Hey guys i just got a new header pipe, and currently it is a test pipe, but i have a cat that i could weld on....

first question: what does an R53 sound like without a cat?

second question: i know ima throw a code running without a cat, but there is no bung for a second O2 as of right now. how badly would my car run without the 2nd O2 in it? i know i can get it tuned out, and thats a definate possibility (I think my rear O2 went anyways)

thanks!

(the second question is more important than the first, cause i would have to run catless to get to the muffler shop to have them put in a cat anyways, so i would have to hear it)

but i dont want to go through the trouble of putting the header pipe on if my car is gunna run like crap

 

Sound: I do not find mine to be that loud.

As to codes, I get None.

a picture is worth a 1000 words:

 

yeah i could end up doing that

so you have the specs for that 90 deg?

 

I ordered the bung and 90 from summit I think the Diesel guys use the 90 for something it was in that section

 

i saw the bung, didnt see the 90

my buddy also showed me this: http://roc-euro.com/exhaust/oxygen-sensor-spacer.html

 

they are all over the bay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mild-Steel-90-Degree-O2-Oxygen-Sensor-Extension-Exhaust-Spacer-Bung-M18-x-1-5-/271262483083?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BRTU%252BUA%252BFICS%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D280982714000%26ps%3D54

 

looks nice, i am afraid of mild steel... NE winter would destory that in one season

also looks like you have a magnaflow cat back... how does it sound?

 

Here's the best O2 simulator:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/vp...FSho7AodImAAzw

It has three different flow inserts.

"Loud" is subjective, and based largely on what you're used to. I just went catless with an aftermarket header, and at WOT it's absurdly loud. Cruising it's fine.

 

Suggestion....
Keep the cat...the gains are not huge...and you MIGHT have inspection issues on a yearly basis with NH state inspections...BOTH the visual and the plug in...
IF you do yank them...keep them...
it might be tempting to sell them off for $300 or so...but if you suddenly need them (you move, fail inspections, start to get codes,sell the car, etc) universals are in a word JUNK...and OEM's are good, but $$$$.
Sure you will add some sound yanking the cats....but risk getting a RICEY sound, rather than a nicer deeper tone IMO...