355 Any used F355 5.2 test pipes for sale ?

In the Ferrari parts section there is Capristo test pipes for sale.
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/f355-5-2-capristo-test-pipes-new.649812/

I purchased my Tubi’s from Eurospares for about $560. That was about a 1 year and 4-5 months ago, so the price might have changed.

 

You could run test pipes. But if you haven’t already been warned: be prepared for stinky gas smelling clothes, check engine lights, and worst of all…. worse performance.

I had test pipes on my 355 from 2006-2007. I didn’t really like them.

FWIW.

 

Car def seemed to run lean off the bottom. Less throttle response from 1500 rpm’s up.

My personal experience and general consensus is zero to nominal performance gain.

One benefit is lower temps since no heat from the cats.

What is your goal with the test pipes ? If it’s sound or performance there are way better options to achieve those goals.

 

Deleting the cats improves performance and reliability and significantly reduces engine bay heat. On 5.2 cars you may battle CEL's triggered by the post-cat 02 sensors. IMHO the upsides are greater than the downsides.

 

I don't know. I've never heard that deleting the cats makes a 355 run lean. That doesn't make sense to me as the o2 sensors on other 5.2 Motronic systems of the era have no real role in adjusting AFR's in anything but idle. I would be interested in seeing before and after AFR data on this from those who claim this.

I dealt with the SDL/thermocouple problem by deleting the system (since it is irrelevant when you delete the cats) and plugging in the dummy load devices from Technistrada. As for the downstream o2 sensors, sometimes you can avoid the CEL with sensor extenders with mini-cats or steel wool stuffed inside, and sometimes it doesn't work. Roll of the dice.

 

The WSM (5.2) specifically says that the O2 sensors are not used when:

The O2 sensors are not sufficiently heated
The engine coolant temperature is below 140F (60C), but above 59F (15C)
Accelerator pedal fully depressed
Engine rotation speed > 4000 +/-200rpm

The book also says that the post-cat sensors are compensating for aging of the catalytic converter. How old is a no-cat catalytic converter?

 

Well that all definitely makes sense. My experience as stated above was poor throttle response just off of idle.

Stated another way: off idle drivability was definitely worse with test pipes, not better.

Add, stinky gas fumigated clothes, almost guaranteed Check Engine Lights, and less drivability, regardless of what the numbers may or may not show…….yeah that’s a no bueno for me.

 

This is the remedy for aftermarket Cats, not test pipes. The issue is when the post cat 02 sensor begins to sweep (likely out of a certain range) it will throw the cat efficiency code.

The post cat 02 sensor seeing way too many HC’s and high CO numbers, especially compared to the up stream 02 sensors (ie still dirty) I believe is the issue.

 

Extenders from Bigdaddies worked for me with test pipes. No issues with drivability. And the stink is only bad behind the car.

 

Any input on the performance gain ?

 

Did it when adding Tubi headers. The combo might have given a bit of a bump, but nothing dramatic. My goal was for less heat and to preserve original cats which are expensive

 

Yeah goes back to my question to the OP. If you’re doing it to save the cats and lower under bonnet temp, absolutely.

Performance gains in the real world, not really feeling it. Way better options to increase HP than taking your cats off.

 

I ran test pipes for a while & can confirm some of the comments here with my own experience.

No perceivable power increase, the exhaust fumes stank most of the time, and so did my clothes, the sound was louder and harsher, more F1 scream.

The little blue tailpipe flames at wide open throttle/high revs were cool, especially in tunnels, but after a few weeks I tired of the negatives and put cats back on.

My car is a 2.7 and I had no check engine lights at all.

 

I don't get the comments about stinking clothes. I've been driving old non-catalyst cars all my life and the only time I can get my clothes to smell is if I'm working on the car with it running next to the exhaust (e.g. my early 911). I happen to think it's a great smell and I do wish they would make an exhaust scented laundry detergent for men rather than spring rain or mountain breeze. Maybe I am lacking in the olfactory department.

 

I genuinely do not even notice an aggressive/eye watering smell. I wonder if some cars run richer than others at idle? It is a pretty good balance for me of sound & reduced engine temps- I don’t notice the low rpm hesitation- or at least no worse than with cats or vs other 355 I’ve driven.

 

Correct. 2.7 does not have a a down stream 02 sensor like the 5.2. Since you only have 1 02 sensor the 2.7 will not throw a CEL. A 5.2 is a different animal OBD wise.