High Flow cats, Z1 Intakes, and Borla S-type catback: do I need a tune?
 

I just installed my CAI and the catback in the last 2 months and I’ve been driving around pretty spiritedly with no issue. I’m getting ready to buy high flow cats just because I like the sound/functionality from yt videos I’ve seen better than test pipes. Should I wait until I can afford a tune and just buy it all together? Or can I get away with driving it around for a month or 2 without damaging the engine?


-2013 7AT 50000 miles

The car will adjust as needed without damaging anything. Even with the HFCs. However, that adjustment will likely rob you of the added power from the parts you've installed. You'll need a tune to get that power back, and a good tuner will improve throttle response significantly as well.

I recommend a tune, but you should be fine if you are driving normally for 2 months.

Once you install the HFC's, I guarantee you will get the check engine light coming on all the time. Then you will need a tune unless that doesn't bother you.

I guess I don't know for sure as I bought it this way, however, my car has intake, exhaust, and HFC and I don't believe it has a tune and I don't get any CELs.

I didn't realize you have a 2013. At some point, Nissan made a change where it is more picky and throws codes much easier. I have a 2017 and all it took for it to throw a code was Stillen cold air intakes and Fast Intentions high flow cats with the rest of the exhaust stock.

As others have said, the ECM will adapt to protect the engine but performance will suffer. Just don't go WOT or rev the engine very high until you get the tune.

The rule of thumb is: Intake mods OR exhaust mods - no tune needed. Intake AND exhaust mods - tune needed.