I'm sure this question has come up in the past, but I need some new ideas. I have an 04' wrx and I want to get an up-pipe. I'm not sure which up-pipe I should get. I know that the sti comes with an up-pipe that has no cat. If I was to get that, would I be able to still pass smog? Do any of you guys have suggestions or websites that I could go to? Could you also let me know roughly the price of an up-pipe? Thanks!

 

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Go w/ the Helix Flex up-pipe. The flex design prevents leaks in the long run; not to mention the cost which is less than most up-pipes out in the market.

As for a vendor, can't go wrong w/ Mike @ www.mpjperformance.com.

-Soren

 

^ agreed. http://gruppe-s.com/ also has great prices...if you're not worried about leaks go with vishnu, if ya are then helix is a great choice.

 

Yeah, go with Mike over at MPJ. He's hooking me up with an awesome package right now on a Helix up/dp combo with a Borla Hush! Can't beat it.

The Helix uppipe also flexs so you can get a perfect seal.

 

I got a used STi catless UP for about $150. Looks just like the original, just lacking the EGT bung. It even has the "SUBARU"stamped in the factory heat shielding. As for passing smog, it will and it won't. As with pretty much all aftermarket UPs, it will pass the sniffer. After all you have two more cats to rely on. The visual inspection is another story, and is exactly why I bought the stock looking STi. In most cases the tech won't know where to look for the UP, but in the event he does, most aftermarket UPs will likely not pass visual. Hoever, since the STi UP has the factory heat shielding and SUBARU logo, is is far more likely to pass visual.

-Chris

 

hey i got a question? Is your hush gonna match up with your helix downpipe? Cuz I have a hush with a helix flex uppipe and ive heard that the downpipe doesnt mate very well with the hush.......?

 

You are correct, there will be fitment issues. From what I understand the cat back needs a new flange welded to it in order for there to be a proper fit. I know MPJ can do that work in-house.

-Chris

 

Thanks for all the advice! Have one more question. Will the sti up-pipe make that much of a difference or should I fork out the extra money and get the helix or vishnu

 

helix flex all the way! have fun with the install

 

Yeah, you'll need a flange, but MPJ doesn't have them right now. Just go to a muffler shop or go buy a flange at an autoparts store and find someone with a welder. You'll need a 2 bolt flange or convert it to 3 bolt.

 

IMO there is no noticable butt-dyno difference between the STi Catless UP and the other aftermarket UPs. Plus you get the stock look, an iron pipe which will retain heat for metter spool up, and it's usually cheaper if you find a used one. Keep in mind that the STi has a flex in it as well.

-Chris

 

I just bought the helix flex uppipe, and am still waiting till i get my accessport to install it. (damn cel's)

 

I have the PDE I like it.