3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Here we go again: Midpipe VS High flow cat

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-31-01, 05:05 PM
  #1  
Rotary Enthusiast

Thread Starter
 
serge1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Mont-Laurier , quebec
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here we go again: Midpipe VS High flow cat

Greetings all,



Please I need a final verdict...

Should I go with the Mid pipe or a high flow Cat???

I don't want to loose tremendous amount of torque.

Please give me some feedback about your Mid pipe
or high flow Cat.

Thanks all

Serge
95 FD with only 33.000 km
Old 10-31-01, 07:50 PM
  #2  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
JeffShoots's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Nor-Cal U.S.A.
Posts: 867
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
4" open HKS Ti exhaust will spin the SO2's on 18x10" Volks when the 2nd turbo hits!!!!

Hold ON!!

You do need an ECU that can have an open pipe.
Old 10-31-01, 08:09 PM
  #3  
OG

 
Johnny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Pleasanton,California
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I've only seen one person show dyno's or the same car with high flow vs midpipe..yes the midpipe gave greater hp numbers...but I actually preferred the power curve of the high-flow..for whatever reason the hp and torque where better suited for everyday spiried driving.
Old 10-31-01, 08:17 PM
  #4  
Bigger and better things

 
Want2race's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Marietta, GA
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I went highflow because i wouldnt want to constantly smell like gas and I dontintend to pay any fine for removing it either!
Old 10-31-01, 08:57 PM
  #5  
Mr. Links

iTrader: (1)
 
Mahjik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 27,595
Received 40 Likes on 26 Posts
I posted this in your other thread, but here ya go again. I went with the Hi-Flo Cat for a few reasons:

1. State Emissions Testing. I don't have the workspace to change out the cat and mid-pipe myself everytime I need to have the car inspected.

2. Mid Pipe loses some low end power to give greater high end power. I want more low end, not highend (I don't drag).

3. Boost Creep. I didn't want to spend money or resources to help eleviate that problem that comes with mid-pipes.

Good luck with your decision.
Old 10-31-01, 09:23 PM
  #6  
FD title holder since 94

iTrader: (1)
 
Tim Benton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Cedartown, Ga
Posts: 4,170
Received 28 Likes on 21 Posts
Well, I have a dyno graph that plots my hi-flo cat VS. resonated midpipe, same boost setting and all other mods. With the resonated mid-pipe, my hp doesn't die off at the top end like it does with the hi-flo cat. As far as peak HP, 322 for the resonated mid-pipe at 12 psi, 316 for the hi-flo cat at 12 psi.

Tim Benton
Old 10-31-01, 09:54 PM
  #7  
Full Member

 
ApexRX7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have a dp, high flow, and Apex GT exhaust (and the apex turbo) and can't pass emissions- the car runs REAL rich
Old 10-31-01, 10:00 PM
  #8  
Senior Member

 
Pressurized's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It depends on many contributing factors.

One thing you have to take into consideration, is your exhaust, is it restrictive like a RB dual tip or more open like the N1 and are you utilizing a downpipe? If it's more open you will have boost creep. Also, what somputer system you're using(such as my M2 ECU, which won't handle a midpipe). But even the PowerFC can't fix the problem, and sometimes even porting the wastegate isn't enough.

I just recently traded my Ntech high flo for the Pettit resonated.....and let's just say, I'm looking to sell my midpipe already and go back to the high flo. My car cannot handle the excess boost. For all those who say you loose low-end with the midpipe, I'll have to disagree. I'm seeing full 13psi of boost at 2400rpms on the stock turbo's. Yeah I know it's from creep, but damn, you talk about low-end grunt!

As for people saying a midpipe stinks!?!?! Again, I'll have to disagree, it smells like gasoline and is way better than the rotten egg smell you get from the high flo. Also you can run leaded racing gas with the midpipe, and mmmm mmm damn it smells good!

The midpipe, however, is THE best power mod I've done to my car, but unfortunately it's not worth the hassle of trying to get it to work or worth a new engine.

If you've got a more "restrictive" exhaust system, go with the midpipe, but if you're running 3"DP and a 3.75"exhaust, like me....go with the high flow. You'll be happy, you won't be able to shoot flames.

