.:RAI Motorsport New Product Introductory Offer: B7 TESTPIPE

[[email protected].]

Introducing the RAI Motorsport B7 Testpipe! Our testpipe exclusively features an over sized 4 inch discharge that reduces to a 3 inch diameter. This avoids any restriction at the exit of the turbo because the turbocharger discharge diameter is 87.7mm and is too large for a 3" exit. The eccentric reducer assists in allowing the spiraling discharged exhaust gas to smoothly transition before exiting. The gains are very noticeable especially in the mid to high end range. Also, in gear turbo response is much faster when compared to stock. The catalyst upgrade features a 300 cell metal core cat. This is a very high flowing unit that will push 600 cfm and is about 40% better flowing then the more common ceramic core units. Its construction is 100% stainless steel and designed to outlive the life of the car. The wideband O2 bung is ideal for owners looking to further modify and tune their cars as this is needed to hook up the all important wideband O2 sensor.
Gains: 20whp and 20wtq

Features List:
- Eliminates the restriction of the OEM Cat, Reduces turbulence and increases velocity of exhaust gases, resulting in faster spool and smother power delivery.
- Works with stock exhaust/any aftermarket Cat Back Exhaust.
- 100% Developed, Tested, and Produced in the USA. Balitmore, MD to be exact.
- Optional third o2 sensor bung available for Wideband applications
- Included threaded spacer for 100% CEL Free Operation.
- Price includes HFC/Test Pipe Install Kit

Tech Specs:
- 100% TIG Welded
- 304 Mandrel Bent Stainless Steel tubing
- 304 Stainless Steel flanges
- 304 Stainless Steel Machine Finished Eccentric 4” to 3” Reducer reducer matches with exhaust turbine outlet.
- 304 Stainless Steel O2 Bung for Primary O2 Sensor
- 304 Stainless Steel Threaded Spacer to Eliminate CEL
*Optional 300cell HFC flows 600 CFM's

These normally list for $224.99, but we are offering special Introductory Pricing now through Valentines day (Feb 14th)

INTRO PRICE: $194.99! Click here to order!

[[email protected].]

Here are are a few of the pictures blown up so you can really see the comparison as well as the quality. Dyno graph to come shortly.

[Hammer]

Nice welds. What kind of power gains does it deliver?

[Adub-Drew]

Nice welds. What kind of power gains does it deliver?

said it in the writeup....
20whp 20tq

[Hammer]

said it in the writeup....
20whp 20tq

That was added in a later edit of the original post.

I'm looking forward to seeing the comparison dyno between the TP and HFC.

[Ibis-Titanium]

RAI...So, I currently have the 034 HFC mated to the stock DP and exhaust. Based on the pics on your site, if I want your upgraded DP, I'd have to replace the entire assembly with your HFC + DP, right? How much gain would you guesstimate the RAI HFC + DP to make over 034 HFC + Stock DP. Would it be worth the trouble/expense? just curious...

[SykoraA4]

RAI...So, I currently have the 034 HFC mated to the stock DP and exhaust. Based on the pics on your site, if I want your upgraded DP, I'd have to replace the entire assembly with your HFC + DP, right? How much gain would you guesstimate the RAI HFC + DP to make over 034 HFC + Stock DP. Would it be worth the trouble/expense? just curious...

Correct, at this point we dont offer a down pipe without the integrated test pipe/hfc. I don't have exact data to give you to compare, but to guestimate, i'd say you'd see a few hp increase upgrading your downpipe over just the test pipe. Not only do you get the 4 to 3in reducer, but you remove the bottleneck the stock dp creates, freeing up more power.

[mr shickadance]

prolly the same as every other test pipe and for 200 $$.....rather get a hfc

[SykoraA4]

prolly the same as every other test pipe and for 200 $$.....rather get a hfc

we actually offer a hfc option for this pipe. I'll have a proper dyno sheet tomorrow to show the gains.

