Hey guys I'm getting the HKS replica installed on my car today and I really want to do test pipes but I live in SoCl so I'm kinda scared of getting caught do you guys know ppl or you yourself are running testpipes in California? Just some info that would help me decide on test pipes save money or get HFC like Berks or kinetix? Help please

Thank you I'll post pics after the install here is a teaser

 

So what exactly are you asking? As far as legality goes, both test pipes and HFCs are illegal in California. You will not pass smog with either one if the smog station does their job properly (both visual inspection and sniffer test). In order to pass, you would need to swap the stock cats back in every time you get your car smogged...or you need to find yourself a smog station that will "help" you pass.

Performance-wise, test pipes typically give slightly higher gains than HFCs (I would actually go with ART pipes if you're going to go cat-less). The downside is that test pipes tend to rasp more and they smell really bad (you're dumping raw exhaust gases from your engine out of your exhaust). I've been at stoplights behind cars with test pipes, and the fumes are very unpleasant.

All that being said, plenty of people run test pipes or HFCs in California (I have FI HFCs) and I've heard very few stories of anyone actually getting caught by the law.

 

I really want to know if people run test pipes mostly but now another question the smell of the test pipes is it really bad? because there is a lot of cops where I live and is it worth those few extra ponies for all that trouble?

 

If you're that worried about fumes and getting pulled over, don't do test pipes. Or do ART pipes combined with a XYZ pipe & HFC module which eliminates most if not all of the fumes. Only you can decide if the risks of getting caught is worth the tq/volume gains.


I've heard plenty of secondhand stories along with speaking with several LEO's in the recent past about ticketing illegal mods. Alot of LEO's are cool with them but many aren't. State and local govt's are probably cracking down on many things now that they gave a pass to before to generate revenue. I'm looking at tint, no front license plate, exhaust, etc.

 

I think I'm going with the Kintex hfc or if I have the money I'll go with Berks

 

IMO, stick with stock cats. For one, HFCs and test pipes are illegal and carry a very hefty fine if you get caught with them (or rather without cats), second, you'll have to smell the dizzying fumes everywhere you go, third, they will fall apart or break on you, and fourth, the gains are minimal without a tune and aren't worth the risk.

 

Thanks a lot bro