If you're interested in the midpipe, I've got a Pettit resonated with not even 300 miles on it, I might be selling it soon(not sure) unless I can figure something out......I might just go with the Borla XR1 setup..........
Old 10-31-01, 10:22 PM
  #9  
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
JoeD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
just a quick question although it may seem stupid......will leaded gas mess up a resonated mid pipe just like it will mess up a cat??
Old 10-31-01, 10:23 PM
  #10  
canadian monster

iTrader: (2)
 
puma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Trois-Rivières, Qc, Can
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
why would you want to put a borla xr-1 if you already have a resonnated midpipe?

This setup is freeflow so i beleive it is the same thing as a midpipe, isn't it?

puma
Old 10-31-01, 10:47 PM
  #11  
Senior Member

 
Pressurized's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I thought the XR1 was chambered or had some sort of packing material?!?!?

JoeD, I don't think it would mess it up...the resonated midpipe is just like a normal midpipe, you can stick your hand all the way through it, it's just a little fatter in the middle because they have a cheese grater design and some weird material around the outside. Unlike the hi-flo where the leaded exhaust has to flow through the honeycomb, which it wiil eventually destroy and/or clog.....

Last edited by Pressurized; 10-31-01 at 10:53 PM.
Old 10-31-01, 10:55 PM
  #12  
canadian monster

iTrader: (2)
 
puma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Trois-Rivières, Qc, Can
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
nope pretty sure it is a staight thru.

it is an alternative to the expensive resonated midpipe
Old 10-31-01, 10:59 PM
  #13  
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Minnesota, now in FL and I dont think I'm goin back
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Over this coming winter I am planning on adding a down pipe an a midpipe or high flo cat. I have a blitz TT exhaust Blitz sus intake and will also be adding a new ecu. What should I go with the down pipe or high flo, if I want power but still want reliability I'm still on my first engine 63,000.
Old 10-31-01, 11:02 PM
  #14  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Walnut, CA
Posts: 761
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes on 12 Posts
which xr1 muffler do u use?
Old 10-31-01, 11:30 PM
  #15  
Senior Member

 
Mach2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Inwood, Long Island
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've had both the highflow cat and MP and I must say that I noticed a huge increase in power with the MP especially at the transition. Like JeffShoots said, the tires break loose at the transition. I did notice however that I lost a little low rpm power. I don't know exactly how much cause I didn't dyno it, but I can tell that the car is less responsive at lower rpms. It takes a little longer for the power to come on, but afterwards it's a whole different planet. The main drawback is that boost creep "is" a possibility. I have a ported wastegate and still see creep some times. If you have a slightly more restrictive catback than the chances are greatly diminished. I guess once you get used to the new way that the car behaves, you won't even notice the loss in the lower rpms. The top end definitely makes up for it! I highly recommend it(with proper fuel, of course).
Old 11-01-01, 12:23 AM
  #16  
Junior Member

 
RedRoX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Can anyone comment on the difference in sound pressure levels between the resonated midpipe and a high flow cat? How about between a standard midpipe and a resonated midpipe?

My goal is to keep the car as quiet as possible while increasing exhaust flow. Right now I'm leaning towards a resonated midpipe and RB cat-back. If anyone can comment on that particular combination I'm all ears.

Thanks.
Old 11-01-01, 12:28 AM
  #17  
Senior Member

 
Pressurized's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Resonated MP compared to the Ntech high flo....I don't think there was much difference in volume, even at WOT. Both are pretty damn loud
Old 11-01-01, 12:53 AM
  #18  
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
 
JoeD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
go with the midpipe. tree huggers will love ya!
Old 11-01-01, 04:27 AM
  #19  
Bann3d. I got OWNED!!!

iTrader: (22)
 
RX7 RAGE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 5,014
Received 63 Likes on 22 Posts
Originally posted by JeffShoots
4" open HKS Ti exhaust will spin the SO2's on 18x10" Volks when the 2nd turbo hits!!!!

Hold ON!!

You do need an ECU that can have an open pipe.
I agree.
Old 11-01-01, 08:36 AM
  #20  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
the_saint's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 1,035
Received 48 Likes on 32 Posts
Originally posted by Alpine
which xr1 muffler do u use?
16 inch oval with 3 inch inlet/outlet.
About $126 at www.summitracing.com
Fits perfectly if installed at about a 15 degree angle.

