I remember the first time I started looking into Infiniti test pipes. Every forum post, YouTube video, and late-night scroll through car groups made them sound like either the best mod you could do or the biggest regret of your life. There didn’t seem to be much middle ground. So, like most of us, I had to find out for myself.
What They Actually Do
From the factory, our cars have catalytic converters. They’re there for emissions, and they do their job well. The problem is they also strangle the exhaust flow. It’s like trying to run while breathing through a mask — possible, but not comfortable.
That’s where Infiniti test pipes come in. You swap out the restrictive cats for straight-through pipes, and suddenly the exhaust can breathe the way it wants to. No rocket science here. It’s just less blockage, more flow.
The Power Side of Things
Let’s be real: nobody’s putting these on expecting 100 extra horsepower. But the gains are there. Most people see around 10–20 horses with Infiniti G37 test pipes, but what really makes you grin is how much better the car responds.
Hit the gas and it just feels sharper. The mid-range pull is stronger, and when you push it toward redline, the car doesn’t feel like it’s holding its breath anymore. I noticed it most when merging onto the highway — instead of slowly building, the car just wanted to go. Pair them with an intake or a decent cat-back, and the difference gets even sweeter.
The Sound Factor
This is where it gets interesting. If you’ve driven a G, you already know the VQ loves to get raspy. Throw Infiniti test pipes into the mix, and that rasp becomes a straight-up growl. Some folks live for it, others can’t stand it.
Me? I loved it. The car finally sounded alive. At high RPMs, it screamed in a way that stock never could. But I won’t sugarcoat it — there’s some drone, especially on long highway drives. And if you leave early in the morning, your neighbors will definitely know when you’ve fired up the car. If you’re after a quiet, refined ride, Infiniti G37 test pipes probably aren’t your best friend.
The Downsides Nobody Likes to Mention
Like with any mod, there are trade-offs.
- Check Engine Light: Removing the cats almost always triggers a CEL. Spacers or a tune can help, but it’s something you’ll deal with.
- Smell: Without cats cleaning things up, you get that raw exhaust smell. Some people like it, some don’t. Sitting in traffic, you’ll definitely notice it.
- Emissions Testing: If you live somewhere strict, you’re going to have a hard time passing with Infiniti test pipes. A lot of companies sell them as “for off-road use only” for a reason.
None of these are deal-breakers for me, but they’re worth keeping in mind before you dive in.
Daily vs Weekend Toy
If your G is your only car, you’ve got to be honest with yourself. Can you live with the louder exhaust, the occasional CEL, and the smell? Some people shrug it off, others get annoyed fast.
But if your G is more of a fun car — something for weekend drives, meets, or track days — then Infiniti G37 test pipes are a no-brainer. They make the car livelier, meaner, and just plain more fun to drive.
Are They Worth the Cash?
For me, yeah, they were. Compared to headers or a turbo setup, test pipes are cheap. You can pick up a solid set for a couple hundred bucks, and if you’re handy, install them in your driveway with some basic tools. The smiles-per-dollar ratio is hard to beat.
That’s why you’ll always see people recommending Infiniti test pipes in the forums. They might not be the biggest power mod, but they change the feel and the character of the car. And that’s what a lot of us are chasing.
Final Thoughts
So, are Infiniti G37 test pipes worth it? If you’re after a little extra power, a lot more sound, and you don’t mind a few quirks, then absolutely. They wake the car up in a way you’ll notice every time you drive it.
If you’re all about quiet comfort and never want to deal with a check engine light again, then maybe pass. But if you’re like me and want your G to feel less like a luxury coupe and more like a proper driver’s car, test pipes hit the spot.
At the end of the day, they’re one of those mods that make your car feel yours. And honestly, that alone makes them worth it.
