O2 Sensor H-Pipe Question

[xxxBlakexxx]

Originally Posted by bmxelvs

Thank You very much for the input! A lot of really good information there, I think I will go with the XCalibrator as I have no need for different tunes at this time... The throttle body/plenum was already on my list, how hard of an install is it? Fairly simple install. A few botls and hoses. That is about it. Does it just bolt on or do I have to mess with the tps at all?The TPS is the toughest part of the install. You have to swap the TPS from the old to the new plenum. The bolts are a bitch to remove...or can be. Sometimes the TPS will get damaged in the process. You might need an impact wrench top break them loose. Be prepared to buy a new TPS. They are not that expensive ($40).

Also my check engine light still has NOT kicked on and I have put like 500+ miles on the car already with no cats which I think is pretty strange. I have heard of that happening. Don't be surprised if the light does not come on eventually. Maybe it has something to do with the ceramic coated long tubes? Not sure about that. I don't see the link.

Lastly since I pulled my cats the mufflers I have on the car dont really sound that great. I have Raven's on the car right now. Anyone have any ideas on what would sound the loudest without sacrificing too much sound quality with my exhaust set up e.g. long tubes with 2 1/2" H-Pipe?IMO, catless mid pipes usually sound like crap. Makes the car sound rough. I know it is a personal thing. Sometimes, IMO you can get away with it with the right muffler. But I can guarentee you that there are not many people with Raven mufflers and a 2.5" catless H pipe. The trick to finding a good sounding exhaust is to have the right components working together. I am not a big fan of mixing and macthing brand names either for this very reason that you are describing. Companies design their components to work together. When you mix and match, you run the risk of a bad setup. Unless you have heard them before hand. For example, MAC Prochambers are commonly used with FlopwMaster American Thunder catbacks. While not appealing to everyone, it is generally a winning combination. In truth, I think a catless H pipe is the hardless thing to get to sound right. Why? Simply because it is not as commonly used. One more thing, with a catless mid pipe, the louder you go with the mufflers will no doubt sacrifice sound quality. Ask around and see if you can listen to a similar setup like yours but with different mufflers.

Once again thank you for the reply!

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