Cat removal with stock exhaust?
 

I do not have the money for a full cat-back exhaust system but really would like to get some extra sound. Anyone know how replacing the oem cat's with straight pipes, lets say from fast intentions, and keeping everything else stock would sound? Can't find the specific setup on youtube. I don't want very loud, I want it to be noticeable though. I can't throw a CEL either for emissions purposes. Oh, I do not want a lot of rasp either, some is ok though. Any help is greatly appreciated!:tup:

It will be raspy bc you're using the stock exhaust but it will sound a lot better. You will also get decent gains. I think I posted a vid up here somewhere with the setup you're looking for.

Then you're most likely going to have to get the car tuned after you take the cats off.

Yup, with test pipes, the o2 extenders MIGHT work for you but you'll probably have to get them tuned out. Some states can actually see when the ECU has been modified and will automatically fail you. Unsure of Illinois emissions and equipment and if they put you on the sniffer, you will fail while hes walking up to put the thing in the exhaust lol.

I would look at the member FS threads for deals on exhaust components. People here change their exhausts like they do underwear. There is a midpipe back 5Zigen exhaust for $400 floating around, some short tails, and other inexpensive options for quality parts. You will get the extra volume you want, spent little money and get no CEL.

I would suggest going with some ART pipes and AAM short tails. Can probably get both used for ~$400

You can get cats for cheap and if they are engineered right you won't throw a cel. I ran GTM unreasonated test pipes, no tune but the sensors are set where no CEL came on.

I had this set up and it is extremely loud. If you just want sound, go with just the AAM short tails. If you want sound and performance get a aftermarket exhaust. I got an AAM 2.5" True Dual and I love it with my Art pipes.

Here is a link to my thread. There are many others! http://www.the370z.com/intake-exhaus...AM+short+tails

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I think I'm going to save a little longer and go with the FI catback with 12 inch resonators. I was going to get their HFC's as well, but decided the extra $500 is a little too much for me at the moment.

In the last vid your car sounds outrageous :driving:

It was pretty wild...I really liked it but for a DD it got way too much attention and I want to keep what I have left of my hearing. LOL

OP, you have similar concerns to me. Wanted a better sounding exhaust without breaking the bank, maintain all emission standards and not take a chance on voiding any warranties. Please keep in mind, I do not plan on doing any additional mods to my car, this is it, as far as the engine is concerned. Good info from jcosta on this link below.

http://www.the370z.com/intake-exhaus...hing-mods.html

Was initially planning on going w/Fast Intentions, cost w/shipping to HI is over $1,600, plus the local performance shop I would use for installation charge is $150. The owner of this shop would put on any exhasut I ordered for $150 but gave me two other options. Either one of these would cost only $400. Replace stock muffler w/two seperate mufflers from the last flange (this would cause 2 bends by the mufflers) or cut the existing pipes before the last flange and weld larger 2.5" pipes which attach to mufflers for a very straight exhaust flow. I chose option two, pic attached.

Very happy with my choice as this did not add any weight to my car, sound is much better than stock, original exhaust tips were kept, my butt dyno feels like their has been some increase in power, plus a savings of over $1,350. Might be an option for you.

OP don't overlook the fact that the stock cats rob some serious HP. I made ~293WHP on a dynojet after installing test pipes.

The resonated test pipe from FI is also a option, since it's relatively cheaper than their HFC's, but I wonder how much louder it will be then with the HFC's? I'll be getting the 18 inch resonators from them if I decide to go with either setup in order to keep the sound level livable. Will the tone be different between the two?

you might get a little less rasp with the hfc's but considering you're getting 18in. resonators it shouldn't be "unlivable" however if Chitown is hard on emission testing then get the HFC's