[Z06] 2002 Z mid pipe question
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2002 Z mid pipe question
I just recently bought this car and I have been reading everything I can find on them but I can't find what type of midpipe they have. I was thinking about putting a o/r x pipe on it but I don't want to have my CEL on. I have a diablosport predator so is there anyway for me to keep the CEL clear using it if I put the o/r pipe on it? Any help is appreciated
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I just recently bought this car and I have been reading everything I can find on them but I can't find what type of midpipe they have. I was thinking about putting a o/r x pipe on it but I don't want to have my CEL on. I have a diablosport predator so is there anyway for me to keep the CEL clear using it if I put the o/r pipe on it? Any help is appreciated
Not sure exactly what the site is or if the guy is still around, but runningwiththedevil.com or something close to that use to do this.
Micah
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 831
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
I just recently bought this car and I have been reading everything I can find on them but I can't find what type of midpipe they have. I was thinking about putting a o/r x pipe on it but I don't want to have my CEL on. I have a diablosport predator so is there anyway for me to keep the CEL clear using it if I put the o/r pipe on it? Any help is appreciated
I added a Magnaflow X-Pipe in 2008 and have never had an issue on my 2002 Z06. I also added a Corsa Extreme cat back with out any issues.
You may throw a CEL (Lean Codes) when you add a free flow air intake . This can be tuned out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
Maybe I did not understand your post, but if you want to add an X-Pipe you shouldn't throw a CEL.
I added a Magnaflow X-Pipe in 2008 and have never had an issue on my 2002 Z06. I also added a Corsa Extreme cat back with out any issues.
You may throw a CEL (Lean Codes) when you add a free flow air intake . This can be tuned out.
I added a Magnaflow X-Pipe in 2008 and have never had an issue on my 2002 Z06. I also added a Corsa Extreme cat back with out any issues.
You may throw a CEL (Lean Codes) when you add a free flow air intake . This can be tuned out.
Nothing you change after the cats should throw a CEL.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
OP mentioned "o/r x-pipe", or "off road" meaning he wants to delete the cats. Minimal HP gains if any by doing this unless you have an '01 with the pre-cats right off of the manifolds. My suggestion...leave the cats alone, and just install an x-pipe after the cats. 
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thank you for actually understanding what I was talking about. Ok so what style of mid-pipe comes on these cars? And will switching to a regular X pipe give me any benefits? I am new to this car so I have no idea about them. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
It really depends on what your goals are with the car. If you're looking to keep the stock manifolds or even replace with shorty headers for smog reasons, I would just go with an aftermarket x-pipe like Magnaflow, Borla, Bassani, etc. This type of x-pipe will be cut in just after the cats and then bolt up to the factory axle-back set-up. If you're really looking to gain HP, and smog laws aren't a concern in your area; you should be looking at long tube headers (LT's) which should come with a new mid-pipe, and you'll have the option to go catted or catless. This type of set up will also bolt right up to your current axle-back set up. You'll want to have a good cold air intake and a professional tune to take advantge of an LT header set up, as they can cause the car to run lean and throw codes.
Hope this helps.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
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MTP since you seem to really know your stuff, I'd like to ask for some additional info here. You said most aftermarket x pipes will 'cut in' just after the cats - does that mean we would need to actually cut the stock midpipe apart and then bolt / weld in the aftermarket x pipe?
Basically, I am looking to improve the sound & flow of my stock z06 exhaust. And its starting to sound like an x-pipe will do both but I'm unclear about my options, and how much it will affect each (sound and flow) .
Basically, I am looking to improve the sound & flow of my stock z06 exhaust. And its starting to sound like an x-pipe will do both but I'm unclear about my options, and how much it will affect each (sound and flow) .
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 930
Likes: 3
From: Lawrenceville GA
MTP since you seem to really know your stuff, I'd like to ask for some additional info here. You said most aftermarket x pipes will 'cut in' just after the cats - does that mean we would need to actually cut the stock midpipe apart and then bolt / weld in the aftermarket x pipe?
Basically, I am looking to improve the sound & flow of my stock z06 exhaust. And its starting to sound like an x-pipe will do both but I'm unclear about my options, and how much it will affect each (sound and flow) .
Basically, I am looking to improve the sound & flow of my stock z06 exhaust. And its starting to sound like an x-pipe will do both but I'm unclear about my options, and how much it will affect each (sound and flow) .
The connections at the top of the pic go to the stock manifolds.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
It will reduce back pressure a little bit, but don't expect a SOTP change in acceleration. The biggest change I noticed in this department (I had a Borla X before upgrading to LT's) was that deceleration was a little smoother and less abrupt when quickly removing my foot from the gas pedal. The sound effect is also most noticeable during deceleration when letting the engine unwind in gear, but again I didn't consider it a significant change. Given the relative cheapness of the parts and labor for an x-pipe installation, I still consider it a worthwhile mod, but only if you know you won't be upgrading to LT's in the future.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
Pretty much summed it up...the x-pipe will cut in after the O2 bungs and replace the stock h-pipe section pictured above. No need to weld, band clamps will work just fine. I will add that I think the x-pipe created a deeper exhaust note and lessened the motor boat sound some complain about. Yes. Most x-pipes slide over the existing pipes (after cutting) and are secured with band clamps. Welding is also an option, but either way the stock midpipe will be cut after the rear 02 sensor bungs (viewable below the cats in the above picture).
It will reduce back pressure a little bit, but don't expect a SOTP change in acceleration. The biggest change I noticed in this department (I had a Borla X before upgrading to LT's) was that deceleration was a little smoother and less abrupt when quickly removing my foot from the gas pedal. The sound effect is also most noticeable during deceleration when letting the engine unwind in gear, but again I didn't consider it a significant change. Given the relative cheapness of the parts and labor for an x-pipe installation, I still consider it a worthwhile mod, but only if you know you won't be upgrading to LT's in the future.
It will reduce back pressure a little bit, but don't expect a SOTP change in acceleration. The biggest change I noticed in this department (I had a Borla X before upgrading to LT's) was that deceleration was a little smoother and less abrupt when quickly removing my foot from the gas pedal. The sound effect is also most noticeable during deceleration when letting the engine unwind in gear, but again I didn't consider it a significant change. Given the relative cheapness of the parts and labor for an x-pipe installation, I still consider it a worthwhile mod, but only if you know you won't be upgrading to LT's in the future.