the associated pipe is an rpm pipe and will give you power on the higher end, i like that pipe, have it on a few of my cars. I really dont know about the redcat tuned pipe, i dont have one, only the plastic one that comes stock on the 1/10 cars. I dont know if i would fool with taking the baffles out of the exhaust, you do need some resistance for fuel pressure and the motor needs back pressure to run correctly. i would say buy a new pipe and dont fool with removing parts from the stock pipe.