Hey guys, I'm looking for the best all around replacement for my stock Cats. My NA bolt ons are 5/16 Plenum spacer, MREV, Stillen intake/ztube and HKS cat back HiPo's. What are your thoughts regarding which sound better and/or have better gains (I'm guessing the gains aren't much different) together with HKS exhaust. Keep in mind I'm in California and I'm wondering if there is any difference between the two as neither is CARB approved/stickered, but Kinetix claims to be able to pass visual and sniffer. One other thing, does anyone know about throwing codes with either? I believe Kinetix again claims they use original sensor location and do not throw codes.
What about test pipes? Anyone have these in California and how are you dealing with smog and law enforcement? Is it worth it for the hassle? As in switching them out when you smog/getting pulled over by law enforcement...

 

Absolutely no modifications of the stock catalytic converters is legal in California. Whether it be test pipes or HFC, both are technically illegal. Of course, that wouldn't stop most of us from doing so

If you go with test pipes, go light on the throttle if a cop is behind you. The smell can be really obvious if you put some load on the throttle.

 

I have Labree resonated test pipes paired up with my HKS system and I LOVE the sound. If you do go with test pipes get resonated, they limit the rasp to an extent.

 

Any thoughts from people with HFC's? I'm a bit concerned with going test pipes just because if anyone takes a quick look under the car and sees them, it's pretty much a trip to the referee here in California if I'm not mistaken. Is there much of a sound difference between the Berks and Kinetix?

 

If you want stock looking cats check out the Crawford HFC's. They have the most stock look of all the HFC's on the market.

 

i like Berk technology high flow cats no bad gas smell deeper tone a coworker has those and they ar great no raspiness.. i will purchase those for my coupe..