Cats vs test pipes | FerrariChat

Cats vs test pipes

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by BillyD, May 10, 2019.

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  1. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
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    Feb 28, 2004
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    Can someone explain to me why a test pipe which is an empty tube costs 2-3 times as much as a catalytic converter which as I understand it has precious metals in it?
     
  2. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    what test pipes cost 3x more than cat? Show the links.
     
  3. brian.s

    brian.s F1 Rookie
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    Well, the EPA may tell ya.......
     
  4. RedNeck

    RedNeck F1 Veteran
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    Uhhhh.....that has not been my experience at all. Where are you looking?
     
  5. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
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    Perhaps you are in the wrong forum. The american car forum is down the stairs and to the left.

    But in essence you are comparing apples and oranges.

    A catalytic converter is made in 2× the number of car engine produced.
    A test pipe is made in several hundred to a couple of thousand.
    This alone will account for a 2× difference.
    The Ferrari tax will incorporate most of the other differences.
     
  6. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    I just paid $2000 to get a Ferrari 308 cat rebuilt by fabspeed. They have a high flow cat for $1500. Someone please show me a straight pipe for a 308 / 328 that costs $6,000.

    I have a 329 straight pipe RUSTING in my back yard that I would gladly throw away for nothing.
     
  7. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
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    OK, OK, I was comparing universal cats available for our cars to the few test pipes available by the few Ferrari parts vendors who shall remain nameless. Never the less a test pipe should be well under $100 not the $300-500 they’re charging.
     
  8. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Never gonna happen. A pipe, two fittings, a ring, welded together … in a box, some labeling, distribution network.... even from China that is a couple hundred bucks, and then they have to make a profit.
     
    308 milano likes this.
  9. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    You didn't mention any model of Ferrari. To note, some "test pipes" have to be engineered specifically so they don't trigger the CEL.

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/my-cat-delete-pipes.599342/
     
  10. RedNeck

    RedNeck F1 Veteran
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    You could always bend some AutoZone exhaust pipe...seriously, if you aren't looking for anything fancy like resonators then you can have any custome exhaust shop bend pipe to replace cats.
     
  11. ttforcefed

    ttforcefed F1 World Champ
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    on all the ferraris ive owned test pipes have always been cheaper than hi flow cats, almost certain - i have tubi test pipes on my 355, tubi test pipes on my diablo, capristo hiflow cats on my 430, and novitec hi flow cats on FF and prob a couple other cars im forgetting about.
     
  12. Nino1964

    Nino1964 Formula Junior
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  13. captglen

    captglen Formula 3
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    its the opposite
    test pipes are almost 1/2 the cost of 200 cell Sport Cats.
    you will gain some sounds and a little performance. With thectest pipes
    Sent from my SM-G965U using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  14. Nino1964

    Nino1964 Formula Junior
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    My old cats were shot and the fumes were strong compared to the
    new functioning cats fumes.
     
  15. Nino1964

    Nino1964 Formula Junior
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  16. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Those look very stout!

    I've had my eye on the MagnaFlow version but doesn't look the part (to me). I prefer the style and size of the OEM cats. Both have a 2" inlet OD but the overall diameter is 4" and 5" respectively.

    https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mpe-54904/media/images
    Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  17. DonB

    DonB Formula Junior
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    FWIW, I had a welding shop make bypass pipes for my '79 308GTB. I showed the guy the ends of the CATS, he took measurements for length and Bingo...for about $300 I had Stainless Steel bypass pipes that mated perfectly to the factory exhaust pipes/manifolds.

    Now, if you live in a draconian state that still requires emissions testing and your CATS are necessary, well maybe get some High Flow units. I got rid of mine to get rid of the heat which helped a bunch. And yes there was a noticeable difference in performance and sound....at least to me :)
     
  18. mwr4440

    mwr4440 Five Time F1 World Champ
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    Be VERY CAREFUL buying Aftermarket exhaust stuff for use in CA.

    Reportedly they are VERY Strict !!!!
     
  19. DonB

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    I think it's because it's "The Peoples Republic of California" and one can get sent to the gulag for certain infractions...just sayin
     
  20. Il Co-Pilota

    Il Co-Pilota F1 Veteran

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    This is my experience as well. For an older model one tracks a lot, fine. If it's a new car such as an 812, 488 or the like, I'd stay away from test pipes. They will make the car smell like an old heap. 200 cell cats or stock cats.
     

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