[psiaddict85]

we actually offer a hfc option for this pipe. I'll have a proper dyno sheet tomorrow to show the gains.

What's the pricing?

[SykoraA4]

I'll post this from my personal account, as this is the pipe now on my car, and also include a mini review.
I had an ebay 2.5 test pipe on my car, and it's the one you see in the pictures. while the quality was pretty good and the price was definitely right for me at the time, I did have one problem with it. The overall length was just a bit shorter than the stock cat. this didnt hinder performance, but I had a slight issue with fitment. visually everything bolted back on fine, but the slightly smaller length caused the clamp connecting the DP to the rest of the exhasut to come undone over time. that sucker was loud when the exhaust popped off. the only solution to this was to pull as hard as i could to connect the dp ot the exhaust with the clamp. over time the slightly tweaked exhaust caused a tear in my flex pipe, which finally came to a head at the time of the RAI test pipe install. we were able to swap out the downpipe, and the RAI test pipe fit perfectly, without any strain on any of the exhaust components.

My impressions after the tp swap: total mid range to top end smoothness. not that the car ran rough before, but i noticed a big difference, the revs just climbed easier. it seems to spool a bit faster as well, and boost seams to trickle off later. Butt dyno definitely approved and working with the guy who insures the quality of every part he fabricates, i have no doubt this pipe will outlast the life of my car. anyways, on to the pics!

Before:


After:


and the length comparison.

[SykoraA4]

with the added HFC, total comes to $344.99

[mr shickadance]

dont get me wrong it looks nice and all....just seems a pinch pricey but i guess you get what u pay for you guys have had a great rep on here and when ive called about dp's and what not ya'll been more then helpful

[kristokes]

Would like to see numbers before placing an order

[fly300kts]

Do you include a new gasket with the order?

[SykoraA4]

yep, all new hardware is included with each testpipe/hfc.

[fly300kts]

yep, all new hardware is included with each testpipe/hfc.

Great thx and now hurry up, I placed my order yesterday

phil

[Gil2.0T]

When you posted that teaser i noticed the flared out beginning. I was wondering when you guys would release it. Great product.

[vdubjetta02]

reminds me of my 4" bellmouth downpipe on my subaru .... :)

[Gil2.0T]

reminds me of my 4" bellmouth downpipe on my subaru .... :)

disconnect your exhaust after the dp and it really sounds like a subaru.... :)

[kristokes]

Bump for an update with the numbers

[[email protected].]

Dyno anyone?

Both car's have Stage 1 programing, no hpfp or water meth, the only difference being the Test Pipe.
the stage 1 car put down 170whp, 229tq, the test pipe equipt car put down 190 whp, 249tq on a mustang dyno.
final gains: 20whp, 20tq


our runs are done with the cars warm, and as much as we strive for consistency, there are always variables that play a factor in the results. Unfortunately we were not able to do these run's on the same day, so this dyno shows a general comparison. All our claims are based on averages and considered factors.

[swoardrider]

How about your's vs. ebay's pipe numbers?

[[email protected].]

Let me see if we can schedule to get that on the dyno. It might be a few days though.

[Bluea4AWD]

what are the gains with the HFC?

[[email protected].]

We don't have a dyno run yet to compare the HFC to the TP, but I think it would be relatively safe to say a HP or two less than the TP.

[kristokes]

So the test was between a Stage 1 w/ factory cat vs Stage 1 w/ RAI TP? If so, would like to see how it compares with other TP in the market. I want to see if it's an improvement over a 2.5" or 3.0" TP

[mr shickadance]

i feel like a good comparison would be ebay tp vs RAI test pipe vs O34 HFC

i think its clear as day that the stock cat vs any aftermarket tp or hfc will show gains towards the aftermarket parts but lets be real here, people are either going to buy the HFC or an ebay TP unless the numbers show that the more expensive RAI test pipe shows gains over the Ebay one

then you have show that your test pipe provides enough gains so that the HFC from 034 which is right around the price of the test pipe doesn't look as appealing

i know RAI has HFC options but it comes with a price tag


bottom line, this looks like a great product but its gonna be a tough sell when you can get a hfc at right around the same price tag

