Header guys question for ya

[zmepro]

all you guys with RM or ebay headers, i know they take out both cats, but why, is the header too short so it doesn't connect with cat so u have to have the testpipe which replaces everything. ooooorrr is the header too long so it would go through the cat

(a pic showing it would be great)

 

[acidbug]

I have been so busy..tryin to fix a few minor problems..As you know i have the obx header sold on ebay..been having some rough idle problems...But anywayz..

The header is so long that it extends past the 2nd cat...My whole deal..is that when it comes time for emmissions..i will rebolt on the stock exhaust...(NJ inspections is once every 2 years)...

Chas

 

[zmepro]

do u think u could cut it and reweld the flange?

 

[zmepro]

also, how much to long was it? inchs or like feet?

 

[acidbug]

Yeah..You can definetly cut the header..and reweld the flange..but you would also need to weld a flange to the 2nd cat...

But than you run into the issue i was having..which is you won't be able to go back to stock..b/c the flange you made for the 2nd cat..

The length that would needed to be cut is like 2-4inches!

Chas

 

[zmepro]

so the flanges are different? couldn't u weld a stock one onto the header so it bolts to the cat?

 

[acidbug]

Yeah..that can be done...Anyting can be done w/ a Mig Welder! Just its about what you want out of it..and how much you wanna spend!

 

[zmepro]

how much do u think it would cost?

 

[p5sundevil]

if your going all that way to do all that work get the racing mazda header witht he test pipe and either have them or someone you know weld a cat into the test pipe. then you have a 2nd cat and the header is direct bolt on.

also keeping in touch with ractive and their timeline looks like the header for our engines should be available soon, unlike SR or other companies that have part numbers before their even thought of being made I guess some retails just got their part numbers and delivery dates for the first headers. yes Ill believe when I see it but here is to hoping.

 

[zmepro]

is the flange on the headers different from the stock flange on the cat? or is it compatable (besides the length differece) if say, it were cut, and rewelded could i used the flange from the header or would i need a new flange to weld on?

 

[acidbug]

There is no flange on the 2nd cat...only after it!

chas

 

[zmepro]

oh. hmm, got a pic? how does it attach to the downpipe?

 

[Matthew]

one sec ill show ya the pic of the stock pipe...look here is the stock setup:

exhaust manifold==pre cat==elbow piece==center pipe (2nd cat included)==main pipe==axle back section

here is the rm setup:

header==center pipe (from bottom of header to about 3/4 of the way through the stock center pipe)==test pipe (replaces the last 1/4 of stock center pipe, which is the 2nd cat)==main pipe==axle back

 

[Matthew]

let me know if you need the pic of the stock pipe....just know this, the damn 2nd cat is welded to about two feet of piping. if you **** around too much with it other than putting on a high flow cat, youre not gonna be able to go back to stock.

 

[zmepro]

yea, could i see a pic? best would be a stock and w/ headers and one of stock pipe removed from car next to headers (if ya got it to compair)

 

[Matthew]

nope sure dont. sorry. trust what we said.

 

[zmepro]

wait, you don't have pics?

 

[Matthew]

i was going to take a pic of the stock piping in my closet, but i really dont have anything that would be of use to you because i have no comparison shots.

 

[Dimitrios]

zmepro, if you're looking to keep your cats AND go with a header, good luck. There are only two (I believe) members on here that have a header and kept both cats. Do a search for a member named "Traveler" or "shorty header" (topic/subject).

Traveler fabricated his own equal length tube header for the FSDE 2.0L that:
a) Retained both cats
b) Gained up to 7 HP and nearly 10 ft. lbs (according to dyno)
c) Only required that the exhaust manifold be swapped. Cats and all other piping remains.

So far, from my searching (I would like to keep the cats AND go with a header), that has been the only option on the FSDE 2.0L (not sure how the 1.8L boys and girls have it).

I'll keep searching.....

 

[Matthew]

what he said ^