Test Pipes vs. High Flow Cats | Q50 | G37 | 370z

What parts to buy? I've seen the question pop up in a few places over the last couple of weeks in a couple of different places. Lets talk about catalytic converters, how they hinder performance and some options available to fix that!
The links below will take you to some of those options!!
Some Links provided are affiliate links and purchasing through them may result in this channel earning a small commission, at no additional cost to you. These links may include the Amazon Affiliate and eBay Partner Network.
Generic High Flow Cat: amzn.to/2EnQLoD
Berk High Flow Cats: amzn.to/2Pc7LCl
Vibrant Resonator: amzn.to/2KXdMV5
Resonated Test Pipes: www.importimageracing.com/pro...
Top Speed Resonated Test Pipes: topspeedauto.com/nissan-350z-...
Test Pipes: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...

[@drklg1]

Glad to see someone still keeping the 3.7 Spirit alive.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Zero2 Q50 It’s a great platform and we can still have a lot of fun with it!

[@drklg1]

@@SpeedCultureStudios funny you say that i just added a video in the snow having sOMe FUN

[@shedonleemf]

No replacement for displacement!

[@MrChips005]

great content! i noticed in watching your videos lately, the volume is very low. Maybe turn it up on the camera?

[@lulmoewiththegimpyleg6815]

This helped A LOT BRO THANKS 🤠🤠

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Glad to hear it!

[@MrPurcej07]

Thanks for the video man

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

You bet

[@Hondacbr600rrish]

Nice video bro. I also "heard" that once you put HFC's on and the check engine light comes on. You should disconnect the negative wire to the battery and it should reset it. 🤞🏽 lol.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

You may get a CEL with high flow cats. The battery reset should work. You definitely will with test pipes-defoulers work sometimes, but a tune is the best way.

[@QfiddyKJ]

@@SpeedCultureStudios that’s my question as well, so from what I’ve read, when you get test pipes and get the CEL if you get a tune it’ll take away the CEL??

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

@@QfiddyKJ yes

[@jerrykicks4898]

what kind of tune will i need if i put HFC in?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

@@jerrykicks4898 there aren’t different kinds. It just needs to be tuned to make sure it’s running to its maximum capabilities with the new components

[@Charlie_Alpha_Lima]

Great explanation! Thank you

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Thanks for watching!

[@akame7433]

In case your going back and forth on Berk or fast intention hfc. They both use a magnaflow catalytic converter each company just make it to fit the make of a certain car.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

That’s great to know! I was actually starting to consider making my own high flow cat by purchasing something like a magnaflow cat and welding it in place on my test pipes.

[@akame7433]

One Fine Trek that the beauty of knowing your way around a welding machine. I can’t remember the exact part number the magma flow but I’ll track it down and let you know. Keep up the great content

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Deshannon Johnson thanks man! I like to try some different things-sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t lol. Thanks again!

[@VerisimilitudeDude]

That's why people should use altered atmosphere hfc's.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Verisimilitude Dude People should use HFCs because running with no cats is not allowed. And it’s a safe bet in terms of exhaust note.

[@darronpattel]

Don't use a catalytic converter if you're using leaded racing fuel, it will be almost pointless, and it could actually be bad for your engine if it gets clogged. If you use gas from the pumps, it'll smell really bad without a cat on and it'll be a lot more noticeable then with leaded fuel and you won't be able to drive alot of places in the states. In Canada it's illegal to drive without a muffler, oddly enough though we dont have to worry about going catless because the laws don't require inspections for anything newer then 1992, but we also don't have leaded fuel so it will really stink unless you make it yourself somehow, which is why I put a high flow cat on my road car. If people actually understood this then they could add lead to their fuel and drive around catless without driving people nuts, though it'd still get you in trouble in many of the states...

