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Down pipe and Texas Emissions

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23K views 25 replies 7 participants last post by  ItWRX4Me  
#1 ·
Hey all, I am in the process of saving for a used cobb port ( by the way is there a good way to buy used ports? i.e. have them tested etc?) and a downpipe.

So far in reading exhaust threads, I understand a bit of what is out there.

I am partial to the bellmouth design, it does seem reasonable the it matches up the the turbo better.

As for the wastegate being divorced or (regular?) I am not sold.
What is my real big differences power wise, emissions etc.

Last is to get a catted or cattless.
If I have read correctly the cattless is a tad more power but the cat not being on can result in failed emissions.

I just moved to texas and would be curious to see if I could get away with the catless if that would be a good fit for me.

http://www.gruppe-s.com/Subaru/subex.htm
The Helix bellmouth DP's look nice and that would match up to my helix catback that I currently have.

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop/exhaust-downpipes-c-21_25_30_51.html
The invidia one/s also are nice, and I could save for that.

Thanks guys,
Im sure another exhaust question is not whats wanted here but its nice to have a personalized reply instead of searching for it :) (I did search a bit) :D

Dan 06 TR
 
#2 ·
I think you're confusing your terminology, you're talking about a Cobb Downpipe correct? Cobb also makes the AccessPort, but that's a tuning device, not an exhaust piece.

As for your questions: There is no emissions differences between a divorced wastegate and a bellmouth design. There are differences in air flow through each of these pieces but either one will be fine for anything you're wanting to use it for. It's a matter of preference.

Emissions wise, a catted downpipe is MUCH less likely to be failed. Depending on your area, county, state, etc... you could have a sniffer test, which you'd probably pass even without a cat (though that depends on the car), or you will have a visual inspection (or both), the visual you will fail if you don't have a cat. Look up your county's emissions regulations and testing rules for more details, they should be posted openly online.

I prefer Invidia products, but I like the loud note from a Subie. This is a matter of preference and budget. Were I you, I'd look into something used. You can save a boat load of money that way.
 
#3 ·
I think I said it right, I just gave a lot of improper names I guess :)

I want a cobb access port, and the bellmouth downpipe :)

Btw, is there a good way to buy a used access port. I am buyng one local for 450 maybe less. It is for my year and he said he crashed his and then took it to cobb and had it removed.

Can it be tested not on a car?

Thanks!
 
#4 ·
Catless is illegal in TX. You're gonna have to find someone who will pass you regardless. Technically you can only have 2 "no ready" or "fails" on their little check list, which leaves some room for passing depending on circumstance.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I say just keep your stock downpipe.

A highflow cat is not a guaranteed pass over catless (though it could possibly help). Speedette (a member here) just installed one and her car flashed a cat inefficiency CEL today.

Also, find an in thru the local Subaru community. I found someone that passed me catless, EWG (counts as an exhaust bypass), and with 3 "not ready"s.
 
#10 ·
SethMurray2002 said:
Anybody know what the law is about un catted downpipes in Washington?
Street cars must have two OEM or "OEM-replacement" cats on their vehicles
 
#11 ·
It depends on where you live in Texas how hard it will be for you to pass inspection. I live in Denton county and when I took my car to get inspected they took one look at it and said there was no way I would pass(catless exhaust). So I just switched my registration to where my parents live(Van Zandt co). Then I drove to my parents house and had it inspected. All they did was make sure my brakes worked, honked the horn, and checked the lights. They didn't even look at the exhaust, or check with an OBDII scanner.
 
#14 · (Edited)
I'm cross town from you and just went with TurboXS DP/catless race pipe and AP stage II. I haven't had any CELs yet and will not have any issues getting ODBII inspected around here in DFW.

BTW it's a state inspection not by county, you will always find hard a$$s out there :) get in good sandings with some dealership or shops around your area that inspect.
 
#24 ·
Maybe if the car is registered in an emissions county it has to be inspected in an emissions county, but if it's registered in an emissions free county it can be inspected anywhere?


I know that when my car was registered in Denton county they would not inspect it in Van Zandt county and they told me it has to be inspected in the county it is registered in, but that might just be because Denton county requires emissions testing.
 
#25 ·
Ya, my car is (still) registered to Dallas County. I once went to a shop I didn't know was in Colin County and they said they couldn't give me a sticker but that if I still wanted to pay they would let me know if I would pass. :rotfl: