hi-flow cat or test pipe - Honda Prelude Forum

MNludeDVR · 06-22-2002, 07:49 PM

hey guys, i just finished installing my Apex'i WS exhaust on my lude but i found out that the cat nees replacing...should i just buy a OEM cat, hi-flow cat, or test pipe? i really have no idea of the benefits of any but all i know is i don't want any buzzing noises coming from under the car....and where has everyone ordered these from??

brendon2k · 06-22-2002, 08:02 PM

A new oem cat is very very pricey. I don't know how strict emmisions are in your area but in california it is hard to pass with a high flow cat. So I would try to get a oem one from a junkyard so I could pass.

homie_hoges · 06-22-2002, 08:12 PM

if your in minn. i would think that the emis. thst arnt hi i would go with the test pipe get more horse power. i live in nd and we dont have emisions

randomlude · 06-22-2002, 08:29 PM

I ran into the same problem when installing my A'PEXi N1. The Honda dealer up the street quoted me a price of $650, instead I bought a Random Technologies High-Flow Cat. for $250 incl. shipping. It passed emissions and feels more powerful. I hope that is of some help.

ExodusFX · 06-22-2002, 08:57 PM

I'd go with a hi-flow cat over a test pipe. That's because it's illegal to drive without a cat, and also the smell.

MNludeDVR · 06-22-2002, 09:55 PM

we don't have emissions up here in MN so where do u guys think i could get the best deal on a hi-flow cat?? any recommendations??

jpprelude · 06-22-2002, 10:47 PM

test pipe

We have no emissions. Theres not too many hi-flow cats to choose from; Random Technology is one. Pace setter has one, but there stuff is garbage.

Just get a test pipe, much cheaper

Cookout · 06-22-2002, 11:09 PM

Have you ever heard an import car without a cat? They sounds like crap. Loud, buzzy, and smelly too. I contemplated this same question you have, and I decided I'd get a high flow cat.

G_Loc · 06-23-2002, 09:08 AM

heh, yea, not cat = buzzy and its a smelly exhaust. for me, its only loud from like 2k - 3k rpms, then its just... not so loud?

i would have gotten a high flow cat, but money issues, ya know?

kevie88 · 06-23-2002, 07:03 PM

I got a test pipe made up for mine when I swapped motors, and I don't really notice the smelly exhaust with it -but I have to admit that the motor sounds super buzzy.. I need to build a real exhaust for it tho, I'm still running around with the stock catback/muffler assembly.

G_Loc · 06-23-2002, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kevie88
I got a test pipe made up for mine when I swapped motors, and I don't really notice the smelly exhaust with it -but I have to admit that the motor sounds super buzzy.. I need to build a real exhaust for it tho, I'm still running around with the stock catback/muffler assembly.

same here.

will a custom exhaust setup reduce the buzziness?

MNludeDVR · 06-23-2002, 11:09 PM

should i just get a used OEM cat or hi-flow? what is going to be the sound differences??

ds2000 · 06-24-2002, 03:34 AM

This is interesting, is the buzzy a sh!t kinda buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz noise or a cool as fcuk rooooarr? I've been trying to decide the same thing as well!

ZIG · 06-25-2002, 12:37 AM

mine's an annoying buzz from 2g to 3g @ wot, then gets quiet until 4g. i have a test pipe and a modified A'PEXi N1. i think i might just buy a hi flo cat, and use the cat for the track. you guys sure the hi flo cat will reduce the buzz?

kevie88 · 06-25-2002, 02:02 AM

yeah, the cat will cut out the buzz.. I was thinking that a blue bottle/resonator type thing would probably do it too.

MNludeDVR · 06-25-2002, 12:32 PM

does the 4th gen OEM catalytic converter have 2.5" on both outlets? i have the WS exhaust and i ordered a hi flow cat with 2.5" on both sides...did i order the right product??

G_Loc · 06-25-2002, 02:39 PM

my testpipe was 2.25" and it bolted right up to the stock piping...

beenerachi · 06-25-2002, 04:46 PM

Have you guys heard of Powercore cats? Are they comparable to the Random Tech cats?

alvin · 07-02-2002, 02:08 PM

Anyone here tried both? If you did what one do you like better and why? are the power gains noticable with a hi flow cat or test pipe? Im thinking about getting a test pipe because you get more power but I dont want my car sounding like crap. You guys with test pipes, how do you like the sound you get now?

sporttheimport · 07-02-2002, 03:26 PM

I am so happy that this conversation came up! I was about to order a test pipe this afternoon until i read this. I love the deep roar of my Apexi WS. There is no buzz what so ever at any RPM with it and the last thing i want to do is mess up its wonderful sound. but i do want it a WEE bit louder. what should i do?

thanks,
tim