[@FerasDishli]

Thank you 👍🏻 Is High flow cats needs tune? Or i can run with OEM tune? I mean: will check engine light will ON?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

I have heard some folks getting a check engine light with HFCs and some not. If you get a cel, you could get some extenders for the O2 sensor bungs. But obviously a tune will get you the most out of the modification.

[@babyxjesus5305]

No code on my ark hfc i have a iSR y pipe and tomei cat back love the crackles and pops I’ll post a exhaust clip soon

[@MrTilbin]

Depends if your car was made for CARB or not. Check under your hood. Certain states require certain emission standards to be sold new in their state.

[@TheChef1999]

what test pipes do you recommend to pair with the scs exhaust? i want to make it easy and be able to just bolt on i think the berk resonated test pipes sound quiet unless the camera aint doing it justice i want something that sounds mean with that low deep growl

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Any test pipe is good except Megan racing. Check out my test pipe videos for some references

[@ls6king316]

Which highflow cats fit the 2014 Q50 rwd platform? Z1 doesn’t sell them for our platforms BUT I’m hearing that the highflow cats that they sell for the G37 fit?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Yes the G37 HFCs SHOULD fit. The part numbers for fast intentions HFCs is the same for the G37 and Q50. Otherwise Berk makes a nice high flow cat for the Q50 (again compatible with the G37). Here’s a link: amzn.to/2UPWuZl

[@ls6king316]

@@SpeedCultureStudios thanks, I'm wondering why Z1 didn't tell me that as much knowledge as they have of these platforms

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

ls1killa I don’t know. Sometimes it’s not lack of knowledge. Sometimes its just poor customer service or it’s sales strategy.

[@roberttinoco4227]

Anyone have the motordyne hfc ? If so whats ypur thought on them thanks

[@5starhandcarwash182]

Will the hfc with your custom exhaust system with a tune make good pops ? And sound loud

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

They should sound good. You’ll be able to tune for some small pops with HFCs I’m sure

[@joseg5913]

Did you ever got the HFC with a burble tune? I’m getting mixed answers that’s it’s fine and that’s it’s bad

[@johnboy5632]

So what do you recommend best is for the infiniti g37 coupe?? Please respond. BTW. I live here in California....

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

You can’t do much in California. You may pass with high flow cats

[@johnboy5632]

@@SpeedCultureStudios yea there's ALOT of laws out here on emissions.... OK I'll look into that. Thanks for the response. Appreciate it

[@swervv2957]

@@johnboy5632 hey bro I’m in Cali too with a G37s coupe, my passenger cat is going out I think and was looking into the high flow cats. What rite did you end up going? How did it workout for you?

[@ordovicicosilurico6799]

The test pipe and the pipe with the resonator (option 3 and 4) has the same performance power ? Or the one with thw resonator gives less power than straight pipe ?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Same power potential. Exhaust flow is not interrupted at all so there is no difference in power.

[@ordovicicosilurico6799]

@@SpeedCultureStudios thanks man, and thank you again for this nice content ill be around checking all this good information

[@casoncerda2593]

What axle back are you going with when you tune and put the test pipes on?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Cason Cerda The Exhaust is finished. It’s custom from the y pipe back. I have a few recent videos about it. It’s 2.25” off a 1320 Performance y pipe with 12” vibrant-like resonators finished with 4” dual-walled stainless tips.

[@casoncerda2593]

One Fine Trek your wife is gonna be pissed!!! Hahahaha another great video man. You might shoot some flames on the dyno!

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Cason Cerda Haha I know she is! We might have to add some single chamber mufflers, but we’ll see. We might get a flame or two!

[@casoncerda2593]

One Fine Trek I’m sure you have seen it but there is an axle back on amazon made by rev9. Its $315 and looks identical to the tanabe axle back. It’s getting pretty positive feedback!! I’m strongly considering it over the muffler delete! I think it might be perfect for running test pipes as well, but I haven’t seen anybody with this setup yet so I have nothing to base it off of.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Cason Cerda I have seen that on amazon-I may have linked to it in a previous video. $315 isn’t too bad if it fits up well.