[Übermensch]

i feel like a good comparison would be ebay tp vs RAI test pipe vs O34 HFC

i think its clear as day that the stock cat vs any aftermarket tp or hfc will show gains towards the aftermarket parts but lets be real here, people are either going to buy the HFC or an ebay TP unless the numbers show that the more expensive RAI test pipe shows gains over the Ebay one

then you have show that your test pipe provides enough gains so that the HFC from 034 which is right around the price of the test pipe doesn't look as appealing

i know RAI has HFC options but it comes with a price tag


bottom line, this looks like a great product but its gonna be a tough sell when you can get a hfc at right around the same price tag

maybe I am misreading what you're saying, but can you show me where one can get a hfc, including hardware and gaskets, for the same price of $200? just curious.

[Gil2.0T]

I think using common sense with a 4 inch opening right from the turbo your gonna see a small gain over any TP/ HFC that has a 3 inch outlet from the turbo. The less restriction on any turbo the better. Try disconnecting your exhaust after the DP and drive around the block and you can hear the turbo spooling when your almost idling. Pretty crazy

[kristokes]

From looking at the design, the possibility of gains over an aftermarket TP is great. The question on my mind is, by how much..?

[mr shickadance]

never said same price i said right around the same price, and looking it up on o34 its priced at 295 with 35 extra for hardware....when the introductory special goes the tp will be 225...and for an extra 100 bones why not have a HFC on it....im just saying people who are looking at this option will no doubt also be looking at the hfc option bc lets face it....why pay 200 for a part that you can get for 70 shipped on ebay. this topic has been debated before but the bottom line is that as long as the pipe is made from stainless steel it and bent propely it will work....now, the real interesting part is seeing how much a difference in performance the RAI TP will have over the ebay one, if its something like 1-2 HP like the carbonio intake then again why wast 100 dollar when you can get the ebay one? or pony up the extra 100 and get a hfc and not deal with the stinky test pipe smells

being someone who has had the ebay pipe and the hfc i dont think i would go back to test pipe. butttt if you can show considerable performance gains over the HFC i think it would benefit RAI bc customers could then justify getting the TP vs the HFC

all im saying is no shit the tp beat out the factory cat.... where it will get interesting and start giving credibility to this part is where you can show why you should spend 200 and not 70 or why you should spend 200 and not spend 300

[Übermensch]

never said same price i said right around the same price, an.....

well lets take a look at the ebay test pipe. The VMR's are no longer available. what's left is this:

[Click Me]

Things that are important to me is that the fitment is guaranteed, that it's made in the US, that it contains all the required hardware, comes with a warranty, and has the customer service and reputation to back it up. I'm not ass kissing this RAI piece, but those are the type things I look for & applies to any company when modding. That ebay tp very well may be a genuine piece of crap, and I would let anywhere near my ride or my friends rides. Item location: Fast Shipping, USA?
Point being, the ebay test pipe really shouldn't be an option for anyone who really values the mod's they do to their car.
Isn't the saying "it pay's to play?" you have to think about what you're getting with that price. Even 034's TP with hardware comes in at the same price, yet doesnt include the threaded spacer or Jpipe to prevent cel's.
APR's isn't 3in all the way through and is 50 bucks more, and again no spacer. with either of those, you'd probably pick up RAI's Jpipe, so tack on another 30 bucks. All things considered, this is a pretty attractive offer.


anyway I would hope that you get the points I'm making.

