HFC or Test Pipe
#13
09-23-2009, 10:22 AM
The stock cat weights a ton, but does not negatively affect performance on an otherwise stock 1.8T. If you're chipped, the Labree HFC is perfect and can support elim turbos. It flows well enough to cause check engine lights for cat efficiency if you're running a larger dp and exhaust, but you'll pass emissions as long as the light is off (you may have to use a downstream O2 sensor spacer). It will also pass the sniffer test.
Test pipes are usually only 2.5" or are 3.0", but bolt to a 2.5" dp or usually don't fit right. Labree HFC is 3.0" turbo side, 2.5" outlet, but can be probably be customized to 3" in/3" out if desired. It's also only $250, fits right, is well mad in the U.S., bolts to stock or modified exhaust, and has a great company backing it.
A test pipe requires multiple O2 spacers; Labree's HFC only requires a downstream O2 spacer if you are seeing check engine lights. A test pipe wont pass visual or sniff test emissions; a HFC will do both. Both are significantly lighter in weight than the stock cat.
Unless you're a track-only car, or are running larger than a GT2871r elim, there really is no reason or advantage to buy a test-pipe over a HFC.
I strongly recommend Labree. Really a great company to buy from.
Test pipes are usually only 2.5" or are 3.0", but bolt to a 2.5" dp or usually don't fit right. Labree HFC is 3.0" turbo side, 2.5" outlet, but can be probably be customized to 3" in/3" out if desired. It's also only $250, fits right, is well mad in the U.S., bolts to stock or modified exhaust, and has a great company backing it.
A test pipe requires multiple O2 spacers; Labree's HFC only requires a downstream O2 spacer if you are seeing check engine lights. A test pipe wont pass visual or sniff test emissions; a HFC will do both. Both are significantly lighter in weight than the stock cat.
Unless you're a track-only car, or are running larger than a GT2871r elim, there really is no reason or advantage to buy a test-pipe over a HFC.
I strongly recommend Labree. Really a great company to buy from.
#17
09-23-2009, 04:42 PM
IMO id listen to ghost and just knock out everything in your existing cat. its cheap will give you some gains and gives you a good project to work on(and if you need to use your car while your doing it you can sound like a jackass with just a down pipe lol) If you do go with a HFC i know people around here would recommend Labree
#18
09-23-2009, 10:17 PM
Got my HFC from Labree. Got no issues. A test pipe may eventually bite you in the ***. Some say the smell and then you got to worry about inspections. I forgot if you said your state has inspections. Don't feel like double checking.
Labree is solid.
Labree is solid.