Stillen Headers - Yes or No

[Pxt7916]

Hey everyone, I'm new here and I'm considering about getting the Stillen Headers for my 09 altima coupe 2.5l. I've heard about all the great things these headers provide. However, I'm having doubts about getting these headers because I want to pass inspections. I live in Rochester, NY and I feel like it shouldnt be a problem, but I'm not sure if I want to take that risk. This car is my daily drive and I certainly dont want to switch to stock headers every time I want to pass inspection. I've been looking at several threads about this topic and saw this do-your-stillen-headers-pass-inspection-t525927.html which made me more skeptical about getting the Stillen Headers. If I do get them and need to get the tack welds shut all the way around (where the exhaust pipe meets the flange), how much will it approximately cost? And would if give me a greater chance in passing inspection. Basically thats the only thing that is keeping me from buying the headers at this moment. So yes or no to the Stillen headers?

[DJ_B_Easy]

YES. Then you must beat the system and purchase your inspection from a licensed body who will look the other way. Its a common practice in NJ!

[masterbeatty]

" Then you must beat the system and purchase your inspection from a licensed body who will look the other way. Its a common practice in NJ!"

I love this site, people are so helpfull. You should get them.

[DJ_B_Easy]

Well it is! I cant get you as many NJ inspection stickers as you want right now!

[wade001]

technically you will fail, especially the visual inspection. might throw a code too, but there are ways around that ^_-!! It's up to you.

[LongBeachCoupe]

In NY there are many shops that can inspect cars, approach a local shop and ask them...
If you have any issues, i am sure I can get it done here on LI for you.

[Pxt7916]

So if I can get someone to pass inspection..what about the welding that needs to be done to those headers...does anyone know how much it would cost...and what shops would do that..tuneshops only?

[DReed86]

Daniel K had them on his 2.5 he lives in NY and I don recall him having any issues. Is welding really needed???

[Pxt7916]

Well, the link I posted up on the first post talks about how someone didn't pass inspection because of exhaust leaks and that he said the inspector said that he needed to get those headers welded. I just don't want to come across that problem after I installed them and drive around with them on. If theres any welding that needs to be done, I'm just gonna have someone weld them and then I'll install them on myself. I feel like that would be a safer bet. I actually didn't hear about having to weld the headers until I read that link on my first post. That made me a bit more hesitant about purchasing them. That and the exhaust leaks etc...Hopefully someone can ease my mind about these headers. Anyone else had the same problems?

[el_blacky06]

Yup I had the leak problems and I also posted a pic of how it would look like if it were to happen if you drive it hard like I do. I doubt any leaks would happen if you just daily drive it. Performance wise, id say get the headers you'll regret it if you don't lol

[Pxt7916]

Did you end up welding it all around? how much did it cost you if you did? That exhaust leak looks nasty thats why i was hesitant. I'm gonna buy them after i pass inspection in 2 months. I just bought the eibach lowering kit!

[PHENOMenalVinyl]

Did you end up welding it all around? how much did it cost you if you did? That exhaust leak looks nasty thats why i was hesitant. I'm gonna buy them after i pass inspection in 2 months. I just bought the eibach lowering kit!

Doing Work lol. I would love to get them but I like my warranty from Nissan considering I need a new transmission already lol

[Pxt7916]

You mean that the warranty is void after I put the springs and or headers on? I thought it was voided already when I first installed my Takeda intake lol. Damn what da heck did you put ur car through that u need a new transmission already lol. I mean u track it, don't trainwreck it Lol. Well I'm not surprise of the headers void the warranty, it wouldn't pass inspection let alone the warranty haha. I just don't want that nasty leak. Rather just weld it before installation. Very curious on who would do it and how much lol

[el_blacky06]

Did you end up welding it all around? how much did it cost you if you did? That exhaust leak looks nasty thats why i was hesitant. I'm gonna buy them after i pass inspection in 2 months. I just bought the eibach lowering kit!

Yea I got it welded all away around mainly the top part was the problem with my header. The reason they look so bad is because I trackor canyon run my car a lot . So assuming you drive it as a daily driver, you shouldn't experience this problem. Welding it is cheap probably like 20 bucks at your local welding shop

[Pxt7916]

Thanks for the help man. I'll definitely get the headers now but after I pass my inspection in a month!

[elfenlied8]

will the headers set off any CEL? Will I run into any problems?

[devilmagic]

Stillen header will set off the CEL .. So far most of us who have the header are using BD Tuner to erase the code everytime it led up.. around every 100-200 miles driven (depends).

[Pxt7916]

Just got another question. This time its about noise. I got the Takeda intake and Nismo exhaust. My question is how much louder will it get if I put in the Stillen headers? And what about droning at cruising speeds? I would love to run the Takeda intake/ Stillen Headers/ Nismo exhaust setup if it won't drone that bad on the high way or screams too loud.

[devilmagic]

There will always be drone on highway (65+ mph) . you will feel vibration from the exhaust and the noise underneath.

[D-Roll]

I've had my Stillen header for almost a year and no SES codes, noise, vibration or issues. Installation was done myself.

[devilmagic]

I've had my Stillen header for almost a year and no SES codes, noise, vibration or issues. Installation was done myself.

Your exhaust + header + intake dont make noise, no SES and you dont feel any vibration compared to stock settings?

[Pxt7916]

Quick question if anyone can answer, does our stock heatshield on our 2.5 fit over the Stillen headers or no?

[RicerX]

Quick answer - stock heat shield will NOT fit.

[el_blacky06]

nope it wont, i tried putting it back on myself a few months back. the next best thing is to heat wrap em