Any actual experiences with Fabspeed Cat Bypass Pipe on 2003 'S'

[NY930]

Does anyone have any actual experiences with the Fabspeed Cat Bypass Pipe for 2003 'S'
I was thinking of keeping the stock headers and stock muffler.
What kind of sound can I expect and how difficult is the entire installation for a less than average mechanic?
Thanks.

[s_wilwerding]

Despite my fitment issues with the Fabspeed (mainly because of my custom engine install), I am quite happy with the sound and power of the Fabspeed system - I'm running catless headers, catless mid-pipes, and their sport muffler. The system is not nearly as loud as I thought it would be - it's got a nice grumble, no resonance, and, if you put the top up, it's doesn't drown out the radio.

If you're running a stock setup, my guess is that you wouldn't have much of an issue with installation. However, if you're keeping your stock headers and stock muffler, I doubt that the sound will be much different, nor will you notice much in the way of power gain. I would recommend that if you are going to do it, go all the way with the full system.

[JMatta]

I have Fabspeed pipes on my '02 S, which is nearly identical to your auto. Fitment was easy; just a bit of wiggling with pipes to remove the secondary (heavy) cats. I also have a modified sport muffler by Oettles...sound is great...like a little GT3RS with no resonance or drone.

[NY930]

To JMatta,
Are you able to pass emissions inspection without the secondary cat?

[JMatta]

Not an issue in Illinois...they are not part of the O2 sensor system and appear totally redundant, since the primaries are incorporated into the exhaust headers. Never had a CEL in all the years since I installed them.