I've had an exhaust leak forever due to some busted studs, and was thinking about maybe possibly repairing it -

Then I saw this header on eBay -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OBX-Exhaust-...ht_3175wt_1166

Price is right, kill two birds with one stone, thoughts?

Good time to remind me about the search tool.....

 

These supposedly had fitment/leak issues. Someone here has had them welded where they fit/seal up properly. Also, it may not always be as easy as taking off your manifolds and having enough of the stud out to extract it. Sometimes they break flush against the head.

 

I did this recently and installed the obx headers w/no cutting /welding front pipe. I did have to grind down the flange at rear of motor due to steering rack. I had two broken studs and broke 5 more upon removal. I used an angled drill to remove studs, dropped cross member and a/c compressor to make room for drilling. The headers sound/Performance well with my magnaflow cat, resonator/pipe and Megan muffler(2.5" front -back).

 

So these headers fit good?

 

From what I've heard they fit alright.

 

The flange just below the steering rack had to be grinded down some...not that it touches before grinding but while driving over bumps/turns the flange would hit the rack and make a terrible rattling sound. I pulled the rear header off to grind down the upper portion of the flange, the front pipe flange is fine in it's location and requires no modifications for fitment. She sounds/feels great and I've noticed quite a difference from oem exhaust manifold to OBX headers. I already had a new stock front pipe, Magna Flow cat/resonator pipe and CM catback before I installed the OBX headers. I trashed the CM muffler/pipe for a Megan 2.5 inlet/3.0 dual outlet muffler/pipe from resonator elbow.

 

the only thing I have concerns about is the lack of a flex section on these.
Unless you have solid motor mounts, there needs to be some give in the exhaust. otherwise you're bound to break more exhaust studs, even if you upgrade to the pathfinder ones.

 

There ball/sockets with spring bolt flanges...that's why there has been complaints about leaks in the past, also the reason why some choose to weld in a flex section and cut out the ball/socket flanges. OBX made some modifications to the design to cure the fault and I have no issues with leaking joints...so I guess the flaw was resolved. Pacesetter use to make headers for the 3rdgen.

 

I believe they still do.