Quality/Durability of SLS Test Pipe?
 

I've been looking at test pipes recently. I just can't seem to understand why a 1 1/2-foot piece of pipe costs so much. The cheapest I've found is the SLS (ebay). I've searched, and found 3 threads similar to this, but found no long term/longevity comments about this particular pipe. Plus, there are 3 companies that list a test pipe on ebay, and I don't know what everyone refers to as the "ebay special"... this is the one i'm referring to... MAZDASPEED 3 TEST PIPE ALUMINIZED - SLS Performance



I communicated with SLS, at first I was trying to haggle the guy and got this response...

My communication:

Dear slsperformance,

hey I am interested in the MS3 test pipe but price seems a bit steep for a piece of steal pipe... Why is this double the price of a MS6 test pipe? I'm trying to decide what to do. My local exauhst shop said they could fabricate a test pipe for $50.00, but I would rather have a proven part... but not for $135!


Their Response:


For one, ours is mandrel bent, it also includes 2 custom flanges that a muffler shop probably wont find anywhere. (I?ve tried)
We DO have a proven product. We are the original makers of the MS3 test pipe. a few other companies have tried to do a knock off version but you?ll find they use some pretty screwed up gaskets to make them seal.
We don?t even have to use gaskets.
The price difference is that the speed 3 again is bent and requires custom flanges also it is a full 3? the MS6 is only 2.5?


then got this response...



The best I can do right now is give you a link to buy it direct from us.

MAZDASPEED 3 TEST PIPE ALUMINIZED - SLS Performance

I just lowered our price to $120 and we are currently offering free shipping.




The "no gasket" thing has me intrigued (if it works), especially with all the leaky options out there (I know a leaky test pipe isn't a huge deal)




Just wondering if anyone has bought this product and if it holds up (is it a quality piece)?... I'd think with the bend, instead of a weld at the elbow, maybe less chance of it breaking at the elbow?

here are some pics...

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...1&d=1303841447

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...1&d=1303841447

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...1&d=1303841447

My ebay pipe looks way better than that and am taking it off this weekend when I install my full downpipe. If youd like I could give you it at much better deal. PM me

no one?



how much?

Depends where you live, but usually you can't have the words longevity and aluminized in the same sentence.

Well I live on Indiana... I guess that answers my question!

When i take off the test pipe this weekend ill look at the quality of it and take some pics and post it up if your still interested with a price:kabong:

That looks like regurgitated dog shit. I did a write-up when I got my ebay test pipe and it looks 10x better and i used the stock donut gasket off the downpipe. It came with a new donut gasket that might have made the initial fit a little better, but I have no leaks and it works great.

+1 I did the same thing

i had one and it's crap. sold it to some unlucky fucker lol.