Hey guys... Once again.. i need some help.
Which test pipes would you guys recommend? I've seen some online for about $80. Do they come with chips to make the check engine light go away? And if so, where do these chips go? The install looks pretty straight forward with 3 bolts but im a bit confused on the chips application.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

I've only had experience with the Megan brand. It didn't come with a chip for the engine check light, but you could add a simple extender (basically a hollow bolt) to do the same. Some of the test pipes come with this extender already attached. (ie, there is no need for a chip).

I liked it on my S, it added a bit of throaty sound and power w/the turbo. Might add power to stock S, but not sure. You will smell a bit more unburned gas however (and not pass inspection with it installed). They are pretty easy to swap in/out.

 

GOOD QUESTION.

 

Thanks turbolane. So the test pipe blots on pretty easily and the O2 sensor/cable would be inserted into the hollow pipe where this bolt is?

 

I have a berk test pipe, CEL came on after a couple hundred miles, so I turned it off, came back on later, turned it off and hasn't come on in the last couple thousand miles.

One time when I hadn't driven the S for a week or 2, started it up and drove it around, and there was small black smoke comin from the pipes, only did that for about 20 minutes, haven't seen it do it again since.

You pass inspection because all they do is plug it up to the connector in the interior, they dont sniff test, so as long as you're not throwin codes right when you are getting tested, you're fine.

 

I think they're suppose to visually check for the cat though since it's a requirement of the inspection.

 

I have no idea what the various options are, but make sure you get one that the O2 sensor hole doesn't angle down when mounted. Some of them angle to the side or up and that's what you want.

Then you can run the cheap mechanical fix (think $5). There's a how-to out there somewhere...parts are available at any Autozone. You can find expensive O2 signal modifiers, but I've been using the very simple and inexpensive mechanical cheat for over 5k miles without issue.

 

I sincerely doubt anyone would look under the car if the ECU doesn't report failure, but it takes a whopping 10 minutes to do the swap with tools everyone should have.

 

Yep, bolts on easily and that is where the sensor goes. As stated earlier the angle is important, and the Megan is angled correctly (or at least not totally incorrectly )