Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What Catalyst should I choose?

A: This depends solely on what the car will be used for, and you have to consider many factors such as tuning, track time, emissions wanted/needed depending on the country/state you live in. Ideally, you want the largest converter possible, the smaller the catalyst the less heat it can take, and less gasses it can convert to do its job properly.

If not tuning, or you need an error or CEL free solution based on our experiences and testing in the field we have made a list on what has worked, to view the list please click here. Please keep in mind this is not a guarantee but something to help future clients make the best decision for them. 

We offer (Catless) Competition and catalyst only from the best converter manufacturers in the world HJS and Gesi. HJS converters are 200cpsi (cell) and are made in Germany and Gesi converters are 300cpsi/400cpsi (cell) and made in Canada.

HJS 200 cell Ultra High-Performance converters are known as the industry leader for their characteristics, quality and durability with being able to have a flow rate of 93% opposed to a straight pipe, they can get away with this flow due to their special wash coating used on their substrate. This washcoat is expensive hence the price. Our HJS Converters are Euro6 rated suitable for most countries' requirements and have a power holding capacity up to 1200hp.   Please read more about HJS converters here.

Gesi converters come in two different cpsi ratings; the GEN1.5 advanced series is a 300 cell catalyst that is improved upon their GEN1 series using the same double matrix substrate as the GNE2 making them able to hold up to more heat. The GEN2 is a 400 cell catalyst that is one of the best for emissions for newer vehicles. The Gesi converters have a flow rate of around 80-85%. Our Gesi Converters are EPA Compliant, will pass most emissions inspections worldwide and have a power holding capacity anywhere from 850-1200hp depending on the generation and size you choose. Please read more about Gesi converters here.

Q: What is the heat shielding option and do I need it?

A: Our heat shielding is proprietary, and it has a 5-8mm under layer of ceramic wool, covered by a stainless dimpled foil that is formed on by hand and welded to the pipe with using 3D printed molds and dies. It reduces temperatures off the pipe by over 50% and is better than any other coating or wrap used by others. Please be aware of fake shielding done by others, without a proper air gap (ceramic wool) the heat shielding becomes non-functional.

We recommend the heat shield option on nearly all vehicles that have the downpipes directly off the turbos especially the ones within the transmission tunnel. This helps to reduce heat, keep the turbos cool, lower engine bay temps and IAT (intake air temperature). Again, with the catalyst question this comes down to the user, will you track the car and/or want back to back performance with less timing pull and heat soak.

Another benefit to the heat shield is the pipe insulation (ceramic wool) itself. We notice a tighter, smoother sound coming out of the car opposed to a rawer raspiness when switching out the OEM downpipes. Clients report less NVH (less in-cabin vibration) and a better exhaust note overall with this option.

Q: How do I use the tunable 02 spacer?

A: 02 spacers have been around for years. They help to trick the ECU into thinking the sensors are getting a proper reading from the car when not tuning. When using the competition catless models, cats used to reduce smell, one that happens to create a CEL (Check engine light) we can use these spacer restrictors to give the sensor the proper reading to set ready and not create error issues.

The spacers come with 3 different sized inserts (pills) most start with the middle size, make sure to reset the ECU prior to turning the car on. Drive normally, if no CEL is turned on then you’re good to go. However, if you do get a CEL you need to swap out to another pill larger or smaller and repeat the process.

Q: Do I need new gaskets?

A: It is always good to use fresh new gaskets when installing any exhaust especially compressed ones or at the turbo flange. Flat double wall stainless gaskets can be reused most of the time however and our recommendation is to replace them if the vehicle has over 40-50K miles. OEM gaskets will fit all Redstar Exhaust Products. 

Q: What is OPF and how do I know if I have it?

A: OPF is a type of particulate filter used by strict emission countries such as in Europe and Australia on newer 2020+ vehicles. The downpipes normally have extra thermocouple sensors and pressure tubes on them. Some also have these on the mid pipes. Tuning is required in 90% of the cases, we supply the extra bungs on the pipe needed for the OPF to reuse all OEM attachments. If you do not know if your vehicle has, OPF or not it is best to supply us with your VIN prior to ordering.

Q: What size piping is it?

A: We have been manufacturing since 2011, we bench, and flow test every product until we get a perfect result. We use multiple size pipes in every product. There is not a one size fits all answer 4”, 3.5”, 3”, 2.5” etc. unless it is specifically notated in the description. Comparing Redstar products to another, thinking bigger is better etc. is not the proper way to make power. If you need specific size requirements, you can list it in the notes when ordering. 

Q: Who do you recommend for a tuner to pair with your Downpipes?

A: To pair your Downpipes with a ECU or TCU Tune we highly recommend Eurocharged. Please visit their website or call +1-713-462-1600 to purchase. 

Q: How do I find out if an item is instock or the Build time?

A: Please visit our updated instock inventory Here, it is updated often. Always reach out to us to verify if a product is instock or a quoted Build time at REDSTAREXHAUSTUSA@GMAIL.COM, 781-927-8491, or through the Chat.

*If you would like to see more FAQ’s, please email us*