for some reason, i decided to start this project last night. by 2am, i was so tired i couldn't finish tightening the bolts, so i went to bed and had to get a ride to work today.

but now it's finished. labree motorsports 3" to 2.5" test pipe. for testing, of course.

<img src="http://jcs.org/.media/audi_a4/2003-09-26_labree_test_pipe/flow.jpg">

comparison (that stock cat is so damn heavy!)

<img src="http://jcs.org/.media/audi_a4/2003-09-26_labree_test_pipe/test_pipe_vs_cat.jpg">

test pipe going in:

<img src="http://jcs.org/.media/audi_a4/2003-09-26_labree_test_pipe/fitment.jpg">

after a fun run:

<img src="http://jcs.org/.media/audi_a4/2003-09-26_labree_test_pipe/after_1_run.jpg">

impressions: much deeper exhaust note, of course. it's more of a growl. the turbo spoolup (not the intake) is much more audible and pronounced. you can clearly hear it whistling even under 2700rpms with very light blips of the throttle, and this was with all of the windows closed since it was raining outside.

my awe stage 3 clutch is still awaiting installation, so it's hard to do a real performance test because i can't go wot, but i could definetly feel the difference with the test pipe on. the car just keeps pulling and pulling and wanting to pull more, even though i was only at like 3/4 throttle without much boost. the low end doesn't feel much different, but as the rpms climb, the pull is much more "there" than it was with the stock cat.

i can't wait for my clutch to get installed and broken in, this is going to be a wild ride...

i am planning on getting a high-flow cat installed at a later time, relocated under the car. maybe a full 3" turbo-back...

 

very nice.. didn't know labree ms made pipes for a4's

 

Those pipes have been around for well over a year. I even had one on my 2 liter K04 setup.

 

thats a sweet setup man!

 

any engine light?

 

what is the purpose of a test pipe? what are the benefits compared to a hfc? sorry for the ignorance, but this has been bugging me for a while

 

Very nice. Why did you go with stg3 clutch, isn't 2 enough? Did you get lightened flywheel too?

 

of course there is.

 

upper RPM