Difference between Pipes for Kooks Headers

[jpalmer]

I am looking at the Kooks headers (SS part number) for my 2013 PPV and the info says can only be used with Kooks mid-pipes.

But, there are two different types the OEM Green Catted X-pipe and the OEM Catted X-Pipe. Anybody know the difference between the two? Downside or upside of using either one, etc.?

Thanks

[orgdnr]

I used the 2014 SS headers and green cat Xpipe. Only had to modify at the muffler. I am very happy with the fitment and quality of the product.

[jpalmer]

That's good to know that folks are using the product and are happy with them, but any idea what the difference is between the OEM catted X-pipe and the OEM GREEN catted x-pipe, other than about 300 bucks?

[storm9c1]

AFAIK, with most of their catted products, the "green" products are typically 49-state EPA compliant (with CA being the exception of course). The rest are non-compliant, so you save $300 and put the risk into your own hands.

[jpalmer]

AFAIK, with most of their catted products, the "green" products are typically 49-state EPA compliant (with CA being the exception of course). The rest are non-compliant, so you save $300 and put the risk into your own hands.

Wow, that's interesting. I figured a catalytic converter is a catalytic converter. Sure, I thought maybe the universal cats maybe didn't use the best materials or didn't flow as well or whatever... And if you can't run them on the road legally, why even have them?

And, what the heck do you get with a compliant cat that costs an extra 150 bucks each? I'm guessing you pay for the compliance testing?

Anyways, I don't live in an emissions testing state but I wouldn't want to install something that is not legal either. I wonder if the non-GREEN cats would cause any issues like throwing codes? As pricey as this solution is I only want to do it once.

[storm9c1]

You would have to ask the manufacturer what the fundamental difference is. In some cases, the non-compliant units just failed some required QA test. Or they could be absolutely identical -- they just don't pay to stick on the label and pass the savings on to you! (since I bet compliance costs money for the vendor per label in the form of auditing, record keeping, etc). And that's for 49-state legal. CARB compliance for CA is even more complicated and strict.

I'm not sure if it will set a code, but probably not. O2 sensors are much more forgiving than the federal govt. And it will probably pass a visual inspection in most states but not guaranteed to pass a sniffer test. Most states don't even do sniffer tests anymore. The fuzzy area is the federal compliance. If you read the federal rules, just changing any part of your emissions system from stock could violate federal compliance (this may include cold air intakes, reflash, etc). It's a really crazy. I won't give any more advice in this area. I'm not a lawyer and the laws are complicated. Like I said, it's up to the individual to determine how much risk to take. And how their individual state handles things.

[jpalmer]

Yeah Tom, you're probably right, go straight to the manufacturer and ask, and find out what the deal is with the cats.

I forgot about not being able to change the emissions stuff, unless it breaks. I think it used to be you couldn't swap out the cats unless they were deemed nonfunctioning or had over 50,000 miles on them.

So, let's look at it in a different way...

I know there are some fairly sharp decreases in flow like from the manifold to the cat, and the downsized pipe into the last set of resonators and also the flex pipe to the mufflers....anything to gain by just doing a cat back replacement?

[leadfart]

Mostly sound, but if you don't do AFM delete, it will be a crappy sound!

[jpalmer]

Ha! Crappy sound is not on the mod list!

Guess I'll kick it around awhile and see if any other manufacturers come up with a solution.

I would really like a 2.5" system instead of the 3", wonder how bad it would be to piece one together from parts like from Dynomax, Flowmaster or Flo~Pro, etc.

[xcidmigs]

Guess I'll kick it around awhile and see if any other manufacturers come up with a solution.

I would really like a 2.5" system instead of the 3", wonder how bad it would be to piece one together from parts like from Dynomax, Flowmaster or Flo~Pro, etc.

I think its correct to use a 2.5" system on a mostly stock car, you wouldn't need or be using a 3" system until you are at 500+ HP. My 2001 2500 6.0 pickup came stock with a very interesting full 2.5" system from the engine all the way back to this trash can sized muffler which had a very strange 2 in and 1 out setup I guess mostly just for cost. I'm sure they engineered that to give the best possible torque vs MPG on what they knew would be a often loaded up vehicle.

Have you seen the thread regarding installing the camaro SS front cat pipes and factory cat back systems on the caprice?
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It seems very doable even at home and gives you a 2.5" stainless system with non of the necked down smaller than 2" diameter connections that we have on our cars while still being fully emissions legal. I can't believe any tech person would spot the swap and try to invalidate it if its installed well and welded up. Then there is of course several pieces you can replace made by flowmaster etc if you wanted to make it even better. I have a complete system in my garage i bought last year for $100 used. Only thing i don't like is a front section that is pinched in a few spots.