[@AlbertZora]

Would the HFC make it crackle/pop?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Depends on your catback. You might get some pops here and there, but generally the guys getting the real crackles are having that tuned in.

[@logantepper3921]

thinking about stillen catback + berks or kinetix hfc on my 2011 g37. Will a tune be important to get? I’m looking for more of a grumble and less of a shriek.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

A tune is less important with HFCs compared to test pipes, but in order for the car to run to its fullest potential, it should be tuned with HFCs, yes.

[@clipofthedayyup4907]

That said do all your planned mods and then tune. There is ponies on the table to have and overall drivability will be better

[@r.k862]

Hi, i got 370z with open catless test pipes and cbe exhaust with resonators. If i want to reduce the loudness of an exhaust what can I do? Does adding more resonators quiet it more down? I don't want to install HFC because I heard it will reduce the hp by a significant margin. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

yes, more or bigger resonators.

[@r.k862]

@@SpeedCultureStudios what's the cheapest or best way to get those resonators. Is there a specific resonator brand you recommend? I don't want it to be restrictive and lose on hp

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

@@r.k862 there are a lot of cheap ones. check out my scs catback video. I have some resonators linked

[@rayniel_22]

Can you pass the inspection with test pipe?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Rayniel Edanol Most likely not. If your inspection consists of an OBD2 inspection and the car has been tuned and no codes show-maybe. Otherwise, it wouldn’t pass smog. High flow cats are probably the best option.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Depends. Where I live (Vermont) we have visual/OBD2 check. The resonated test pipes pass visual because they look like a hfc, with the added benefit of better flow over a hfc. Add a tune and your car will pass here without any issues.

[@brandonbonanno3847]

Those ISR resonated test pipes work on the q50 right?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Yes

[@brandonbonanno3847]

@@SpeedCultureStudios thank you so much

[@jonathanprince5689]

How do you feel about the Ark HFC?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Good!

[@ciprianvq]

what wil happen if i get test pipes but don’t tune it

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Check engine light. Some cars will run funny. The point of test pipes is to make more power. You can’t make more power with them unless you tune

[@torvarrisevans7846]

I heard test pipe makes more power than resonator test pipe is this try .

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

No. Not true. They are the same thing.

[@torvarrisevans7846]

@@SpeedCultureStudios ok cool

[@hayktv8511]

High flow, test pipe or catless ? Any recommendations

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Test pipes are catless. Ugh flow cats keep you legal.

[@sasquatchnunu506]

Dude screw that the 3.7 naturally aspirated engine all you need is a rear axle back about $100 and your Q50 will sound like a mustang on steroids

[@Mrquietstom2022]

@@sasquatchnunu506 Why not both? I did

[@sasquatchnunu506]

@@Mrquietstom2022 I was saying the the NA 3.7 with a rear axle back sounds better than most. For $100

[@ushyamamoto7098]

Sasquatch Nunu can u explain I have a q40 what would I have to do to make my car sound like that lol

[@MrTilbin]

The power gains for any street driven car or weekend warrior track car is negligible. It's MAYBE 5HP.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

For the Q50 3.7 the difference between test pipes and HFCs after a tune-and all other mods the same-we see between 5-10 hp difference.

[@v36vhr]

You think its possible to make 340whp + fbo/e85 setup without running a test pipe but a hfc instead. ​@SpeedCultureStudios

[@ricci169]

I care

[@zhang3104]

Great video! I have some questions about the test pipe. I have a z1 tp on my 370z. I changed the z1 gasket. I'm sure there are no leaks, but I can smell it inside the cabin when I stop. I was wondering if that would harm your health. Maybe I should switch to HFC? 😢

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

It’s the cost of performance 😂

[@zhang3104]

@@SpeedCultureStudios 👺

[@neal6473]

Hight flow catalytic converters are cheaper than the stock catalytic converter

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

They can be, yes

[@MayorInCheif]

begins 1:44

[@gokuson6635]

What do you do for a job or profession?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Capital Equipment sales. Why?

