked out asap...

 

I think people exagerate the smell of a TP. I've run one on all my cars and noticed a slight smell but nothing extreme. The pros far outweigh the cons for me and I will continue to run a TP on all of the performance cars I own.

-Tony