Pacesetter Headers (3rd Gen)

[DragonMaxima]

I recently purchased a pacesetter header and y-pipe set up.

Is anyone else running this?!

I had major issues when installing it, I remember reading an article on it once that said,

"Some fabrication may be required."

When i installed it, it was nothing but hassles, seriously it should have read:

"Fabrication is a must, have fun!!!"

The extension for the EGR pipe was too long so the EGR pipe wouldnt fit.

The hole for the O2 sensor was WAY bigger than the stock O2 housing.

OH!!!! and to top it all off, when taking out the stock exhaust manifolds, 7 of 12 bolts snapped off.

so, can anyone else please shed some light on my situation.

[mtcookson]

Yeah, the Pacesetter headers are generally considered junk... as well as most of Pacesetter's other products.

The stock exhaust studs are very weak and always break. The new studs are much stronger though (were actually stock on the turbo Z31's). There are a few ways to get them out. One would be to drill then studs then use an EZ out. You can also use helicoil inserts to have fresh threads. Another option that works pretty well is welding some extra material on the stud itself then unscrew them. Since the heads are aluminum the steel won't weld to the heads themselves so that route seems to work pretty well. Whichever route you use, its still somewhat difficult due to the tight space so taking it to a shop would definitely be expensive. I'd definitely get them replaced though as manifold leaks like that can definitely cause power loss and fuel economy losses.

As for the headers... I would personally try getting rid of them if you can and go with an aftermarket y-pipe. Those give some of the best gains on the Maxima. The headers are actually designed for another car from what I understand and from you can tell trying to install them. I think they were originally designed for a RWD VG vehicle and they found out it could partially be adapted to fit on the Maxima. They definitely have quality issues though so like I said I would try getting rid of them and get a y-pipe for the least amount of headaches.

Good luck with everything!

[A.Tech]

yea. no offense man, but Pacesetter is not very good. They just don't last long. They sound great I can admit that.. but I bet if you bought a Pacesetter catback it will not last longer(due to rust) than year in a half if your in a moist environment.

[DragonMaxima]

Yeah that Pacesetter **** is really bad.

Looks like i might have to take it upon myself to make a header that would actually fit the maxima.

I got some buddies who just graduated from Wyotech, so they can help me out.

Does any one else make a header?!

i know a few other companies make y-pipes, but i cant remember the names of them at the moment.

Im headed to nissan this morning to get the new studs and nuts, im so not looking forward to replacing the studs.

i know not too many companies make things for us 3rd Gen guys, but any and all help is appreciated.

I know you guys have been running a Maxima for a while longer than I have. Im still trying to get used to a FWD car.

I mean dont get me wrong, I love my Maxima, i just really miss my CA18DET powered 240sx drift car.

Thanx again guys!!!

[mtcookson]

I would actually leave the stock manifolds alone myself. They're actually tubular manifolds that flow pretty well. The main problem is in the y-pipe, its considered one of the best upgrades exhaust wise.

I think a few companies sell some 3rd gen y-pipes on eBay, I would probably look there first.