i wonder if cat theft is a valid reason to go after market? there was a rash of stolen converters round here, just for the metal....

 

how easily can a cop tell that i have test pipes on. How strong does the gas smell?

 

you care about possibly getting a fine. there is no way you are going to get a fine. they test our cars for emmissions using OBD2 pc. As long as you are not throwing a code you will not fail. My old car ever failed and I had them on.

You should be more concerned about the smell they put out or the carbon deposits you will have on your bumper. Those are the only reall two issues with Test Pipes and I don't know if they are even an issue for most people. Those are the only two reasons I have debated getting Test Pipes VS HFC.

I was told by most everyone to get TEST PIPES and deal with other stuff. Hp gain will out way all other crap. But again that is all people opinion's.

YOU WILL NOT GET CAUGHT, YOU WILL NOT GET A 10K TICKET...STOP THINKING THE WORST AND BUY WHAT YOU WANT.

 

Get a ticket, notice i bet only the older crowd would think you get a ticket where the younger crowd wont care. Dont be a p**sy, theres the letter of the law, the spirit of the law, and f**k the law, i hate cowards. Test pipes on!!! Im switching my HFC to Test pipes, i think hfc are weenie.

 

I will be Putting the pipes on this weekend. Thanks for all the input.

 

my buddys g(soon to be mine) has had test pipes for over a year and no issues what-so-ever. hes been pulled over a couple times and no issues.

 

so when i get inspection they only use obd?

 

I'm dont think I would be worried about being caught. Its just that here in NC we have inspections every year. For awhile I could find a place that would just pass me but they have cracked down, its harder to get away with illegal stuff on the car these days. If I got rid of my cats it would throw a code and they would see that at inspection. I mean if I had access to a shop I could work in for free I would just make my car legal for the inspection then put it back. I wouldnt have any problem riding around illegal... its up to you.

 

so i put the pipes in but now i am getting a crackling sound at low rpm's or when i take my foot off the gas. is this normal?

 

The greatest chance of getting caught in CA is when you do an emissions test which in newer vehicles is every few years.
So the best thing is just do a pre-test well in advance of the next registration when you know you will have to have it checked.
If it fails, put everything back. Then back again after it passes the official test.
If you wait for the state test to see if it fails, you may get a fine too if they decide to do a physical check. Don't know that for a fact. YMMV