I know I'm one of the nazi's of searching, and I did, but I have a few questions for those who got the J-Pipes. I have a chance to get the J-pipe install done for about 20 dollars, and am debating if I should go with it, and had these few questions before I order it:

1. Will the J-pipe give me a TQ and HP boost in the lower range RPM's even if I keep the stock 3rd cat and stock exhaust?
2. Does the factory heat shield fit over the ATLP j-pipe?
3. Does the J- pipe ALONE (no aftermarket exhaust, no test pipes, no aftermarket cats) give any MPG gains? This is my biggest factor for buying it, I don't want to lose MPG for some little power, I rather gain some and get more power
4. Has anyone had any issues with the revised J pipe hitting the oil pan on the 2004 TL?
5. My TL is a 5AT, are the gains the same or half of the posted numbers on the ATLP Dyno thread?
6. Is it worth wrapping the new J-pipe in exhaust wrap?
7. To aznbo, If I have the money in hand, how fast can you get me the J-pipe? Also any discount if I can wait longer than the 399 price, like the group buy one?
8. Has anyone had blow back after installing the J-pipe? I saw that a few members had it after installing new exhaust components, any insight onto this?
9. Has anyone had any issues with the J-pipe beside it hitting the oilpan?

I did search, for about an hour and read all the J-pipe threads, and the MPG gain one, but it was unclear to me and the OP can't be contacted. Any help is appreciated!

 

1. Yes. That is the setup I have been running and there is still definitely an increase over stock.
2. The factory heatshield that is on the factory pipe, is very small and doesn't cover much pipping. We've made sure that there is enough clearance all way around the pipe in regards to any heat issues.
3. https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/who-wants-chip-get-my-fiancee-tl-182185/
4. Revised version should clear all TL models. Haven't had any issues or recalls.
5. Gains are the same. Drivetrain loss is different though as you don't translate the same amount as an 6MT would.
6. We don't recommend it as it may trap unnecessary stress on the tubing by increasing the range of maximum heat that the metal has to endure. We ensured that there is enough clearance for the pipe to stay cool as well as engine components.
7. J-Pipe is in stock, ready to ship when your ready sir!
8. Open for other feedback.
9. Open to other feedback.

Hope this helps! Feel free to call or e-mail me if you have any other questions!

Mike

 

1) Yes.
2) Yes.
3)
4) No.
5) Most likely.
6) No.
7) Looks like he has them.
8) No.
9) I had a hell of a time getting two nuts off to install it, one of which I had to have a shop take off. This makes your $20 install a great deal. The job really isn't, in theory, something I'd charge someone more than $20 to do (remove 9 nuts, swap pipes, replace 9 nuts), but if there are any issues removing the nuts, the $20 becomes a bargain. Other than that, no problems at all.

 

$20 is a steal. Better than laying on your back with the car on ramps like I did. I snapped one of the studs on the rear port, so definitely you are better off having it done. A lift or a pit makes things much easier.

 

Thanks csmeance for starting this thread! I have been thinking about getting the ATLP J-Pipe and wanted to hear some feedback from a few members before taking the plunge. I have no intention of purchasing an aftermarket exhaust so hearing that the pipe adds performace is good news. Hopefully it makes up some of the low end torque I lost after installing the CAI.

Has anyone considered coating the pipe with some type of hi-temp exhaust coating like www.swaintech.com or www.jet-hot.com to keep the engine and surrounding components cool since the OEM heat shield is removed?

Also what's the blow back you mentioned in #8?

 

1. I can definitely feel a midrange boost with my otherwise factory exhaust. The midrange dyno graph was the sole reason I bought the pipe, initially. It delivers here. Up top, I can't tell, and don't care, actually- I don't drive above 6000rpm enough for it to matter.
2. I didn't put the factory heatshield onto the J-pipe. It seemed like there was plenty of clearance.
3. I still maintain I am up a solid 1mpg at least, if not 1.5.
4. I got the first batch, don't know about revised.
5. Don't know.
6. Don't wrap. This will greatly accelerate pipe corrosion.
7. ...
8. Blow back???
9. No issues.

Todd

 

sorry I meant backfire.... the deal with the 20 bucks is the J pipe needs to be removed for the recall, and well swapping it for 20 bucks under the table works.

 

It does? Damn it, I put mine in before the recalls were done. Guess I'll be fixing it this weekend (hopefully the monkeys at the dealer didn't fuck something up).

 

Ah, backfire. I can likely tell you what that is...

Exhaust leak. What happens is if you have a leak close to the cats, lift throttle creates a vacuum at some points in the pipe, and draws in outside air. If the air mixes in around the cats, it will combust the remaining fuel. Boom, backfire.

This used to be a *VERY* common problem with 80s era car mods, because exhaust systems weren't so precision-built then as now. I've heard this on quite a few modified Camaro exhausts that ran cats for emissions compliance.

 

ok, but from a while back I remember reading that after installing an exhaust, forgot which one and which member, that there was a burning smell and the car backfired after that.

 

Yep, exhaust leaks close to the cats can do all that.