I did a search, didn't really find what I was looking for. The only performance mod I have done to my 05AT TL is the AEM V2 CAI. I noticed the race pipe is affordable right now and was just wondering if I would notice any difference with it installed. Exhaust system is stock also by the way. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

bump in power

 

Any noticeable difference in sound?

 

I would say mostly sound if any hp/tq increase.

remove your mid-muffler if you havent already

 

j-pipe or pre-cat deletes are your best bump in power for the $, at least as far as the exhaust goes. i did the race pipe and j-pipe together so i dont really know how much it added by itself. no doubt it will help, but it does the most when paired with other components that are of the same diameter which you are not doing. i would get the j-pipe first if possible, but i can understand if it is a cash issue. for a little more you could go with the crank pulley upgrade(lower weight and possible smaller diameter, the second will need a new belt though)

 

No that I think about it getting a test pipe and paying $75-100 for it is just a waste of money. Just take it to a shop and get the flanges made and the hole for the O2 sensor and its the same thing.

I personally would wait till you get procats or deletes and the j-pipe before you waste your time on a test pipe by itself.

 

no O2 sensor on the 3rd cat

 

Thanks for the replies guys, I was planning on getting the J-pipe first, but about to throw some cash at an engagement ring.......I think.

 

honestly, not to hate on ATLP, but id just get the rv6 race pipe since its half the price and the ONLY difference is that ATLP you CAN use the factory heatshields, which is completely pointless quite honestly, it just rattles and retains the "look" of a 3rd cat.

www.rv6-p.com

 

+1

I was going to make the same comment about the price difference... I see you beat me.

 

I guess it comes down to when Richie has them in stock.

 

I have the ATLP J-pipe. I've been looking into exhausts for a while now, but have had major concerns about drone, overall volume in the car, and cost. Before this TL (I've had it for 4 years), I was a Chevy guy building Z28s. Entire exhaust systems from headers to tips didn't cost as much as these catback systems do for these cars. Although, I like the look of a lot of these exhausts and was contemplating the Tanabe exhaust, i can't bring myself to spend $1000 for 10hp. That's $100/hp. But, I was wondering if anyone has tried putting the race/test pipe on a stock catback. Anyone out there tired this? What's it sound like? Is there drone? I bought the race pipe last year and then I got sent to Afghanistan. I'll be home in 3 weeks and want to start thinking about the TL. Thanks for any help guys.

 

leprekhan - Thank you for defending our nation !

Many people on the forum have done the race/test pipe with the oem catback, including me.

When adding the race/test pipe to the oem catback, there is just a slight sound increase within the cabin at approx 30 mph. It is barely noticeable, even if you are listening for it.

With mine, I noticed an extremely small increase in sound while idling in gear, such as waiting at a red light. Plus, a extremely small increase in sound while accelerating at a normal pace (light throttle) up to approx 20 - 30 mph. Other than those two situations, I noticed no difference in sound level.

There is no noticeable power increase. Although I believe (imho) that it does add 1 or 2 extra hp.

If you are afraid of drone (and rightfully so), be sure to never remove your oem resonator. If you purchase an aftermarket catback, be sure to add a healthy-sized aftermarket resonator to the aftermarket catback.

Here are two helpful links -

Swaping out the cat for a straight pipe? (click here)
The Drone is unreal! Help! (click here)