Header for the SP20

[coldie123]

Hi guys,
I'm about to get an OBX header for my SP20 and I just wanna make sure that I won't have any problems with it, so got a couple of questions ...
1. Will the CEL fix in the How-to section for the second o2 sensor work on our cars? I.e. is the o2 sensor, wiring, voltages etc the same on the SP20 as the P5? For those who have headers that eliminate the cat, did you get a CEL?
2. Do I need new gaskets? I assume the header doesn't come with them. If so where can I get them from?
3. Has anyone been busted for removing the cat? What are the penalties if you're caught? Do they check under the hood or ur exhaust emissions when you do a pink slip inspection?
Sorry for all the question.. i worry too much. Thanks for your help!
Cheers.

 

[coldie123]

btw I'm getting the obx header thru the GB that Captain is running atm... i saw a couple of other aussies asking for shipping costs... I wonder if its worthwhile to combine shipping?

 

[twilightprotege]

combining shipping will save yes, you'd have to pay customs either way.

in relation to your q's -

1 - no need. i have yet to get a CEL and same with snert. we both have the AWR. we have the obd-i computer, where as the yanks have the obd-ii
2 - good idea since your car is 2001. you get it from mazda
3 - no problem. if you're at all worried, keep the old system and swap it if they bust you for it. i was under the impression that just as long the sniffer test was ok, you'll be ok. so in otherwords, just as long as there is a cat in there somewhere you should pass.

 

[coldie123]

thanks for the quick answers (as usual) twilight. does anyone know why we don't get a CEL with the first cat missing? doesn't that defeat the purpose of the 2nd o2 sensor?

and how much would they charge us for customs? i've had a couple of things sent from the US without incurring a customs charge, but they weren't as heavy as a header.

 

[twilightprotege]

we dont get a CEL because we have an OBDI ecu. the 2nd o2 sensor is just along for the ride.

customs - around about the same price as eggs in china on a cold summer day when it's raining. the % is different every time i've had to pay customs. i'm sure they use a random figure each time!

 

[coldie123]

LOL thanks. hopefully the hens aren't on strike when my header gets shipped over.

 

[twilightprotege]

yeah customs are weird....

i wonder if this free trade agreement helps in any way???

 

[chipa]

Do all SP20's have the obd-i computer's?? Even the last ones (2003)? Doesn anyone know how to tell??? Its one of the things that are worrying me..

 

[twilightprotege]

that i am not 100% sure of, but pretty sure that all aussies have OBDI

snert has an BJII-J48 model (sp20 sedan - the same as the last model sold) and he has the AWR header and it's fine, no CEL's or problems

 

[Vultz]

I have headers and a late 2003 model protege and havnt had a cel. Guess the sp20 would be ok too?

 

[coldie123]

Hey Vultz, what kinda headers do you have? how much, where from and what are the gains like? =)

 

[Vultz]

I got wildcat 4-2-1 headers from windsor exhaust centre in richmond sydney installed for 400. No idea of gains as far as numbers go. Definitely an improvement in pull though after about 4k revs. Also sounds awesome. Nice deep sound with the headers

 

[twilightprotege]

fyi coldie - the wildcat is mild steel.

 

[coldie123]

Thanks Vultz, any noticeable difference below 4K? And does wildcat make any other parts for the 323?
Yeah you read my mind Twilight... i was gonna ask whether it was SS =)
So the obx headers seems like a pretty good price, even after shipping costs. I'm just hoping the gains will be as good. I don't expect much gains below 3K revs, but it shouldn't decrease torque at point in the rev range should it? I already feel a real lack of torque under 3K... thinking of going back to my stock air intake

 

[twilightprotege]

the obx would have more lower end than the wildcat because of the design with the short primaries. but you will get gains below 3k with it.

 

[coldie123]

would or would not?

 

[twilightprotege]

would.

the obx would give more lower end power than the wildcat.

 

[coldie123]

really? i thought i read somewhere that longer primaries give you better low end torque? but the obx would not give as much low end power as the AWR 4-2-1 right?

 

[twilightprotege]

nah it's the other way around, that's why the stock cast crap is so short. short primaries give more low end power and long ones give high end power. so the obx would give low end power, wildcat midrange, awr top end

 

[coldie123]

ok now i'm confused... looks like to need to do more research... good thing i'm not busy at work =)