test pipe question

[awdfun]

got around to installing my test pipe today. finally got the crazy spring bolts to break loose and pulled the cat off. after i took it out, i quickly realized that the stock cat had been completely removed from the pipe by the previous owner. it was basically a test pipe. he had gutted it and put the heat shield back on. i've passed state inspection twice since i've had the car. i got the wrong size nuts to put back on the spring bolts that connect the downpipe to the test pipe. i had to declare epic fail and put the stock cat back on until i had more time to track down hardware. does anyone that's installed a test pipe know what size hardware to get to put back on those spring bolts?

also do you think i should even put the test pipe on or just roll will the gutted cat? the tp is 2.5" so i know it's a little bigger than the stock pipe. should the tp flow better since it's straight and doesn't open up and bottleneck like the stock pipe? do you think it will sound any different?

thanks

[ScarMS3]

Sounds like you're good to go, sell the test pipe on here or try to return it

[asall667]

How much did u buy the tp for? I don't know what size hardware u need sorry but roll with the gutted cat ur good to go

[awdfun]

tp was like $70 shipped. think i'll sell it and get the defrost vent pod and finally install my boost gauge. thanks for the feedback...

[BReif61]

If the cat's gutted, I'd keep that on there. It will draw less attention, both at the dealer and any inspection/emission tests you need done.

[pearl_ms3]

what testpipe is it u might sell?

[dscsk8er55]

That is funny and crappy all in the same time. At least you will be able to make that money back.

[ms3_kidd]

how convenient that the cat has already been gutted for you

[awdfun]

yeah, it was kinda funny when i looked throught the cat and realized i could see the ground!!! gonna sell it and get a boost gauge...

it's a 2.5" sls tp

[andrew416]

My friend has a gutted cat and it sounds good!