Test pipes
 

I've been wanting to make my z louder for a while now and saving for a new exhaust system is seeming to be almost impossible so I came across these Fast Intentions . I will eventually be getting a new exhaust system, but for now, will these do the trick? Went with test pipes over HFCs because of less weight, more hp gains, and of course the cost. Also I know resonated will be a bit quieter than non, but does anyone have anything against the non-resonated?

Rasp. I have no issue with loud vs. quiet, but I'd be more concerned with the quality of sound. Non-resonated will be raspier, I believe. Could be wrong though.

Hey I just remembered -- there's member called ssqpolo who has the Berk test pipes, and they're non-resonated. I believe he said they're raspy, but you might want to shoot him a PM to ask him directly.

Semtex is right, the non-resinated TPs will have a bit of a rasp to them. Some people like the rasp, others hate it.

Go to youtube and do some searches for 350Zs/G35s and 370Zs/G37s with TPs and you'll hear the difference between the RTP and NRTP. It may not be the most accurate representation but it should give you enough of an idea to make a decision.

Shift810 I feel the same way you do. $1500 for a cbe is alot of money and I got other priorities besides my 370z exhaust. Definitely post videos of the rtps or nrtps whichever you choose. I may go along this line vs cbe for now. :excited:

I have GTM pipes and it's very raspy, I don't mind it must but it's not something many here would prefer. Definitely an upgrade from the stock system, really brings the car alive.

After watching a few vids on youtube, the rasp is growing on me. Im a kid, loud noises appeal to me lol. I think the sound is pretty sick so i'll probably end up going with the non-resonated pipes. Thx for all the input.

Keep in mind that loudness isnt all that comes with them, drone is huge and can be quite excruciating on long trips, and if you add a CBE, good night!

ehh the test pipe drone isn't that bad, Shift you want loud, how's this I'm going to be running GTM test pipes with true dual midpipes and a meisterseister rear muffler

oh gawd, throw some headers in there while you're at it! :icon17:

With headers it's gonna sound hawt

Adding HFCs changed the Stillen catback from smooth but somewhat quiet (still a vast improvement over stock) to perfect loudness. However, there is rasp that really only noticeable under WOT. I think it's a fair tradeoff for the improvement in sound at idle and low revs as well as butt dyno gains.

I recall a track day last year, before I learned about some of this stuff, where a car kept making the WORST mechanical wail as it went past. Turns out it was probably test pipes or something similar in his exhaust setup.

Yeah, test pipes will make it a bit louder and with a little bit of Rasp. Of course, what's "Horribly Raspy" and what's "Tolerable" is a completely relative term, but if you're looking for a louder exhaust, then test pipes are definitely a good start.

I have the Fast Intentions resonated test pipes...ZERO rasp. Replacing the cats, epecially with TPs makes the exhaust considerably louder.

I bought the GTM resonated TP's and i have the HKS centre pipe with stock muffler but the Rasp is ridiculous with the stock muffler!!

Do u thin ig i change the rear muffler it will help with the rasp???

Im putting stock cats back tomorrow though i cant take the sound....

Damn you guys must have sensitive ears lol, I don't mind the rasp over the sound increase compared to stock cats. After looking at the stock cats upon taking them off it's visible that they are really restrictive, to hell with them!

i want them so bad but i cant get them, wont pass inspection, have to get hfc's instead

it won't pass emissions in NY either, but there are enough shops willing to pass you for some extra $

yea in newyork, lol not in va haha

They'll pass in NY as long as you aren't throwing CELs..

Now that Ive driven this setup daily for a few weeks I have a few observations:

1) It is LOUD, I have the 18" resonators + RTPs and it can scare bystanders and eat small children if you open it up. It is just below the threshold of what I would consider "too loud" and I cant imagine ANYONE saying this is too tame. I think the RTPs mostly contribute to the volume.
2) Cold start will wake the neighborhood. It shakes the interior and rattles the trunk plastics, but goes away after a minute.
3) 3 weeks of daily driving and NO CELs...knock on wood.
4) Sound QUALITY is excellent. No rasp at all, little to no drone but VERY agressive. SRM downshifts ROCK! The first few had my girlfriend jump in the seat and ask "what was that!?" haha. Those that compare this exhaust to a Ferrari or other exotics...well...need to have their hearing checked or are basing their experience off youtube clips. It is very deep and can be V8-esque burbly at times, but definetely not an Italian V8 40-valve symphony.

Bottom line...get the Resonated test pipes, you cant go wrong!

Overall...I love it!

Thanks for the testimony. I was looking for someone that had already done the F.I. TDX w/ 18" Resonators and RTPs. Do you have a sound clip in the DB or on some other website?

Does anyone else run this same setup?

I think there are a few other guys running this setup on the forum...most guys run the HFC as opposed to the RTPs though. Here is a real quick clip I made but honestly it does not do the sound justice...you must hear this in person to appreciate:tup:

Idk which part of ny your from but if they can hear you before they can see you, you're f*cked...
I want sound clips though!
Your set up is going to sound badass for sure.:tup:

Nice vid!

I have Berk Test Pipe and I love them. They do have a little bit of rasp when I hit 3000 RPM but after that it clears up.

Thanks to you I just bought FI RTP for my Ark exhaust. Let's see if this holds true.

^ hope you enjoy! Does the ark exhaust have resonators?

I wish my exhaust was louder whenever I get passed by a gallardo or an F430 or something along those lines. I got passed by a Carrera GT with aftermarket exhaust...probably just straight pipes....the other day and I literally wanted to go home and cry.

Any other time, its perfect. I do wonder sometimes how the Stillen would sound with RTP's. Does anyone know where I can find clips of that combination?

Hey. Just got a set of test pipes (non res) with the gtm spec 3 exhaust to go with the gtm stage 2 tt set up. Was wondering if anyone is running the same set up an can tell me how it sounds

Yes it does. However I'm running the Ark exhaust with FI RTP and still have some rasp but not as much like the Berk TP

I know Danny has a video of his car doing a couple drive bys with TPs. I just checked and this was taken with his old Berk Test Pipes so not resonated. Maybe he can post up some new vids with his GTM RTPs if you ask him.

Fast Intentions is the way to go!

<--- has FI catback with CF mufflers and no resonators. And non resonated test pipes.. FI Long tube headers are on order :)

^ that has to be the loudest combo on this forum!

This is going to sound ridiculous for sure. Please post a vid.

lol atleast one of the loudest. when i ordered it tony was like holy crap its gonna be loud.. but to be honest its loud but not THAT loud.. I think my 07 civicsi with dc sports race header and 70mm skunk 2 exhaust was louder. but for a dual exhaust its pretty loud, if it were a single it would kill babies and swallow small neighborhoods.

I dont have a camcorder ill have to get a buddy of mine to record. Ill see if i can record my car now and after i get the long tubes ill record another video.