99BlackMaxMS

iTrader: (85)

How easy is it to remove the stock headers? I just bought a 99 cali spec with the precat built into the header and I was thinking about replacing it with a fed spec header when I get a new y-pipe. Just wondering what the process is and how difficult it is.

MadMaxSE-L

iTrader: (4)

From looking underneath my car when I put on my Y-pipe, the front header is probably not a problem, but the back one looks like a major PITA...

My car is fed-spec also, so I have more room to work with than you will.

99BlackMaxMS

iTrader: (85)

Just want to make sure tho...the header with the precat is the front header. The back header is the same on all 4th gens. Correct?

jltibbs

iTrader: (1)

once you remove the front header you can brace the engine to the front to have easier access to rear header. hope you have a lift bro!

NYC32798

iTrader: (3)

I'm actually in the middle of the install. I started a few hours ago and decided to finish it up tomorrow. It wasn't as bad removing everything like I thought it would be. The front headers I was able to get out without removing the radiator or fans. The rear I didn't have much trouble with either once the y-pipe and crossmember off. One thing that bothered me a bit was getting the egr tube back on. It was a pain to line the nut up. At this point, I got the front headers bolted on as well as the y-pipe. I have 3 more nuts/studs to go in the back that are giving me a hard time but other than that, it's not that bad. Just be patient and take your time.

Cdg2125

iTrader: (7)

is it even a smart thing to do to switch cali spec headers to fed spec?

supazn

i'm pretty sure all you need to change is the front header

Cdg2125

iTrader: (7)

gotcha. Good to know install isn't that bad. If anyone is ever selling cattman headers for cheaper I might jump on them.

99BlackMaxMS

iTrader: (85)

Ok, I can get a Warpspeed Alum. Y-pipe for $125+shipping and I assume I can get a front header from a 95-99 fed spec for $50ish...How hard is this to do...as i could see about a 20 hp increase for about $200 in parts?

Cdg2125

iTrader: (7)

You'll see about 20hp yeah. The y-pipe will give 95% percent of it but getting rid of the cali spec header will give a little extra too.

supazn

just get a cali spec y and be done with it, it isn't worth it to get extra 02 bungs drilled.

nismology

iTrader: (8)

A cali-spec y-pipe doesn't eliminate the front precat. You'll leave some power on the table unless a fed spec front manifold is installed.

99BlackMaxMS

iTrader: (85)

I just figured that while I had the exhaust apart...I may as well get a fed spec header. I don't plan on getting both new headers but a used fed spec front would eliminate the precat and get that extra hp.

However it sounds like its a PITA and I can just put on the y-pipe and get a new cat and call it done. (the b-pipe and muffler are relatively new)