[@gokuson6635]

@@SpeedCultureStudios I applaud you for replying back. The reason I asked. I see you are doing car mods & different things and maybe there's something I can do different personally.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

@@gokuson6635 I love cars and racing and making videos etc. but still need a “real job” to pay the bills lol. What type of work do you do now?

[@gokuson6635]

@@SpeedCultureStudios Understand yeah I work the graveyard shift at a airport it's okay you know it helps to put bread on the table. But hey you keep up the good work my man.

[@RegularassDave]

308 boi

[@dougarnold2121]

Do you think the test pipes are worth the horsepower gain over hfc?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Depends on what you’re going for. If you’re looking at dollar to hp, yes they’re worth it. More power and far less expensive. If you’d prefer to keep it a bit quiet and are willing to spend a few extra hundred, then go with HFCs

[@anthonydonate9938]

The state of california cares

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Indeed they do

[@bossally1603]

Bro whispering why?? Lll

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Check your playback settings lol-sound is fine to me. Besides that-old ass video and no external mic. Better now , I promise lol.

[@shanehiggins3033]

I can't hear you dude. I keep turning volume up, you keep talking softer. I stop watching...

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Adjust your playback settings. 40% volume in phone and pc is money for me.

[@philipholman1713]

Dude why are you whispering

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Dude I’m not. Super old video before I had an external mic. Might also want to check your speaker settings. Playback is perfect for me on mobile and pc.

[@281cu6]

@@SpeedCultureStudios You're not whispering but you're speaking really softly. Almost like you're gossiping in a separate room. Glad to hear you got a new mic setup. 👍

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Colt 604 you guys got something wrong with your phones or computers. Playback is perfect for me on my phone and laptop at 40% volume.

[@lulmoewiththegimpyleg6815]

Low pitch .... helps you tune in better 🤣😑

[@Bigbaloooo]

Why don't you speak up? It drives me crazy...

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Old ass videos bro. Also, change your playback settings. Sounds perfect for me on mobile and pc at about 40% volume. I don’t want you going crazy!

[@Bigbaloooo]

@@SpeedCultureStudios lol, No my volume is fine . A lot of your videos you talk so low, like a whisper. Yes I can crank up the volume but at times like laying in bed with the wife sleeping and I'm listening then all of a sudden UTube commercial pops in...WAM she gets pissed. Anyway, good content

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Rusty_Steel lol sorry about that man

[@trevorthomas6043]

You will not gain 1 horse power doing cats vs no cats

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

I’m not sure what you are saying. Without a tune I would not suggest removing the cats. However, with a tune the horsepower gains are significant compared to tuning with cats or high flow cats.

[@trevorthomas6043]

Speed Culture Studios It depends on the vehicle

[@k.hamilton5848]

Speed Culture Studios actually you wont gain any hp running no cats vs high flow cats unless you are doing forced induction or anything above like 600 hp. High flows wont restrict much of anything until you get to those higher hp numbers.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

K. Hamilton Sorry, that’s not true for this platform. We’ve seen several examples-you can see several on KZbin-there is typically a difference of 6 - 10+ between test pipes and high flow cats. You will never see a vq37 with HFCs make as much power as avq37 with test pipes. The amount of restriction is still pretty substantial. But I think you misunderstood what I said anyway. I said the gains between factory cats and HFCs or test pipes will be solid.

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Trevor Thomas well sure-but we are talking about the vq37. But generally, no matter what the vehicle in my experience, the factory catalytic converters are the main bottleneck. Opening the exhaust system is necessary for hp gains.

[@macmotorizedbike3834]

Berk or Z1 cats which one better?

[@SpeedCultureStudios]

Both good.