Emission Questions

[Black97]

Just bought a 97 T/A in stock condition. Was surfing through the F-Body & T/A sites and saw some mods I would like to do on mine.

I read that the K&N FIPK was improoving the HP situation. I also would like to add the Borla Catback system since I've seen and heard one here locally.

Living here in Ontario in the Greater Toronto Area we have to do an emission test every two years.

My questions,

Will there be any problems with the test adding these components?

Are there any other exhaust systems that increase HP, sound and look good and do not cause any emission problems? Also considering the pricing, quality and noise factor.

Your opinions?

Rene

[Hyper94uznj]

The K&N and 3" exhaust will not affect emmisions, but the muffler will affect the noise level. Which one is entirely personal preference, you'll need to find people with the various mufflers & listen for yourself. Some people swear by the $600 Borla's & SLP's where my $300 Hooker set up has me perfectly happy.

Hyper

[Hemogoblin]

I run that Borla wide open and never had a second glance from the cops. And emissions are no problem; I'm in Ontario too. In fact, most shops don;t realize that the exhaust is running through one side only and just end up putting the probe in the lower flowing side anyway! The Borla is big $$$ but believe me, it sounds AWESOME! Everyone I meet asks me about it. Great sound and stainless to boot.

Only problem was the fit: it's bad. OK, well, the tip fitment is bad. Everything else was fine. I worked on the tips for a couple hours to get them right. Very annoying considering the $$$ spent.

Cheers,
Steve

[Black97]

Thanks for your input so far.

I found this video on a web site about a T/A which has following
as a "sound system" installed.

(Jet-Hot Long Tube Headers, Custom ORP/Y-pipe, Rear O2 sims, Hooker Super Comp Catback.

Not sure though if this was all installed when the video was taken. Sounds pretty good to me. Allthough I prefer not to drive around with a T/A in the wintertime.

http://users.adelphia.net/~showtime89/donuts.rm

[Hyper94uznj]

Listening to that you'll be comparing apples to oranges if all your looking for is the K&N & 3' Exhuast. You also need to check what they look for on emmisions check - Technically in NJ an emisions part has t remain in the stock location etc...

[Black97]

I'm aware that I cannot compare my two mods to the T/A that I mentioned. Just really liked the sound of that one.

Like the price of the Hooker's that you mentioned much better than the Borla system. But then the Borla is Stainless and lasts much longer.

Tough choice.

[Hyper94uznj]

FWIW I paid $275 for my Hooker (cat back exhaust) & it has lasted me w/o a hitch for over 4 years & 50k+ miles now so I wouldn't weigh to much on the longevity issue. Let the sound be your decing factor & remember that their will be times when you'll want to listen to music & hold a conversation w/a girlfriend while driving down the highway doing 70mph w/o having to talk over a loud exhaust. Just a lessons learned I've heard from people.

Hyper

[Black97]

Hyper

I like your view about the noise. I actually noticed a difference in the noise level just by having the trunk cover up or down.

The Borla's you can adjust to different levels.

How would you rate your Hooker's? Can you still listen to music or hold a conversation without straining your voice cords?

[Hemogoblin]

I agree, if money is in question, or you just prefer the sound of one over the other, let that be your guide. Forget the stainless issue: although I didn't and that was one reason for buying Borla, but that was just me.

As for the sound being too lound and such, no way. Doing 70-80 down the highway and you can barely hear it in the car. Get it down to around 65 or so, and the engine ticking is louder than the exhaust. It's only REALLY loud on WOT, and it sounds great; turns lots of heads. But keep in mind, I'm running a high flow cat with SLP 1 3/4" headers, so it isn't just a Borla.
Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll be happy with the sound. Anything over stock is an improvement

Cheers,
Steve

[Hyper94uznj]

Even with headers below 2300 rpm noise is a non issue, I have an A4 & at the time it had stock 3:23 gears. It didn't get bad till above 2700+ & thats with the t-tops off. Again take ur time & do your homework or it will be a wasted $350+

Hyper