Mike
Old 11-01-01, 09:30 AM
  #21  
Eye In The Sky

iTrader: (2)
 
cewrx7r1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: In A Disfunctional World
Posts: 7,895
Likes: 0
Received 114 Likes on 66 Posts
I was running the Bonez hi-flow cat and it flows better than the stock cat with a slightly louder sound and helps power across the complete rpm band. I now have the Shane Racing stainless steel resonated MP. It is only slightly louder than the cat and increases exhaust flow so much better. Went from easy to control boost (WG was enlarged but not enough) to slight boost creep. I have since opened my WG some more. I am running non-seq with a mild ported engine and the MP gives me more low end torque with faster boost build with my system.

Those that say a MP decreases low end torque are full of BS.
Let me explain in simle terms.

Back pressure does not help a turbo engine at all. Most people confuse back pressure with exhaust flow rate. Lets make things simple even though they are not. How well a system works depends on all the componets and how they work together. The interplay of the different componenets is complex. If you have an open exhaust with 4" pipes all the way through, it might produce less power that a 3" system but not due to lower pressure. The smaller system with the higher exhaust velocity helps scavenge/pull the gases out of the turbos and opening chambers thus making room for more of the incoming fresh charge. This make more torque/power. Pressure varies at different points in the system and over time. The pressure within the exhaust system might be higher as it flows, but lower when the exhaust port opened. NA engines use this to tune so that the reflected pulse wave(pressure) is felt at the next exhaust opening as a pressure drop. You have heard of the tuned exhaust to help a certain power band width. You can't do this the same with a turbo engine because the turbo is a barrier to the reflective wave and causes it's own back pressure to the exhaust.

If the system is too small and restictive, any increase in flow will help. If the system is about optimized, an increase could hurt.

I run the MindTrain DP which is more restictive right where the bend is compared to other DP. This makes a small area near the turbos with a higher exhaust speed. I also use the HKS turbo cat- back which is only 2.75" ID with a quieter muffler.

When I was running the MT DP, Bonez cat, and PFC SS 4" cat-back, low end power was less and the exhaust noise way too loud. Now with the MT DP, SSRMP, and HKS cat-back; I have better low end power and very nice sounding exhuast.
Old 11-01-01, 10:05 AM
  #23  
Mr. Links

iTrader: (1)
 
Mahjik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 27,595
Received 40 Likes on 26 Posts
cewrx7r1,

I don't think people are saying you lose low-end per say, but that the hi-flo will give better low-end power than a mid-pipe.

There was a dyno test on the net somewhere that compared a mid-pipe to a hi-flo cat. I don't know what brands were used, but it definitely showed the mid-pipe not having the same low-end power as the hi-flo. But it also show the amount of increase at the top end the mid-pipe offers over the hi-flo cat.

Not saying what you said is't true, but I would be interesting in seeing some tests that demostrate what you are saying.
Old 11-01-01, 11:12 AM
  #24  
Senior Member

 
Pressurized's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've seen the dyno graph comparison of the two....the high flo had about 20hp in the midrange and not as much on top.....


Well, I hate to say it, but with the setup I had: Bones DP, Ntech high-flo, GReddy Jspec exhaust, my low-end was really disappointing. I was looking forward to gaining all that power through the mid-range, but I sure didn't notice any, almost felt slower. However, high RPM's were a blast and when that second turbo came on line the rear end would always come out.
Old 11-01-01, 02:18 PM
  #25  
Eye In The Sky

iTrader: (2)
 
cewrx7r1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: In A Disfunctional World
Posts: 7,895
Likes: 0
Received 114 Likes on 66 Posts
I had a 83 12A with stock porting and many other NA mods. The exhaust was a Rotary Engineering with headers, two presilencers, and a normal rear muffler. All straight thru except the muffler. It ran very low 15 second quarters.

After the engine was ported, even with correct fuel and timing changes, it was not faster. Why, the exhaust pulses were enterfering with each other. I removed the first presilencer and extended the length of the header pipes to where they joined together. Then I replaced the muffler with a Dynomax turbo muffler. According to the less backpressure theory, it should produce less power and be slower. No, it was about .7 seconds
faster in the quarter.

It is all about tuning so the pieces work together.


Quick Reply: Here we go again: Midpipe VS High flow cat



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:59 PM.