84b18

I would like to do some exhaust system modifications on my 04 daily driven s2000. The car is completely stock and I would like to keep it that way for the most part. I Want to start with ether a test pipe or cat back. I would like to know what the exhaust sounds like with just a tp and what the drone is like compared to just a cat back or cat back with tp. I would also like to know what is needed to be done with a tp in order to keep the check engine light from coming on. Thank you.

Mike21

stock exhaust sounds nice with just a testpipe. if you get an aftermarket exhaust that drones, the testpipe will definitely cut down cabin noise/volume.

84b18

So ether way with aftermarket or factory exhaust it is better to have a test pipe sound wise? In that case what are the down sides to having a tp? Also what are the solutions?

s2kmike68025

I would buy an intake first, if this is your DD and you have the top up most of the time then you are not going to like the drone that alot of the exhausts give you. I've owned the Invidia V3 dual exhaust and I must say that the sound at Vtec is just awesome, however, the drone was horrible...If you want a nice exhaust that doesn't break the bank, I'd suggest the Invidia Q300, I have this on my car now and its very quiet when cruising, when you want to mash on it, the car sounds very agressive and the exhaust tone is very nice. As far as a test pipe goes, its really up to you I guess. Fixing the check engine light is easy, you can buy a gapper at autozone and drill it out so that you can thread it with your o2 sensor and testpipe bung, its a fairly simple fix. Take a look around the forum, there is alot of valuable information here. Goodluck!

84b18

Do most people agree intake first then tp followed by a cat back?

jimnasty23

i wann aknow by threading a gapper on a tp, how that doesnt make your car run rich? no check lights? i mean if everyone is doing it and having no problems, im down to finally put mine on

suzuka-blue-s2k

It honestly wont matter much. The OEM airbox was designed very well, so I would say get a test pipe first, that's what I did. It made the OEM exhaust sound alot better. Before you get a test pipe, decide if you are going to get a catback soon, and what size you want to go with. I got a 60mm test pipe on my stock exhaust so it matched perfectly without bottle necking the system, now I have an HKS 60mm dual, so its still the same pipe diameter as my test pipe. If you are going to get a 70mm exhaust soon, go ahead and get a 70mm test pipe. It will bolt strait up, but your not going to make any extra real power.

Also, I love my HKS dual exhaust with my test pipe. There is absolutely no drone at all, but the exhaust can be pretty loud once you get on it. Sounds awesome! I just gutted/insulated my OEM airbox then put a K&N drop in filter, and a AUT cooling plate to direct air into it. I actually just put a K&N FIPK on last night, it made the car sound twice as awesome since that intake is loud.

So my honest opinion. Get the test pipe, then the exhaust, then the intake. It seemed like my gutted/insualted airbox with the AUT panel and the K&N drop in performed almost just as good as my new FIPK. Then if you want it louder, just take off the lid for a while. You will loose a couple ponies doing that, but it sounds cool!

TougeS2k

ya TP first. But make sure its close to the same diameter as the catback you want. My GReddy TiC droned BAD without a TP, now it sounds great.

H22toF20

I'd go,

cat-back
intake
TP

The HKS 75mm single and FIPK sound amazing with a noticeable power difference from both. I can't wait for a TP.