[fly300kts]

What I can tell is that Communication and Customer Service with Will at RAI is first Class
Order placed 2 days ago, pipe buil to order, being shipped overnight and will go on the car Friday afternoon
Can't ask for better than that

Phil

[mr shickadance]

i see your points and again im not knocking the RAI pipe. when it comes to an intensive purchase like a HPFP where there needs to be extensive testing and research and development with the product obvi it pays to play. but with a pipe, as long as it fits, and is made out of the proper material there really is not much to it. the gaskets and hardware can all be found on other sites for very cheap price. so why break your wallet over mod like this unless it provides a significant difference between the ebay pipe

warranties for this specific product do not really make it or break it for me, because you are going to know within the first 30 days whether or not that pipe is going to fit or not and ebay and paypal offer buyer protection. but in terms of the product failing, if its made out of the right material and installed correctly it will never fail (again we are talking about a pipe with a bend in it)

the spacer a lot of people will tell you is hit or miss and going stage 2 with most softwares will rid your car of the CEL and to be honest i bought the spacer when i bought my TP and never even installed the sucker cause i found out that if i paid 50 bucks i could get flashed to uni stage 2 and it would garuntee i would not get the cel so i opted for that.

there are more then a few az members who have the ebay tp and other then an occasional fitment issue have no problems with the performance of the part


my original point tho, is that RAI compared thier TP against a stock cat. to me this seems like a waste of time testing because i think we all know that there will be performance gains when you do that.

what i think would be a better move for RAI would be to compare thier TP against other products that are around the same price range/interest of potential buyers.

competitor #1 i feel would be the ebay test pipe, if RAI's TP showed gains of something like 5-7 hp over the ebay test pipe i feel it would give the potential buyer more reason to spend 200 dollars on a part when he/she could spend 70 and get the same results. (its kind of like comparing the carbonio CAI system against a 50$ K&N air filter....imo why spend the 300+ for an intake when you can spend 50 and get the exact same results)

competitor #2 would be hfc from O34, for another 100 dollars you dont have to deal with the downsides that come with the test pipe, significantly louder exhaust (albeit the hfc does make the stock exhaust louder just not as much as a TP), smelly exhaust/interior, over time darkening of the rear bumper due to the exhaust gasses, and most importantly the legal aspect of removing the only cat from the car.

now if RAI showed a comparison where the exhaust flowed x times better with the tp rather then the hfc some potential buyers may value the increase in performance and purchase that item vs the hfc


im not saying one is better then the other im just trying to point out that without proof that RAI test pipe is any better in performance (and performance alone) then an ebay tp or hfc then spending 200 for a product that can be purchased for 70 just seems....not smart

[[email protected].]

Let me see if I can address some of the issues you brought up.

..with a pipe, as long as it fits, and is made out of the proper material there really is not much to it...

fundamentally, this is not incorrect. However, while a basic test pipe doesn't require much, it is slightly more complex than "just a pipe with a bend". Keep in mind you need the proper flanges and bungs, as well as good solid welds. let's not forget about the conditions this pipe routinely encounters, from heat cycles to engine vibrations. Sure you could throw that ebay pipe on there, but do you trust that it will never fail? and what if it does? which brings me to my next point.

warranties for this specific product do not really make it or break it for me, because you are going to know within the first 30 days whether or not that pipe is going to fit or not and ebay and paypal offer buyer protection. but in terms of the product failing, if its made out of the right material and installed correctly it will never fail (again we are talking about a pipe with a bend in it)

You will know as soon as you go to install a test pipe if it fits or not. The Ebay and Paypal protections offer a bit of peace of mind, but when it comes down to it they don't offer the protection you receive from a company's warranty. Under normal circumstances, sure failure rates are low. But what happens if, unknown to anyone, an exhaust hanger pops loose and the exhaust shakes a bit more than it's supposed to, an engine mount goes out and the exhaust gets tweaked, or an exhasut shop does a custom cat back and it doesn't fit perfectly, all these could potentially cause a weld to break and the Test Pipe to fail. Who covers that then?

