Sorry if this has been discussed....but through my searches I haven't found the info yet or have read conflicting information. Please feel free to point me in the right direction.

I am looking to buy soon, an oem JDM STI downpipe and midpipe for my WRX as it looks/sounds factory but is one-cat less. Aftermarket exhausts won't fly with my wife and I just want to free up some more breathing on the WRX. I also don't want to be hassled with CA smog visual inspections (and the law). So with that in mind...

1) Being as it's missing a cat, will it require a CEL fix?

2) I understand it will bolt to any axleback muffler, is this true? I currently have a USDM axleback I'd like to keep.

Thanks in advance!

Rob Thomas
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX
My WRX | Mod Reviews

 

im pretty sure jdm downpipes dont bolt up with usdm exhausts. hopefully someone will confirm this

 

I have a thread about this going on Nasioc too:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...php?p=10265692

The downpipes don't. That's obvious, but the midpipe might bolt to a muffler or axleback. That's the unknown.

 

With a JDM downpipe, if my memory serves, it is 1.5 inches longer than the regular USDM setup. So if you are cool cutting and rewelding your exhaust into one big piece or having the exhaust shop weld in the flange 1.5 (or whatever it is) inches back then you can do that too.

Depending on your what engine management you are running depends if it will set the code. I am almost positive stock it will not set a CEL for no cats if there is one.

I would like to throw in I have the Helix Catted Bellmouth, it is a really nice piece but it doesn't have the JDM Bling to it.

Good Luck
Rush

 

Thanks for the feedback on the downpipes. I can see where difference is, unless you mean the overall length of both the DP & MP are 1.5" shorter. Here are pics & stuff I posted on Nasioc: