I am curious about getting a ss downpipe before I get an ecu. I have a Greddy exhaust, streetport, & a tripoint airbox. Should I get an ecu before the ss downpipe or do you think I'll be safe with this mod?

 

I would recommend an ECU upgrade before the downpipe.

 

If I understand your situation correctly, I think you have a dilemma.

When you ask if you should get the ss downpipe (DP), you are implying that you are still running the pre-cat. Most people will tell you that getting rid of the pre-cat and installing a DP is one of the first mods you should do. The pre-cat has a tendancy to clog causing all kind of problems. Plus, the pre-cat is a primary contributor to excessive heat in the engine compartment which is one of the top problems we look to control.

However, given that you have already modified the intake and assuming you have already modified the "entire remaining exhaust system" including the stock cat, then if you go with a DP now you may be inviting problems like boost spikes and running lean unless you change the ECU. If you still have the stock cat you should be okay adding the DP without a new ECU, but keep an eye on things and don't be going WOT without caution.

Here's what I recommend. Purchase a DP and have it sent directly to JetHot to get the 2000 coating, and then sent from JetHot to you after the coating has been completed. This way you'll save money on the overall shipping costs. This transaction should take about three weeks total. Go to this link to learn more about JetHot:

http://www.jet-hot.com/

Hold off installing the DP until you get a different ECU (unless you are still running the stock cat). Hold off buying a different ECU right now and instead follow the posts on the ECU Forum about user reports on the new Datalogit for the PFC and the new AEM, both of which will be released soon. The Datalogit promises to be an important enhancement for the PFC. The AEM will try to compete with the PFC+Datalogit. The user posts will give you insights to help you decide which way you should go. Also, some current PFC owners may leap to the AEM and unload their PFC at a good price, so you might be in a position to pick-up a good deal on a used PFC. Although, I'm a PFC owner and I certainly won't be making the leap.

 

Thanks for the info Jonesboro.

Guess what I just found out? I took my car to Tripoint because it seemed that my boost to the secondary turbo was a little low, so I had them check it out for me. They told me that my boost was 10-8! They told me that everything was working properly but my exhaust system needs to be changed from the original one to a hi-flow performance system.

I thought I had a Greddy System on my car (whole exhaust) but I just have a Greddy muffler & tip.

Can a stock system with 118k miles on it really effect the way the turbos work?

I was quoted $1200.00 for a new hi-flow (ca legal) exhaust system, what would be a good price for a whole system that's ca legal?

 

I didn't know that Greddy makes muffler and tips I thought all their exhaust was catback. You sure it was a Greddy muffler. $1200 please I hope you didn't buy that exhaust. There are others exhaust system in out there that wouldn't cause nearly of what they quoted you. Lots of exhaust system would only cause you anywhere in the neighborhood of $450-$650 for a decent exhaust system and offered what you need. Unless you want a titanium exhaust and that is where you would spent $1000+.

 

It has Greddy on the muffler, I saw it on the bottom of it when it was lifted up at the shop. What kind of system would you suggest? And also what would a "complete system" consist of?

 

I don't think AArotary is taking into account the fact that Tri-points $1200 exhaust is street legal in california. Running a higher flowing pre- and main-cat will cost more than just running an illegal exhaust. However, I say just get a downpipe and keep the stock cat. Very few inspectors will fail you visually and you should still pass emissions with a downpipe. AArotary is right though, why pay that much just to get a 100% legal exhaust? Unless having an illegal exhaust would keep you up at night....

 

cat-back = muffler & tip (and the pipe from the cat to the muffler) - so they're the same thing, right? right.

$1200 is a lot, but you'll be hard pressed to find anything better that truely is legal in the state of CA. That said, the discussion of what you can get away with has been beaten to death. A large number of CA 7's have downpipes and pass emissions with flying colors - just make sure the car is warmed up before you test it. The pre-cat is useless after it gets super hot anyway.

Tri-point won't install a DP for you, but there are lots of places that will - PM me if you need some suggestions.

Finally, back to your original question - you should try to get an ECU first, or at least be REALLY careful about your boost if you go with DP first.

your last question, "What's a complete system" - Everything from the turbo back. What parts remain in the path are optional.

side note: if I'm not mistaken, any sort of porting is not legal in the state of CA (it's considered modifying your fuel/emissions systems) - you're already in violation so go ahead and break some more laws.

 

Well, if you look at a Bonez replacement:

http://www.rx7.com/cgi-local/3catalog.cgi?cat=4&part=1

About $800 for the Downpipe and Main cat. Add another $50 for the gasket. Since you already have a GReddy cat-back, you shouldn't need a new one.

If you don't want to do the intall yourself, just about any place can that does muffler installs and it should only costs you about $120 or so for that.

So, about $800 + 50 + 120 = $970 approx... I'm assuming that $1200 is for everything and the install? If so, it's not a bad price. Make sure to find out exactly what that $1200 is for, what parts, etc....