Keep BBK longtubes or switch to 1-7/8?
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Teching In
Joined: Jul 2005
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Keep BBK longtubes or switch to 1-7/8? Hi All,
I recently purchased a 02 WS6 A4 2800 stall, 3.73 gears, car has hotcam, BBK longtubes/offroad Y, into a LM2 currently. I'm ditching the LM2 with a much milder OBX stainless catback that I've recently ordered. I'm now torn on keeping the BBK header/y pipe setup that's on the car now vs going with a larger 1-7/8 primary header. The current setup has two electric cutouts in the y-pipe. I'm curious on how much power I'm giving up with the BBK's as I've read that the exit on the y-pipe actually chokes down below the 1-3/4 that's advertised..
Further, the car needs motor mounts so if I'm going to make the switch this is as good a time as any.. What does the board suggest in my case? Future mods include CNC 243 or Trick Flows, a more aggressive cam and down the road when budget permits, a procharger D1SC setup. If the 1-7/8 is the route to go, which of the more budget friendly headers does everyone suggest?
Finally, I'm unsure on cats vs no cats.. I don't care about losing a few horses if I can cut down on the raw fuel smell. The TSP longtubes offer a catted y-pipe for $800 which isn't bad but I did read a search thread recently where a board member installed this catted setup, got the tone quieted down and gas smell under control but he dynoed and lost 43HP over the non-catted setup he had prior!! If that's the case I'll deal with the smell!!
I know it's a lot to chew on but I wanted to get some feedback from others who have made the switch, and if they felt the gains were worth it.
Thank you all!
I recently purchased a 02 WS6 A4 2800 stall, 3.73 gears, car has hotcam, BBK longtubes/offroad Y, into a LM2 currently. I'm ditching the LM2 with a much milder OBX stainless catback that I've recently ordered. I'm now torn on keeping the BBK header/y pipe setup that's on the car now vs going with a larger 1-7/8 primary header. The current setup has two electric cutouts in the y-pipe. I'm curious on how much power I'm giving up with the BBK's as I've read that the exit on the y-pipe actually chokes down below the 1-3/4 that's advertised..
Further, the car needs motor mounts so if I'm going to make the switch this is as good a time as any.. What does the board suggest in my case? Future mods include CNC 243 or Trick Flows, a more aggressive cam and down the road when budget permits, a procharger D1SC setup. If the 1-7/8 is the route to go, which of the more budget friendly headers does everyone suggest?
Finally, I'm unsure on cats vs no cats.. I don't care about losing a few horses if I can cut down on the raw fuel smell. The TSP longtubes offer a catted y-pipe for $800 which isn't bad but I did read a search thread recently where a board member installed this catted setup, got the tone quieted down and gas smell under control but he dynoed and lost 43HP over the non-catted setup he had prior!! If that's the case I'll deal with the smell!!
I know it's a lot to chew on but I wanted to get some feedback from others who have made the switch, and if they felt the gains were worth it.
Thank you all!
The BBK headers at the collector a a bit smaller than 2.5 inches. The TSP are a 3 inches. The TSP matching catted Y is a nice piece.
Last edited by wannafbody; Dec 2, 2019 at 07:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
Yeah, I'm leaning towards ditching the setup, seems like I'm probably giving up a good bit. I wonder how going to 1-7/8 in a catted setup would compare..
