I hear the best cheap mod is a test pipe, but then I hear the fines for having a test pipe here in CA are very steep! If pulled over for whatever reason, do cops really look under our cars to check?

 

It really depends on the officer. I've never had a problem with this. Hopefully I will never have a problem with it. But who knows. It will always be a risk.

 

Running a test pipe does come with its exciting moments. Last night after the Torrance meet I had a cop get behind me for about two blocks Then he made a left and I was back to

Sometimes they do the sniffer/polluter check points and if you get caught in one of those its Game Over

I think you should way out the pros and cons before getting one. If you are ok with getting a 1500.00 dollar fine or possibly having your car towed for an extra 7-10hp then go for it! I have contemplated putting the cat back on, but just cant seem to talk myself into it

 

I think that having the S is a lot easier to get away with the testpipe say compared to a civic !!

I've had cops follow me with my testpipe. Just play it

 

can u really notice a power increase with test pipes though? Not just by goin by dyno charts, but as far as racing/driving and feeling it?

 

7-10 hp is pretty noticable. especially up high. No cat, open pipe.

 

I've never been caught and I've been pulled over with no exhaust runing off the header. I don't believe cops are going to expose themselves to danger by looking under a car.

 

I was thinking the exact same thing last night. He/she wouldn't do it alone.

 

so it seems like there may be alot of people here in so cal who run test pipes. Maybe I'll get one too. I bet it will make my single sound even louder though huh? lol. Its already loud as hell!

 

They dont look under the car they use a mirror to see if the cat is still in place. Typically they just check under the hood for items without CARB #'s.

It will get a little louder, but not a that much.