Madness and John designed it. I believe it will be under the Madness name though. Don't quote me on that though.

 

Speaking with John he worked with Madness on a new header. Its not the one on their website. John is the person to ask on it.

All I know is this:
1. Its a 4-1 design
2. Its shiny
3. It has a high-flow CAT
4. It made the car sound sweet
5. Its the most expensive mod to date on my car
6. My oem header which went on in May looks brand new inside and out.
7. Gobbs of additional power come from seamingly no where!

 

Not to bash but That's expensive... For that money theres many other brands to consider, with some spares for other mods..

 

That is true, but alot of us in this area trust John and LDG and prefer to pay the extra $$ for peace of mind, prompt service, and the knowledge he shares with us.

 

True. I have been to LDG a few times. I admit hes a great guy. I love everything about that place except for a bit expensive labor fees!

 

Yea, I think we are very lucky to have LDG and pretty good dealerships in this area. Imagine not having LDG or a dealership in our tri-state area like some others. He stands behind everything he does though. I mean we even have Eric and Helix here...... We are very lucky.

 

For great service, knowledge, expertise, no BS - LDG will get my money everytime.

I am doing the exhaust and header combo just as soon as the exhaust arrives so we can meet up for that install.

 

I will deffinately go there to hear that.

 

John said he has 6 exhausts coming in the end of Oct and all are spoken for. One for me and others.

Just as Jay said, we spend the $ due to trust and service. Kind of like people who spend $ on JCW.

 

Keep in mind that was installed and also includes the high flow cat. Most of the other headers I see for less don't come with a cat and are "offroad use only".

 

Why isn't this car for Off Road use only?

The EPA links are in Marks other thread. Less than 5 years old and I thought you cant replace the cat with anything other than OEM?

How did John get around that law (or not?)

 

I have never heard that before. I have had aftermarket exhausts for a while and have always had different CATs. Perhaps it is something new and being in FL for a while and didn't hear of anything changing.

 

CATBACKs are fine. I'm talking the CAT itself.
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/factshts/catcvrts.pdf

6) When can I install an aftermarket converter?
Generally, there are only 3 situations when you can install an aftermarket converter.
They are:
(1) if the converter is missing from the vehicle when brought in for exhaust system repair; or
(2) if a State or local inspection program has determined the existing converter has been lead poisoned, damaged, or otherwise needs replacement; or
(3) if the vehicle is more than 5 years old or has more than 50,000 miles* (8 years/80,000 miles for 1995 and newer vehicles) and a legitimate need for replacement has been established and appropriately documented (e.g., a
plugged converter or unrepairable exhaust leaks).

Any other converter replacement must be with a 'certified' or new original equipment (OE)
or equivalent converter.

Penalties for violations by individuals, service or repair shops or fleet operators are up to $2,500 per violation. (Each improper installation is considered a violation.) New
car dealers can be penalized up to $25,000 per violation. Any person who causes a violation could be subject to the same penalty as the installer.

Now obviously, ppl do it all the time but its the Installer who really bears the burden ... thats a hefty fine.

Thats why I am curious as to how he's getting around this.

 

Yes, and so was I. I would have said CAT back if I ment that. Sure it is not legal to do so unless one of those situations are met, but whom is going to notify the EPA?

 

Like I said, lots of ppl do it. Its not the ppl doing it that I would be so concerned about but the mechanics who do the install. They are the ones liable for the stiff fines.

Who?

Have you never met a real tree hugger in your life? I mean people who are fanatical about the environment ... step in the way of bulldozers, Spike Trees... greenpeace types?

If not, oh just wait until you talk to someone who has found religion in the environment

(No, not me, I was just concerned for John).

 

I don't think the mechanics would say anything especially since they did the work. As for tree huggers and alike, I doubt they are modding their hybrids to have more HP and sound more aggressive. I really don't think they are looking under vehicles to see if they have OEM CATs or are in accordance with EPA specs.

I hope you are not arguing just to argue.

 

I am with Jay....who cares just as long as the vehicle passes its emission tests. The emission stations certainly don't give a rats @$$ if the CAT is OEM or aftermarket.

 

This isn't a argument. I was just relaying a fact. ... the federal law.
Like I said, its on the installers head and is the reason why most places do say "for off-road use only". That gets them off the hook.

MD emissions don't care ... true story ...

I was in there recently waiting for the emissions test and they were giving a "class" to newbie inspectors. Somebody actually brought up the issue of cats. Instructer could care less. He said if the car didn't have a CAT, it would fail the test ... they aren't cops ... just inspectors. They just pull the codes, you got a code ... you fail (hmm, MINIs throw all kinds of codes, better clear them before going in)

 

I stand corrected.......

Prius Exhaust

 

Here ya go http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/12/1250.asp

The sting generated 50 emissions citations

 

The only thing worrying me now is being pulled over for making to much noise with it. When I really give it gas its loud but I can't tell if its just inside. haha

 

You are softer than a Harley w/drag pipes. I can tell you that from experience. Don't wory about it.

 

Well I drove to OC Maryland last night, over 100 miles and there is no ill-effects from the header. I can cruise the highway without any crazy droning or vibrations. Except at about 2200rpm. This magic rpm causes a vibration down the car which John explained is due to the Auto trans with the torque converter function. Minor issue, as soon as I go a tad over or below this magic rpm there is no way to know the header is there till I let off the gas. The 2005 exhaust pops louder then normal and the idle is a tad louder. But it sounds hot!