test pipe question

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

ok maybe this is a stupid question but will a test pipe pass inspection in new york state? or is this gonna be one of those parts that i need to take off my car every year just to get my inspection sticker?

 

[slyter485]

Not entirely sure on if it will actually pass visual or not, but it only takes ~30 minutes to install/uninstall. Just to be on the safe side, I'd take it off and put the stock one on just for inspections..

 

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

well how would anyone know that our cars are supposed to have 2 cats??? lol and a test pipe wont throw any codes so really no one will know ...just seeing if anyone from new york has tried it yet or any state that requires the cats on the car.

 

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

ok so i talked to my mechanic and he said he will pass my inspection with the test pipe on next year as long as it doesn't throw any codes.. so my question now is which brand to go with...either su for $129 or sls at protege garage for $89.95...any opinions?

 

[OJ Bartley]

I'd like to know about fitment for both. I seem to recall fitment issues with someone's ebay test pipe, but I'm not sure who the manufacturer was. I know there can be problems getting the OEM bolts off in any case, but are both of these parts known for being a good fit?

As I understand it the SU one is stainless steel for $130, and the SLS is either aluminized steel for $89 or stainless for $120. What are the benefits/drawbacks to either material? I'd rather go for stainless if the aluminized will corrode with salt, etc. Anything else?

 

[Blendercloud]

Based on my experience with the Stainless SLS TP, I would rather go with SU. I had one hell of a time getting the belled end to meet up with the donut gasket on the downpipe side. The belled end also isn't belled enough to provide a proper pivot point for the piping. I'm having issues leaking exhaust now and have to get back underneath the car and try to make it work.

 

[Super Shredder]

the test pipe or removal of a catalytic converter from a car in which is not under a rebuilt, antique, project, or salvage title will not only fail emissions (since they type your car make and model into a computer and if you are sending out more carbon (which you will be) than what is on the readout, they will put a red sticker on your window). On sites that sell test pipes they most likely have a "for off road use only". finally when I asked my mechanic he said it was illegal and unethical with the chance of fines/and or legal prosecution and liability if a licensed shop removes catalytic converters from a vehicle. finally # 2, cops have the right to look in your hood and under your car if they beleive you are running illegal modifications as well as they will reference the VIN # to make sure your engine belongs in your car. (not that speeds are doing swaps yet that i know of) thats all i know to keep you out of trouble.

 

[jracer]

i had the same problem with the SLS test pipe over the weekend !! what a pain.. it took me three times and a trip to the muffler shop to get it to work.. i also had to get new bolts.. not very happy with the whole deal.. it fits great now.. should have fit from the begining... just my two centz.....

same deal with mine....

"Based on my experience with the Stainless SLS TP, I would rather go with SU. I had one hell of a time getting the belled end to meet up with the donut gasket on the downpipe side. The belled end also isn't belled enough to provide a proper pivot point for the piping. I'm having issues leaking exhaust now and have to get back underneath the car and try to make it work."
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[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

super shredder you are right about the part where a licensed shop can't remove a catalytic converter but that doesn't mean i can't lol..with that said in this state (ny) according to my mechanic as long as i dont throw any check engine lights i will pass inspection. from what people say and how the test pipe works..it removes the second cat which is after all of the o2 sensors..so in the end it should be ok

next a police officer will not search your car for illegal parts if there is no need to.. i don't plan on doing a full cat back exhaust on my car so its not going to be crazy loud with just adding a test pipe.

last i notice that you have a blow off valve as do i..and those are illegal also and more of a reason to get a ticket over a test pipe lol

 

[jonscapri]

hmm

It is illegal to have a shop to remove the 2nd cat, but ther are a few ways around this depending on where you live. BLow off valves are not illegal if you're car has one from the factory.

Just make sure that if a cop does look at your car that he doesn't know exactly what to look for. Plus in the constitution ALL law enforcement have to provide probable cause to look under you're hood. If you say NO they have to get a warrent this buys you time. if they break this the entire case has to be thrown out period. If they won't tell you why they have probable casue they are violating your rights.

 

[tunersteve]

Spend the cash and get the SU 2.5 TP. Fits good, although I'd recommend you get some real long Grade 8 bolts, washers, and nuts from Lowe's/HD, and pick up the OEM rear gasket from a dealer for around $5.

To hunt and find a shop that's willing to do it, save yourself the hassle and go get one from a vendor.