Custom downpipe/midpipe prototype
01-29-2013, 12:37 PM
#1
Custom downpipe/midpipe prototype
Hi everyone.
We are Importsports Performance, a performance shop in Denver since 1997 and have a 2008 RDX Tech project test car. We have built a custom PROTOTYPE downpipe for the RDX. This dp is PROTOTYPE but very similar to what the final will look like. Final product will be T304 stainless steel to ensure quality and to prevent rusting for all those along the ocean line. This downpipe will eliminate both catalytic converters, and that will be the only option that we will produce. It is made with 3" true mandrel bent pipe which will include the flex pipe, all gaskets and hardware necessary. The secondary oxygen sensor will have an extended bung (approx 1.5") from the b-pipe to trick the computer for your P0420 code check engine light. Optional bung downstream for air/fuel sensor or additional oxygen sensor or whatever you wish to use it for.
We have installed this downpipe and have been driving with it for a few days now with no issues. With the exception of a K&N intake, this car is completely stock. So far, after a few days of driving, we have noticed a big increase in throttle response and the turbo lag seems to have been diminished. The car feels more alive, and pulls much better when applying even half throttle. We will continue to daily street drive for about 1 week while monitoring the air/fuel ratios using our Prologger air fuel / datalogger. We want to make sure that this downpipe will not affect the stock settings, and the median air/fuel results will not be too affected and be safe for the Hondata reflash, which will be our NEXT step. After we see the median air fuel results with the Hondata reflash, we will post again. We are an authorized Hondata dealer so we will be getting the reflash done very soon. But since there is not enough feedback on the air/fuel ratios with the Hondata reflash and downpipe that we can find, we want to do some more testing to make sure it will all be safe. Yes, we can dyno all this stuff and call it a day but we want to give you guys real life driving feedback. We also have never dyno'ed the car when it was stock and I dont have the factory intake anymore to give true results, therefore we are not using they dyno since we cannot give you true numbers.
We have seen some dyno results from Pang_CO, and believe that they are very close to what we should expect.
This will not pass any kind of emissions/smog testing whatsoever, it will be for off road use only.
As you can see from the photos, the current b-pipe is flanged down to a 2.5" flange to mate up with the stock exhaust. We will have other options available for the flange, it can be a 3" 2 or 3 bolt flange, or a straight thru b pipe if you are planning to make a custom 3" exhaust. Otherwise it goes to a 2.5" as shown to fit the stock exhaust.
A jig is currently being made, this is not a "will we make a downpipe thread," this is in the process and once finished we will test fit it and make sure its 100% before it sells. We are limiting the first run to 10 so let me know fast. E.t.a. before they will ship is 3 weeks from now. This 3 weeks will include datalogging the air fuels with K&N intake and downpipe, <--- also with Hondata, also with the final 304 stainless Importsports downpipe.
We are Importsports Performance, a performance shop in Denver since 1997 and have a 2008 RDX Tech project test car. We have built a custom PROTOTYPE downpipe for the RDX. This dp is PROTOTYPE but very similar to what the final will look like. Final product will be T304 stainless steel to ensure quality and to prevent rusting for all those along the ocean line. This downpipe will eliminate both catalytic converters, and that will be the only option that we will produce. It is made with 3" true mandrel bent pipe which will include the flex pipe, all gaskets and hardware necessary. The secondary oxygen sensor will have an extended bung (approx 1.5") from the b-pipe to trick the computer for your P0420 code check engine light. Optional bung downstream for air/fuel sensor or additional oxygen sensor or whatever you wish to use it for.
We have installed this downpipe and have been driving with it for a few days now with no issues. With the exception of a K&N intake, this car is completely stock. So far, after a few days of driving, we have noticed a big increase in throttle response and the turbo lag seems to have been diminished. The car feels more alive, and pulls much better when applying even half throttle. We will continue to daily street drive for about 1 week while monitoring the air/fuel ratios using our Prologger air fuel / datalogger. We want to make sure that this downpipe will not affect the stock settings, and the median air/fuel results will not be too affected and be safe for the Hondata reflash, which will be our NEXT step. After we see the median air fuel results with the Hondata reflash, we will post again. We are an authorized Hondata dealer so we will be getting the reflash done very soon. But since there is not enough feedback on the air/fuel ratios with the Hondata reflash and downpipe that we can find, we want to do some more testing to make sure it will all be safe. Yes, we can dyno all this stuff and call it a day but we want to give you guys real life driving feedback. We also have never dyno'ed the car when it was stock and I dont have the factory intake anymore to give true results, therefore we are not using they dyno since we cannot give you true numbers.
We have seen some dyno results from Pang_CO, and believe that they are very close to what we should expect.
This will not pass any kind of emissions/smog testing whatsoever, it will be for off road use only.
