Drivetrain Cat back alone or get header?
Cat back alone or get header?
I have been looking around and I think I want to get the IE cat back exhaust. Good price, good reviews and it sounds good. Not too loud and doesn't sound like a cheap ghetto honda.. While I am ordering everything I was also thinking about getting a Megan Header also. I wanted to get your thoughts on this combo. Will the header make the car too loud? It's my everyday car and while I dont mind some noise, I dont want it to be annoying on longer drives. I have an Alta intake and will also be getting a SC pulley.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 922
Likes: 0
From: Lake forest, California
The header wont make the car a whole lot louder.
usualy its the mufflers that do that.
the stock manifold is thin tubing just like a header would be. so do your self the favor buy the header and enjoy the better flatter Tq curve.
but Like the addage gose. Wrap your whacker before you attack her.
for the header heat wrap helps alot.
usualy its the mufflers that do that.
the stock manifold is thin tubing just like a header would be. so do your self the favor buy the header and enjoy the better flatter Tq curve.
but Like the addage gose. Wrap your whacker before you attack her.
for the header heat wrap helps alot.
I thought I read in a car magazing once that wraping the header is good but it will also cause the header to rust out or not last as long. I was thinking about getting it ceramic coated.
Trending Topics
Um the header is fine but if you remove the cat is where you can get into trouble. Opps I am contradicting myself I have no cat rut roh.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 0
From: Outside of Phila, PA
EPA-
"As of January 1, 1988, all persons engaged in the business of automotive service and repair as well as other parties in section 203(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act, are prohibited from installing or selling aftermarket converters which have not met the criteria of EPA's interim enforcement policy entitled 'Sale and Use of Aftermarket Catalytic Converters' (published on August 5, 1986). The installation of non-complying converters by a named party will be considered a violation of section 203(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act, and the violator may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each improper installtion."
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/factshts/catcvrts.pdf
As long as the criteria is met, then you're all set!
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 0
From: Outside of Phila, PA
That's the thing. According to this EPA document as long as the cat you get follows the criteria set by the EPA you are legal. I don't know what OldRick is talking about.
It would still benefit. However, it would be more complementary with head work.
Well, according to Random Technologies site, a vendor of high-flow cats, the EPA says:
"Aftermarket converters may be installed in the following situations.
1. If the vehicle is missing a converter;
2. If a state or local inspection program has determined the existing converter has been lead-poisoned or damaged or otherwise needs replacement;
3. If the vehicle is more than five (5) years old or has more than 50,000 miles and a legitimate need for replacement has been established and documented."
Have a look at: http://www.randomtechnology.com/Cata...structions.htm
scroll down to the last few paragraphs.
Federal law prohibits repair businesses from replacing these devices except under certain limited circumstances, and there has to be real documentation. I doubt that the law has ever been enforced, but them's the rules, folks.
"Aftermarket converters may be installed in the following situations.
1. If the vehicle is missing a converter;
2. If a state or local inspection program has determined the existing converter has been lead-poisoned or damaged or otherwise needs replacement;
3. If the vehicle is more than five (5) years old or has more than 50,000 miles and a legitimate need for replacement has been established and documented."
Have a look at: http://www.randomtechnology.com/Cata...structions.htm
scroll down to the last few paragraphs.
Federal law prohibits repair businesses from replacing these devices except under certain limited circumstances, and there has to be real documentation. I doubt that the law has ever been enforced, but them's the rules, folks.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
Well, according to Random Technologies site, a vendor of high-flow cats, the EPA says:
"Aftermarket converters may be installed in the following situations.
1. If the vehicle is missing a converter;
2. If a state or local inspection program has determined the existing converter has been lead-poisoned or damaged or otherwise needs replacement;
3. If the vehicle is more than five (5) years old or has more than 50,000 miles and a legitimate need for replacement has been established and documented."
Have a look at: http://www.randomtechnology.com/Cata...structions.htm
scroll down to the last few paragraphs.
Federal law prohibits repair businesses from replacing these devices except under certain limited circumstances, and there has to be real documentation. I doubt that the law has ever been enforced, but them's the rules, folks.
"Aftermarket converters may be installed in the following situations.
1. If the vehicle is missing a converter;
2. If a state or local inspection program has determined the existing converter has been lead-poisoned or damaged or otherwise needs replacement;
3. If the vehicle is more than five (5) years old or has more than 50,000 miles and a legitimate need for replacement has been established and documented."
Have a look at: http://www.randomtechnology.com/Cata...structions.htm
scroll down to the last few paragraphs.
Federal law prohibits repair businesses from replacing these devices except under certain limited circumstances, and there has to be real documentation. I doubt that the law has ever been enforced, but them's the rules, folks.
The laws on these sorts of things can't really be enforced. The only actual crime would be to not have a catalytic converter. Coilovers are technically also illegal and are not supposed to be for street use. The only circumstance in which these products are allowed to be replaced on the car is if the original has broken or malfunctioned. That said it's very easy to come up with a story as to why these parts were replaced. As long as a CARB certified catalytic converter is welded to the header then you'll have no problems with CARB emissions/testing and the police.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 0
From: Outside of Phila, PA
The laws on these sorts of things can't really be enforced. The only actual crime would be to not have a catalytic converter. Coilovers are technically also illegal and are not supposed to be for street use. The only circumstance in which these products are allowed to be replaced on the car is if the original has broken or malfunctioned. That said it's very easy to come up with a story as to why these parts were replaced. As long as a CARB certified catalytic converter is welded to the header then you'll have no problems with CARB emissions/testing and the police.
I know everyone here doesn't run a cat but its the right thing to do and it should be a crime.
The laws on these sorts of things can't really be enforced. The only actual crime would be to not have a catalytic converter. Coilovers are technically also illegal and are not supposed to be for street use. The only circumstance in which these products are allowed to be replaced on the car is if the original has broken or malfunctioned. That said it's very easy to come up with a story as to why these parts were replaced. As long as a CARB certified catalytic converter is welded to the header then you'll have no problems with CARB emissions/testing and the police.