Okay well 2 days ago my CEL came on. I pulled the code today and its P0430 (PCM has determined that the catalyst system efficiency for bank 2 is below threshold). After doing research on this, it turns out 80% of the time this is caused by pre-cat failure. I believe precats for us cali emission vehicles go for about $475 (courtesy nissan) plus labor is very expensive as well since the precat is located in front of the Ypipe. The question is, instead of wasting all this money on OEM precat, should I buy Cattman headers and just do the upgrade? I know Cattman headers replaces the headers and Ypipe but does that mean I still have to buy OEM precat? I'd rather spend few extra bucks and get the headers if the headers come with precat and everything. What should I do?

 

Headers don't come with precats. And yes, you should ditch that precat BS and get some real headers.

 

So, if i get the headers, i still have to get a new precat?

 

No, they completely replace the precat. There is no need to get another one.

 

Did some searching for you:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....cattman+precat
Read post 6, headers eliminate both precats.

 

headers eliminate both precats, but i believe you'll throw a cel. You'll need an o2 sim to get rid of the cel.

 

the ecu will not throw a code because of the headers. the problem may arise when you relocate the 2 secondary o2 sensors behind the main cat. if you have a test pipe, there is a chance that the o2 sensors will not detect any cat and throw a cel. the o2 simulator will solve the problem. it took a few months before my secondary o2 sensors picked up that i had no main cat. to the thread creater- is your 00 a california spec?

 

so just getting a y-pipe is pointless?

 

a y pipe for a 3.0 is not pointless, typically 12-15hp depending on tranny and car condition. the dynos i have seen for y pipes for the 3.5 have been less than stellar. the headers will make more power than a y pipe on a 3.0 but the install is more involved.

 

Yes, my car is cali spec. I spoke to Brian from Cattman today and he told me they are out of stock. The new batch comes in about 8 weeks from now. So I guess i'm just going to wait and get the full Cattman headers upto the cat. The question is, would there be any problems with passing inspection as far as emission. I spoke to Rishi (Packetattack) who did the whole cattman setup and he told me the cat between bpipe and ypipe will help pass inspection. So i got my fingers crossed and i'm gonna go thru with this deal. Only thing is, how the hell do I wait 8 weeks when all I can think of is doing the headers.

 

I've had that same code over twice and When i get the car checked out at nissan they find nothing wrong and reset the code it stays off for months and then come back on, I was told it was the main cat after the y-pipe the dealer want's like $800, but I think im going to order a random tech., or warspeed cat and see if that solves the Problem, SHONUFMAX

 

From what my friend (nissan tech) told me, 80% of the time, that cel means the pre-cat (cat between headers n ypipe) is bad. If that's not the case, then there's a leak in the exhaust system some where. Since I haven't done any ypipe or exhaust upgrade, i'm guessing it's my pre-cat that's dead along with cat. So I'm just going to do headers and exhaust and call it a day. This is just a reason for me to do the headers I guess lol.

 

<-----Had the SAME situation. Replacing oem exhaust cats are mucho $$$$ when you can just call Brian Cattman and get a nice sounding exhaust and add some HP! When i first got my maxima, i drove a few weeks then got the CEL come on. Went to Habberstad Nissan and they notified me that my precat located ON my y pipe was busted and that my y pipe was cracked and that it looked as if someone had tried to weld it back together FTW!. After giving me an estimate of around 3gs i quickly left and called brian cattman. Spent about 1000$ for everything, Y pipe, free flow cat, catback, 02 simulators and TADA made about 13 more hp . For me it was either cattman or a greddy evo2 exhaust but since greddy didnt make a Y pipe for my year i went with cattman just so i wouldnt have any fitment issues. Not to mention ive heard on the Org. that the cattman is quieter than the greddy system. Our year motor 00-01 is known to idle very low which i personaly love. You cant even tell my car has an exhaust at idle which i think is awesome when cops are around but after about 3k it deffinitly makes itself known! It seems a little loud when you first get it , but you get used to it.
Its funny how initially it seems a little loud , but when your at that light next to some fool ITS NEVER LOUD ENOUGH heh heh.

 

I would most definitely just get the headers and call it a day...especially considering that you are gonna half to put out some cash anyway...why not gain some hp while your at it.

 

thanks for posting new info to a two year old question