As you can see from the photos, the current b-pipe is flanged down to a 2.5" flange to mate up with the stock exhaust. We will have other options available for the flange, it can be a 3" 2 or 3 bolt flange, or a straight thru b pipe if you are planning to make a custom 3" exhaust. Otherwise it goes to a 2.5" as shown to fit the stock exhaust.
A jig is currently being made, this is not a "will we make a downpipe thread," this is in the process and once finished we will test fit it and make sure its 100% before it sells. We are limiting the first run to 10 so let me know fast. E.t.a. before they will ship is 3 weeks from now. This 3 weeks will include datalogging the air fuels with K&N intake and downpipe, <--- also with Hondata, also with the final 304 stainless Importsports downpipe.
01-29-2013, 12:52 PM
#2
Advanced
That sounds good what is your price going to be on it let me know i already have one but if its a good price im sure people will want it and not have to wait for the built from ets good to know we have surpport from other company thanks
01-29-2013, 06:00 PM
#3
Price is always a factor lol
Wouldn't mind adding this!
01-30-2013, 12:14 AM
#5
Advanced
UMM with out the cat there would not be any smells but if you ever install a new cat that is what make it smell and when its pluged up or has oil in it then that would make it smell really bad but with out a cat i'm pretty that your not going to smell anything I have no cat on my car and there is no smell.
01-30-2013, 02:42 AM
#6
As you can see from the photos, the current b-pipe is flanged down to a 2.5" flange to mate up with the stock exhaust. We will have other options available for the flange, it can be a 3" 2 or 3 bolt flange, or a straight thru b pipe if you are planning to make a custom 3" exhaust. Otherwise it goes to a 2.5" as shown to fit the stock exhaust.
Stock Exhaust is 2.25"
ATLP aftermarket Exhaust is 2.5"
Can we use 3" flange to mate up with ATLP 2.5" ?
Awaiting for reasonable price as well.
BU
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RDHORSE (09-21-2013)
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01-30-2013, 08:36 AM
#8
UMM with out the cat there would not be any smells but if you ever install a new cat that is what make it smell and when its pluged up or has oil in it then that would make it smell really bad but with out a cat i'm pretty that your not going to smell anything I have no cat on my car and there is no smell.
The smells and fumes was so horrible.
I thought it might be because of the weather and temperature but it didn't matter. (The smells is still going to be there)
This is one of the main reason I purchase and install a magnaflow hi-flow cat.
I will check or pm more member to get their experiences about the down pipe.
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01-30-2013, 09:55 AM
#9
I'm not interested in removing the CATS, I just spent a week driving a RSX-S which has a K24 with K-pro and a race header and at stop lights the smell was noticeable and I have no intention of turning the RDX into a honda/track car.
I'm still interested in the DP as long as I can keep the stock CAT.
I'm still interested in the DP as long as I can keep the stock CAT.
01-30-2013, 07:21 PM
#10
Advanced
Not true - I was one of the first to purchase Don's down and mid pipe. (Both catless - 3") - sold it and purchase Alper S/S version.
The smells and fumes was so horrible.
I thought it might be because of the weather and temperature but it didn't matter. (The smells is still going to be there)
This is one of the main reason I purchase and install a magnaflow hi-flow cat.
I will check or pm more member to get their experiences about the down pipe.
The smells and fumes was so horrible.
I thought it might be because of the weather and temperature but it didn't matter. (The smells is still going to be there)
This is one of the main reason I purchase and install a magnaflow hi-flow cat.
I will check or pm more member to get their experiences about the down pipe.
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vaprea (01-30-2013)
01-30-2013, 08:08 PM
#11
Instructor
Its not the absence of the catalytic converter which causes the typical smell people associate with CAT converters.
The only smell you will notice without your cats is a more rich / combustion bi product- fume like smell.
The rotten egg, sulfur, stench is associated with a bad CAT, or a "clogged" CAT wether its the composition of the CAT media (i.e. gold,platinum, ceramic, clay) which is causing the smell, or a combination of built up oil, grease, CAT media, soot, and carbon. If this is the case, removing the CATs also removes the bad smell.
We had a Lexus GX470 which stunk like this, from the factory.
The only smell you will notice without your cats is a more rich / combustion bi product- fume like smell.
The rotten egg, sulfur, stench is associated with a bad CAT, or a "clogged" CAT wether its the composition of the CAT media (i.e. gold,platinum, ceramic, clay) which is causing the smell, or a combination of built up oil, grease, CAT media, soot, and carbon. If this is the case, removing the CATs also removes the bad smell.
We had a Lexus GX470 which stunk like this, from the factory.
01-31-2013, 10:30 PM
#12
Its not the absence of the catalytic converter which causes the typical smell people associate with CAT converters.
The only smell you will notice without your cats is a more rich / combustion bi product- fume like smell.