the spacer a lot of people will tell you is hit or miss and going stage 2 with most softwares will rid your car of the CEL and to be honest i bought the spacer when i bought my TP and never even installed the sucker cause i found out that if i paid 50 bucks i could get flashed to uni stage 2 and it would garuntee i would not get the cel so i opted for that.

sure, some people may not get a CEL for whatever reason. But for those that do throw a code (and it's pretty safe to assume this is most) our o2 spacer has interchangeable jets to allow for further tuning of the o2 bung. This insures there will be no CEL. The spacer is included at no additional cost, so there is nothing to buy separately, and no cost to upgrade your software.

there are more then a few az members who have the ebay tp and other then an occasional fitment issue have no problems with the performance of the part

As I mentioned in my personal post above, I was one of those members who had an ebay TP. Fitment was fine, but it was slightly too short, and over time caused my flex pipe to tear. Was the performance affected? No. Did improper fitment cause damage to other components? yes.

my original point tho, is that RAI compared thier TP against a stock cat. to me this seems like a waste of time testing because i think we all know that there will be performance gains when you do that.

Yes and no. If you are starting with a stock car, these numbers are very useful. If you're looking to upgrade your ebay test pipe, I understand why you'd want to see the data. Like I said, we're going to try and swap the old TP back in to get some numbers.

...hfc from O34, for another 100 dollars you dont have to deal with the downsides that come with the test pipe, significantly louder exhaust ... smelly exhaust/interior, over time darkening of the rear bumper due to the exhaust gasses...

To accurately compare 034's HFC to our TP, be sure to include the cost of hardware and o2 spacer. now your looking at almost twice the cost. Just something to think about. Also, having driven a car with a test pipe for over 20,000 miles, I can attest to the little (if any) smell and soot deposits

im not saying one is better then the other im just trying to point out that without proof that RAI test pipe is any better in performance (and performance alone) then an ebay tp or hfc then spending 200 for a product that can be purchased for 70 just seems....not smart

I don't want anything I said to seem as if I was copping an attitude, and I really appreciate the honest reactions and opinions because I'm sure you are not alone. Said and done I, and everyone at RAI fully stand behind our product. at the end of the day your money gets you performance, value, and support. I guarantee you wont be disappointed.

[Don Supreme]

Stop being cheap... $200 is cheap and RAI generally makes products with great fitment. If you already have a TP then it might not be worth the effort and money, the choice is yours, but going from stock the the choice seems clear.

This thing is MADE IN THE USA. Does that mean anything to anyone anymore?

[vdubjetta02]

^^ I agree, you drive a LUXURY car and are worrying about $200?

[mr shickadance]

so are the pipes made on ebay....im just trying to show that if you have an option of buying a product that does the same thing at a lower price then why not. not, if RAI can show that thier pipe can keep heat better, flows smoother, or performs better then the ebay pipe then yea the RAI pipe is a better choice, but if they compare the pipes and it shows that the 70 dollar pipe performed just as well as the 200 dollar pipe then why not save the 160 dollars!


i dont get it, people on this forum usually point out the fact to people who are interested in the forge DV that the latest revision DV from audi is a better choice because its cheaper and provides the same protection and that your spending more money on the forge dv for essentially the same part....yet with this part....

[Gil2.0T]

so are the pipes made on ebay....im just trying to show that if you have an option of buying a product that does the same thing at a lower price then why not. not, if RAI can show that thier pipe can keep heat better, flows smoother, or performs better then the ebay pipe then yea the RAI pipe is a better choice, but if they compare the pipes and it shows that the 70 dollar pipe performed just as well as the 200 dollar pipe then why not save the 160 dollars!


i dont get it, people on this forum usually point out the fact to people who are interested in the forge DV that the latest revision DV from audi is a better choice because its cheaper and provides the same protection and that your spending more money on the forge dv for essentially the same part....yet with this part....

i see what your saying man

bottom line really is with any performance part you put out on the market, it will make it a hell of alot easier to sell/ promote if you have proof via dyno graphs, whatever testing data applies. Specially on AZ lol