Thinking of the OBX header rappded with the stock cat welded on for a spring time project! Looking for opinions pluses and minuses. Also should I expect CEL when i'm done and if so is there a way to avoid this with this set up?

 

I am currently running an OBX header with the stock cat. Overall it cost me about $300 and I would say it's worth it. Mine doesn't throw a CEL but I do have an O2 Simulator installed still from when I was catless so I really don't know if you'll get a light. If you do just get a simulator. Also the sound is great. Here's a short video of mine...

 

I'm running an OBX header that I had thermal coated (by Jet Hot Coat), with the stock cat, and I've never had a CEL. The header added some low end power and an improved sound from the 1-ball exhaust. The real improvement in performance, however, came with the ECU tune. It integrated the previous engine mods (CAI, pulley, injectors, plugs, header, exhaust) and not only brought about additional hp, but improved the way the engine delivered the power.

 

I'm running the OBX header w/ stock cat- no code issues. This set-up is fine if you are running level 1 mods. If you are thinking of adding a head and other goodies then you would want a freer flow cat.

 

I have OBX and stock cat. No issues for a couple of years.

I have big (RMW) head and tune. How much better will it run with free-flow cat?

 

A free flow cat wont help much but a better header would. I think the RMW is port matched to their head...

 

I have set up a number of clients cars with this combination and have had very good luck with it. We have tried just about every aftermarket cat out there and have had nothing but problems. Good luck with it, for the money its a very wise choice...

 

You cannot compare the two. The RMW header is a whole other level and is priced accordingly. I believe you can use it w/ a stock head.

 

You should check in w/ Jan.

 

Your right, my post was overly simplified. My point was though that a good set of headers are going to probably make more power than any exhaust setup will.

 

when seeking power gains from an exhaust, you have to look at the whole system - from the header to the exhaust system. And your right a good set of headers normally provide gains partly because most factory exhaust manifolds are poorly designed.

When I did mine (long ago), I opted for the OBX because the price allowed me to do the complete system (header and exhaust system) for about the same price as just a catback system. I felt if I was going to get gains it would be via this route and not just a catback. There is no doubt that I got both HP and TQ gains. Clearly, not the amount that some are getting today, RMW being a good example.

For the budget enthusiat its hard to beat OBX.

 

OBX + OEM Cat for over two years. No issues, CEL or otherwise. It is in combination with stock head/cam/exhaust ports and Milltek cat-back. Love the tone. Increased performance over OEM? Probably 10-15hp, max. Not sure how much, but the sound is worth about 30 hp on my butt dyno.

By the way, CR/CR is the fastest color combination.

Almost forgot: FWIW, I had the OBX ceramic-coated, also.