The rotten egg, sulfur, stench is associated with a bad CAT, or a "clogged" CAT wether its the composition of the CAT media (i.e. gold,platinum, ceramic, clay) which is causing the smell, or a combination of built up oil, grease, CAT media, soot, and carbon. If this is the case, removing the CATs also removes the bad smell.
We had a Lexus GX470 which stunk like this, from the factory.
The only smell you will notice without your cats is a more rich / combustion bi product- fume like smell.
The rotten egg, sulfur, stench is associated with a bad CAT, or a "clogged" CAT wether its the composition of the CAT media (i.e. gold,platinum, ceramic, clay) which is causing the smell, or a combination of built up oil, grease, CAT media, soot, and carbon. If this is the case, removing the CATs also removes the bad smell.
We had a Lexus GX470 which stunk like this, from the factory.
02-02-2013, 02:33 PM
#15
Instructor
I've own both a Turbocharged RSX which I later supercharged that I ran catless and a civic si I also ran catless. There is definitely a unpleasant smell when the cat gets removed. Im willing to deal with it as long as Im the one daily driving it. The RDX is my wife's car. I know for a fact she wont tolerate it.
Although I cant not agree, either would mine tolerate it. this is my DD, luckily.
02-05-2013, 11:11 AM
#16
No worries. Its all subjective. I want to remove the cat on the downpipe. I think thats the biggest restriction on the rdx.
03-09-2013, 11:12 AM
#25
... And what about true benefits or drawbacks when using this DP with Hondata? Can they both be used together and realize worthwhile benefit across ALL areas (less turbo lag/more power/better response) or is Hondata enough by itself? I just did hondata and like it but would do the DP if it will make even more power but without any other drawbacks- specifically Check Engine Light coming on...
09-04-2013, 03:15 PM
#26
Back in the loop
Hello everyone, I am sorry for not getting back to this thread...
I have been waiting to find an engine management system to figure out a way to control the air/fuel ratios, and was going to do an AEM FIC until I saw yesterday that Hondata has released the Flashpro. Since we at Importsports are an authorized Hondata dealer, I put my order in and should have the Flashpro by Friday. Once here, we will tune the car to see what kind of gains we can get and make sure that the afr levels ar perfect. Also just ordered some Injector Dynamics 1000cc injectors and DW fuel pump and will be doing an E85 conversion to try and help with the smell of not having cats. Once complete, we will still have the downpipes available.
Will update very soon, and sorry again for the late replies...
I have been waiting to find an engine management system to figure out a way to control the air/fuel ratios, and was going to do an AEM FIC until I saw yesterday that Hondata has released the Flashpro. Since we at Importsports are an authorized Hondata dealer, I put my order in and should have the Flashpro by Friday. Once here, we will tune the car to see what kind of gains we can get and make sure that the afr levels ar perfect. Also just ordered some Injector Dynamics 1000cc injectors and DW fuel pump and will be doing an E85 conversion to try and help with the smell of not having cats. Once complete, we will still have the downpipes available.
Will update very soon, and sorry again for the late replies...
09-04-2013, 03:20 PM
#27
Also forgot to add that after seeing all the heat soak issues with thestock and ETS intercoolers, we will be building a custom front mount incooler system to see how much it will help...
09-04-2013, 03:55 PM
#28
still want to see a DP with cat added to it =/
09-04-2013, 09:03 PM
#32
No idea the part number but the ones for K series. I know you need the clips when putting rdx injectors into other K's. Not sure if you'd need to change clips. I should pull one of my ID's out of my car and try it if I have time.
09-21-2013, 07:45 PM
#33
Can't wait!
philpak -
Thanks for the post! IRT to ETS intercooler, Flash Pro, ATLP exhaust - and your primary-cat supported D/P tuning - I'm looking forward to your findings/solution.
Please keep us posted. I'm very interested.
I've started a vote thread on the subject.
Thanks.
Thanks for the post! IRT to ETS intercooler, Flash Pro, ATLP exhaust - and your primary-cat supported D/P tuning - I'm looking forward to your findings/solution.
Please keep us posted. I'm very interested.
I've started a vote thread on the subject.
Thanks.
09-23-2013, 01:01 PM
#35
Damn, I wish Jason at Alper would get his a** in gear and offer the solution most of us are looking for. Even if he only sells 15-20 of them over the next 6 months, that's not bad at $800+ each.
Well, since NO ONE seems to be in a hurry to get a new DP/MP combo out, I guess he has time...
Well, since NO ONE seems to be in a hurry to get a new DP/MP combo out, I guess he has time...
09-25-2013, 12:43 AM
#38
Banned
I sure hope for the RDX owners interested that the folk's R&D'g took a stock dyno or they'll never know the numbers to expect (dyno curve tells the story to close the deal with a customer) and move on to a product that has hard numbers for what they'll expect after install.
09-25-2013, 05:05 AM
#39
09-25-2013, 11:24 AM
#40
6 weeks for fabrication.. yikes.. still no cat added either