[rollinhonda]

If you are just replacing the system after the cats you have nothing to fear, If it is a question with regards to law, as long as they are CARB approved, etc. there should be no issue.

The J pipe would seem to a major restriction, an exhaust will not do much to compensate for that, however, a modern SS quality exhaust is likely lighter than stock, so a small weight savings, beside sounding 'neater'. A little better breathing, not likely to be a significant improvement in power/mileage.

When I had my G35 the improvement with an exhaust changeout was noticeable, in weight and breathing. The stock exhaust weighed a ton. But the engine was already designed for performance, and there were several options for retuning the ECU to capitalize on the improvement, as well a CARB approved revised intake plenum. The combination of those changes was definitely something measurable as well as something you could feel in your butt.

A fun ride, but a totally useless cargo or people carrier. To have it all in one package is more time, and more money. Did I mention also more money?

 

[rollinhonda]

I have also heard of this but don't know first hand. I do know on International and Cat diesel motors, when we take one to the dealer it's ECU is automatically updated with any new programming.

If you do all your own regular maintenance, when is the dealer ever going to get around to re-programming it?
Another way to handle it is a piggy-back programmer, that's removed when you go to the dealer.

 

[rollinhonda]

Warranty work and recalls.

True enough..I still have reservations that they do any reprograms at all unless it is really necessary or a TSB/recall, etc. Seems to go against the dealership rules: "don't do more than absolutely necessary". There are normally backups for 3rd party software.
I would think it's a very different service routine with commercial and farm machinery.

 

[rollinhonda]

You are probably right when talking about auto dealers such as Honda. I'm sure none of them will go above and beyond without getting payed. I'm not sure why it is done on our school buses, maybe contracting, laws, ect.

I don't know..good question though.

If you ever watch Motorweek (which BTW gave the new Honda Pilot lead SUV in it's class just over the Chevy Traverse) they give recognition weekly to various local businesses and local governments that are working hard to reduce emissions as well as transportation costs in their fleets.

 

[rollinhonda]

Throwing money at a car so you will spend less on gas could cancel itself out pretty quick, I reckon.