I didn't expect any HP gains from taking out the cats, I blew out 2 sets and I was tired of replacing them.

But now I start spinning in second gear at 5500 rpms AFTER already hooking up. It seems to have this "BURST" of power it didn't have before at in the higher RPMS's. I tried it 3 more times and it happened 2 out of 3 times.

It kind of crazy to break loose tires at that rpm and gear and have to pull off the gas a little.

I am guessing the cats get more restrictive under the higher boost/rpms and that was freed up.

Now for the inspection......

 

You may have gained some RWHP but more importantly, a little torque now that she's breathing a little better.

 

Agree with comments above + combined with lower outside temps which usually turn most tires into hockey pucks unless you running some all season tire.

 

Sounds like fun....I need to do the same.

 

It's VTEC kicking in yo!

 

I noticed a little of the same thing right after I put on my Roush axle backs. At first I thought it was just the tires being worn. So, I rotated the fronts to the back because they had a lot more tread left. But, it did not make a difference. I think that there must be more torque now. Not much. Just enough to notice and to brake loose at high RPM's in second gear after initially hooking up.

 

off road x-pipes typically pick up a noticeable amount of power, particularly in the higher rpms where the catalytics restrict exhaust airflow.

I installed my UPR off road x-pipe at the same time I added the CAI and Tuner, and it made a huge improvement in power... particularly in the higher rpms.