Hello from Austin!
I'm the owner of a 2013 AT GC 3.8, and I've been lurking for a really long time. I recently got the modding bug when I found this Flowmaster Series 80 video and realized that I could make my sports car sound like a sports car for about $200. Yeah, I got that done, and it sounds terrific--super deep rumbly at low RPMs, and exotic as hell in 3K-4K. But now I want more.
I've been reading @Vacmurse's adventures, and used some of his guides and I'm totally hooked! But I've never been much of a gearhead until recently. I managed to install the R2C SRI on my own, and my quest to learn more about the insides of my car continues. Even so, I'm definitely a rookie that isn't totally familiar with all the jargon and slang that goes with working on a car. I just bought my first toolset with all the wrenches and sockets I'll need to work on the GC, in fact.
To the point: I've done a ton of searching and reading, but some things still aren't 100% crystal clear to me and I was hoping people could clear things up or confirm my knowledge.
1. A test pipe is a secondary cat delete, right? This can improve HP and tone because the 2nd cat restricts flow and isn't acoustically optimized?
2. If I used a test pipe, I wouldn't throw a CEL and would still pass Texas emissions inspection?
3. Test pipes can be "straight" or "H", with straight test pipes sounding more raspy? Is there a good video that illustrates the difference?
4. 3" tubing will sound deeper than 2.5" tubing? (e.g. ARK DTS vs. ARK GRiP). I know lots has been written about the "ideal" exhaust system for the Genesis Coupe, but what's the latest thinking on ARK or other competitors as a good solution with great acoustics? I hate drone, and I hate sounding "ricey." But dammit I paid for a sports car, and I want it to sound like one. Is it people's opinion that the deeper bass notes are often lost on YouTube recordings?
5. Downpipe connects to O2 housing/primary cat, test pipe connects to that and replaces secondary cat. Then you have the catback exhaust pieces like mid pipe, muffler, etc.?
6. If I eventually wanted to turbo, I should go with 3" tubing off the bat? It's my understanding that switching to FI on the 3.8 is best with 3" exhaust piping.
7. BTRcc tune? SFR tune? I understand this is a controversial topic.
8. Do I need to retune when I change exhaust? Or are the ECUs intelligent enough to adapt to this sort of change? Are there any mods I can undertake that would definitely need a re-tune? I'm assuming turbo is one of them... :laugh:
9. How much boost is too much boost? How do people know? I see 3.8 Gens in the 8-9 PSI range. How do you figure out a beneficial but safe boost value that won't blow everything to bits?
I'm sorry for all the questions. Thank you in advance.
I'm the owner of a 2013 AT GC 3.8, and I've been lurking for a really long time. I recently got the modding bug when I found this Flowmaster Series 80 video and realized that I could make my sports car sound like a sports car for about $200. Yeah, I got that done, and it sounds terrific--super deep rumbly at low RPMs, and exotic as hell in 3K-4K. But now I want more.
I've been reading @Vacmurse's adventures, and used some of his guides and I'm totally hooked! But I've never been much of a gearhead until recently. I managed to install the R2C SRI on my own, and my quest to learn more about the insides of my car continues. Even so, I'm definitely a rookie that isn't totally familiar with all the jargon and slang that goes with working on a car. I just bought my first toolset with all the wrenches and sockets I'll need to work on the GC, in fact.
To the point: I've done a ton of searching and reading, but some things still aren't 100% crystal clear to me and I was hoping people could clear things up or confirm my knowledge.
1. A test pipe is a secondary cat delete, right? This can improve HP and tone because the 2nd cat restricts flow and isn't acoustically optimized?
2. If I used a test pipe, I wouldn't throw a CEL and would still pass Texas emissions inspection?
3. Test pipes can be "straight" or "H", with straight test pipes sounding more raspy? Is there a good video that illustrates the difference?
4. 3" tubing will sound deeper than 2.5" tubing? (e.g. ARK DTS vs. ARK GRiP). I know lots has been written about the "ideal" exhaust system for the Genesis Coupe, but what's the latest thinking on ARK or other competitors as a good solution with great acoustics? I hate drone, and I hate sounding "ricey." But dammit I paid for a sports car, and I want it to sound like one. Is it people's opinion that the deeper bass notes are often lost on YouTube recordings?
5. Downpipe connects to O2 housing/primary cat, test pipe connects to that and replaces secondary cat. Then you have the catback exhaust pieces like mid pipe, muffler, etc.?
6. If I eventually wanted to turbo, I should go with 3" tubing off the bat? It's my understanding that switching to FI on the 3.8 is best with 3" exhaust piping.
7. BTRcc tune? SFR tune? I understand this is a controversial topic.
8. Do I need to retune when I change exhaust? Or are the ECUs intelligent enough to adapt to this sort of change? Are there any mods I can undertake that would definitely need a re-tune? I'm assuming turbo is one of them... :laugh:
9. How much boost is too much boost? How do people know? I see 3.8 Gens in the 8-9 PSI range. How do you figure out a beneficial but safe boost value that won't blow everything to bits?
I'm sorry for all the questions. Thank you in advance.