i'm looking into getting a down and up pipe for my '03 wrx...is the main difference between a catted and non-catted just the noise? ...orrr?? also any good brands i should look at. i have read alot about Helix and i'm highly considering that brand...thanks guys!

 

Can't go wrong with Helix. Great product, great srevice and great people. Running a cat in the downpipe will also allow you to pass smog.

 

the exhaust note might be a little louder too. when i was running a test pipe on my eclipse, it was loud as all hell. but then i put in a high flow cat, and it quieted down a bit.

 

is the smog test just in california or country-wide?

 

there's no smog check in hawaii... as for the rest of the 49 states, it depends on where you live. check the local laws.