TGN Race Pipe

TEAM GONADS RACING

Weight with mount: 2lbs 5oz / 1.048kg
Weight without mount: 2lbs 2 5/8oz / 983g

It appears that the pipe is built with a separate header, possible pipe options in the future? With the joint there it will also help if the pipe takes a blow, it will allow the pipe to twist instead of bending. Removable aluminium silencer, nice in that in brings down the overall weight of the pipe, if needing the silencer anywhere where you have to keep on the quiet side. The raw looking finish on the pipe is well clear coated, no need in painting the pipe. But still gives you the option of painting what ever colour you like. The mounting bracket is aluminium with nice counter sunk holes for attaching to the chassis.
With out installing the pipe I’d give it a 10 out of 10! Good work!


Installation

Installing the team gonads racing pipe onto the hpi baja, was simple took less then 5 minutes (that’s after removing the x-can). The cage does not have to come out, the pipe goes around all the tubing. I have a little worry about the bottom mount getting caught up, as it sits on the bottom of the chassis. I will be looking into making up a new mount, to try and get it off the bottom of the chassis. The pipe appears to be well protected, there does look like there is a chance it could get hit in a freak roll, but that’s the same with all pipes out now. The side of the baja is open for a hit in a racing situation, but because the pipe is a two peace design it is able to twist before bending, not a worry to me.
With it being installed I’d give it a 8 out of 10, only because of the lower mount and the chance it could get hit in a major roll over.


Testing



I took the Baja out to an big open field for the testing. Starting the baja is a little more difficult because the chock is now behind the pipe, not a big deal. I let the baja warm up for about 5 minutes, then gave it full throttle. It was at the end of the field in no time, the only problem was I was not able to get traction the whole time. The acceleration with this pipe is amazing, you really need to roll into the throttle. Next I took the baja to some near by hills for some climbing, this is where I ended up ripping the lower mount off. One screw pulled through the aluminium and the other screw ended up falling out from lack of support. I’ve since made a new mount for the pipe, it attaches to the side of the baja using a peace of aluminium and then to a spring. This new mount has worked out good so far for me as it still allows the pipe to twist instead of bending. Top speed has defiantly increased with the TGN Race pipe, and the sound is what I’ve been wanting for a long time. It is rather loud with out the silencer on, but has a very nice sound.

Overall I would give this pipe a 9 out of 10, this is a power pipe!