Is there such a thing as a test pipe to replace the second cat on the IS250? Or maybe a HI Flo Cat. There not required in WV...

 

They're required by federal law in all 50 US states actually. Removal of working cats is a violation of said law, as is operating a motor vehicle without them.

What you probably mean is that nobody in WV is going to check.

Be aware that you won't notice any performance gain from this either... the difference between an axle-back exhaust and a full exhaust that removes the cats and replaces the midpipe on these cars is about 3-5 hp.

 

What are you, a cop or a tree hugger? I'll take every 5 hp I can get. By itself it ain't much but they add up. Hi flow cats are the ticket and not illegal anywhere except maybe Cali. I run them on the Vette and it may only be 5 hp but it gives a much deeper sound and will still pass emissions in surrounding states when I sell.

 

 

I'm someone who apparently knows the law better than you.

If you wanna break federal law because you're sure you can get away with it go ahead, but I'd prefer others not have issues due to your ignorance of the actual legality of what you plan to do.

If you wanted more power you should've just got an IS350. Over 100 hp for $3500. That's $35/hp... rather than spending considerably more per hp with aftermarket cats to gain 2%.


And they're still not legal even if the inspectors in a given state are too ignorant to know they're not original.

Removing -any- functioning piece of emissions equipment (like your stock cats) is illegal everywhere in the US.

If you want to ignore that, feel free, but don't continue to repeat the BS that's you're not a criminal by doing so.

Even the folks that -make- them know this. Here's a direct quote from random technologies web site "Please note that it is illegal to remove a properly functioning catalytic converter"

(it's also be illegal to intentionally break yours before ya get that clever idea)



Anyway, now you can make an informed decision

 

just get the JoeZ or Borla exhaust and it will take care of your mid cat. I am sure you will be happy with the sound and performance they both offer.

 

Thanks Mike!

 

Hey Kurtz for as much as you know, I'm very surprised you're not a moderator by now

 

Of the two you should be getting the Joe Z 7 days a week and twice on Sunday.

If you do a search you'll find an extensive review of the Borla and it's quality/fitment problems.... while the Joe Z is an excellent piece.

 

Yes, JoeZ comes highly recommended but was not available yet when I got my car. Do you have a link?

Kurtz- Didn't get the 350 because I love my 28 mpg average. And it gets better with each mod!

 

your welcome You cant go wrong with either one.

 

Yeah, I only get 28 for highway driving. I don't mind the ~10-15% higher fuel costs for 50% more hp though.


The Joe Z is available from l-tuned...

Without cats:
http://www.l-tunedparts.com/product/?id=2921
10-12 hp gain

With cats:
http://www.l-tunedparts.com/product/?id=2920
8-10 hp gain

Neither is actually street legal, hence the disclaimer there “For Off Road Use Only” but it'll offer the best quality plus gains of any exhaust available.

(no cats at all picks up ~2 horsepower)

Note all the gains listed are for an IS350, they'll likely be lower on a 250.

 

Yes either exhaust would make me very happy but both are kind of pricey plus installation, especially when it already has a perfectly good exhaust now. Doesn't anybody sell a stand alone hi flo cat? And whatever happened to test pipes? Just curious, but I guess I'd have to go to a Honda or Toyota forum to answer that LOL. Maybe if I just get new mufflers? Maganaflow probably makes a low restriction pair for the IS.

Truth be told, I'm not crazy about the way it drives. Poor on center feel and it's been to the dealer several times for it. So far I've gotten new tires, alignment (twice) and had the steering reprogrammed. They say it's perfect but I don't like it! Guess I'm not used to electric power steering.

Botton line is I'll be selling soon and don't want to put big bucks in her but feel the need to do something. Does that make sense? It's late...