Headers

[AcMav]

Okay so the exhaust on my I30t has finally succumb to rust to the point where I can't just weld it or patch it back together like I have been doing, the entire thing is rusting apart so I'm getting a new exhaust (Warpspeed/Cattman/Stillen/Megan Racing, havn't decided) and getting a Y-pipe. (I can't stand the ricetastic sound I'm getting right now with no muffler connected, its killing me)

So I figured while doing this why not get headers too to improve flow for when I decide to go FI. However I'm having some issues finding headers for the Maxima/I30. I've always seen headers giving big performance gains (At least for the 8 Cyl Vehicles I've worked with), how come I can't seem to find any for the Max engine? And where do they happen to be hiding if anyone knows?

I also noticed the lack of a front Catalytic Converter on the Y-pipes on the Cali spec exhaust (Which is what I have). Is this legal for me to do? My cousin got a pretty nasty ticket for switching his Cat to a test pipe in his Evo.

[DevonD]

I dont have headers so dont take my word for it. but from what I have read headers wont do much on the VQ30. the most effective thing for the VQ30 is the y pipe. and the headers arent worth the hassle. just do Y pipe and back.

there is something wrong with my internet and I cant pull up the fsm with the diagram of your exhaust. But I think the non cali spec have 3 cats and the cali spec has 4. are you sure yours is cali?

[AcMav]

I'm positive mines Cali Spec, says it on the sticker under the hood. The only reason I'm looking to do headers too is for the FI, and my dad said he'd cover the exhaust for a Holiday Present! It'll go great with my new Enkei's

My dad found one sketchy website selling headers that claimed 20hp for the headers, but I agree that's complete BS and why I told him not to trust that site. I'll try to get him to wrangle me the link later

[DevonD]

people advertise 30 hp just out of the Y pipe. and there have been dynos done that prove that is pretty close to what you can get out of y pipe. maybe more like 15 or 20 hp. but its still pretty good for just a y pipe.

headers havent been proven to do nearly as much. If kzoosho is around he can tell you if the headers are really needed or not. hes got a turbo'd max.

I will take a look around for ya though.

[DevonD]

Found this package. I dont know if anyone has bought them or how much luck they have had with them but for the price you cant go wrong.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...A1318

[AcMav]

Thanks Devon, If it looks like all of the Headers are custom, I might just get my own made so I can oversee the work on it, Or just do it myself. I'll let you guys know what I decide to do, those are shiny though I'm just not sure how much I trust Ebay parts.

[DevonD]

I know what you mean. it sounds like they were built pretty strong but who really knows. I cant say I would trust them either.

Custom would probably be best. how much do you think a custom system would cost?

[AcMav]

I have no idea, If I were to get it custom, I'd go to my uncle who runs his own metal shop so it'd probably only be materials cost for me.

I'm still looking though, I kinda want the look of newer Headers too.

[kzoosho]

wat kinda of F/I are you looking into? That would be the deal breaker for me. If you are going to go turbo i wouldnt do headers. For S/C sure why not.

[AcMav]

Oh good point, Id need custom headers for Turbo anyways. Ugh, thanks for the awakening Kzoosho, that was really dumb on my part. I guess I won't be doing headers then, but whats the deal with the cats? Cattman warns that their product isn't meant for the road (Usually meaning its not road legal).

[DevonD]

I think pretty much any exhaust company says that their products isn't meant for street. I think the say that so that when you get a ticket you cant try and sue them or something. even though it is really only used for street.

[Crusher103]

Oh good point, Id need custom headers for Turbo anyways. Ugh, thanks for the awakening Kzoosho, that was really dumb on my part. I guess I won't be doing headers then, but whats the deal with the cats? Cattman warns that their product isn't meant for the road (Usually meaning its not road legal).

they say that because the aftermarket y-pipes remove the pre-cats, which is illegal but you will still pass inspection undetected. your main cat will still be in place so it will not be a problem unless u live in a place like cali or NY were they get extremely strict with those things

[nismo1219]

Found this package. I dont know if anyone has bought them or how much luck they have had with them but for the price you cant go wrong.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...A1318

These are the exact same headers/y-pipe combo I have on my '99 maxima. I have had them on for a little over 2 yrs now and have run the car pretty hard...no problems what-so-ever! I have definately been pleased with them. I understand most people's apprehension towards ebay items but i actually have this set and can tell you 1st hand that its been good. But hey, its your car so you do what you want. If you look closely at the pics, you can see the "blue-ing" on my front set below the valve cover. Thats what will happen after they get heated up, so dont be surprised if they dont stay "shiny" for very long.

[jltibbs]

If you look closely at the pics, you can see the "blue-ing" on my front set below the valve cover. That's what will happen after they get heated up, so don't be surprised if they don't stay "shiny" for very long.

Actually, that's because the headers were not installed using gloves and they were not cleaned off prior to installation. When they heat up they should bronze, not turn blue.

[nismo1219]

whatever blue, bronze, bluish-bronze...same thing...he got the point.

[FabsmaX]

have u felt the power gains they promised for the most part, and you do recomend this setup cuz if so this will be my christmas present for my self holla

[nismo1219]

I didn't really feel any gains from the headers specifically since they were installed same time as the y-pipe as they were a combo package...but yeah, I did notice an extra *umph* during the "butt dyno's." I would do it over again so no complaints. If you got the time and money then yeah, go for it!

[Presscott707]

yea im with nismo on this, i love the cattmen header and y-pipe setup i have on my max. although i have not dynoed my car yet i did fill a nice difference when i put the cattmen system on.