Catalyst Bypass Pipe Set

Part No: 02FE03003004

The Capristo Catalyst Spare Pipes (also commonly referred to as de-cat or test pipes) are high-performance track-focused components engineered for the Ferrari F355. Designed to completely replace the heavy and highly restrictive factory catalytic converters, these straight-through pipes are the ultimate tool for unlocking maximum horsepower, razor-sharp throttle response, and the absolute rawest iteration of the F355's legendary, high-pitched "Formula 1" wail.

Performance & Acoustic Engineering

• Unrestricted Flow Dynamics: Standard catalytic converters place immense flow restrictions on an exhaust system. By swapping them out for these straight, unbaffled spare pipes, you completely remove that restriction. This allows exhaust gases to exit at maximum velocity, delivering a significant power increase of up to 21–22 kW (approx. 28–30 HP) depending on secondary modifications.

• The Unfiltered V8 Symphony: Because catalytic converters have a major silencing and muffling effect, eliminating them transforms the F355’s audio profile. The acoustic output transitions into an ultra-crisp, high-frequency mechanical shriek at high RPMs that is impossible to replicate with cats installed.

• Vibration and Stress Defense: On applicable versions, Capristo incorporates a specialized flexible center section into the pipes. This works as an added protection feature against harmonic vibration damage, preventing violent exhaust oscillations from feeding backward and fracturing the F355's notoriously fragile header pipes (manifolds).

Universal Platform Compatibility

The 02FE03003004 kit is meticulously engineered to fit both major fuel injection eras of the F355, bridging the physical and digital gap between them:

• Motronic 2.7 (1994–1995 Dual ECU Models): The kit includes two pre-installed $O_2$ sensor bung plugs. For 2.7 OBD-I cars, these plugs remain securely sealed as the vehicle relies on an earlier emissions layout.

• Motronic 5.2 (1996–1999 Single ECU Models): The Lambda/Oxygen Sensor bungs come pre-installed and threaded, aligning perfectly with the factory harness placement for 5.2 OBD-II vehicles.

Material & Build Premium

• Aerospace T309 Stainless Steel: Crafted entirely from premium 1.4828 (T309) stainless steel. This exact alloy is chosen for its superior thermal stability and its unique acoustic resonance properties, mirroring the performance characteristics of race-grade Inconel.

• Weight Reduction: By shedding the internal precious metal substrates and bulky heat shields of factory converters, these lightweight pipes remove significant mass from underneath the chassis.

Technical Specifications

• Application: Ferrari F355 (Berlinetta, GTS, and Spider) for both Motronic 2.7 and 5.2 variants.

• Material: T309 High-Grade Stainless Steel.

• Part Number: 02FE03003004.

• Hardware Included: Pre-threaded $O_2$ bungs and two blocking plugs (for 2.7 models).

• Fitment: Direct 1:1 bolt-on replacement for OEM catalytic converters.

Crucial Track & Installation Notes

• Emissions & CEL Warning: These pipes are explicitly intended for racing, track days, or export applications only. Removing the catalytic converters on a Motronic 5.2 car will trigger a Check Engine Light (CEL) due to downstream catalyst efficiency codes. To remedy this, ECU reprogramming/tuning or the installation of $O_2$ sensor extensions is necessary.

• Header Saver Synergy: This kit functions perfectly when paired with Capristo’s proprietary valved exhaust systems, which utilize dual-circuit routing to prevent the destructive "backpressure vacuum" loops common to original F355 exhaust tracts.

• Professional Installation: To ensure total leak-free seal integrity at the flanges and correct positioning of fragile O2 sensors, professional installation by a Ferrari vintage specialist is highly recommended.