Initially I was going to get hotshot headers but I thought maybe I could just drill out the precats and save the $600 for something else. How much of a difference do you think that would make? Also for those that have hotshot headers, are you still okay with the headers decision?
Thanks

 

I love my HS headers...

I doubt just punching out the precats will flow as well a new header system. You will most likely gain some power from opening up the flow, just not as much as smooth flowing headers.

Not to mention headers drop a decent amount of weight... the stock manifolds and ypipes are really heavy.

 

If you're planning on spending $600 on performance mods I'd say go with HS headers, thats what I'm planning for the spring. Lots of good reviews.

 

Do it right the first time.

Get headers.

 

Punching out the pre-cats or doing a Fed spec conversion probably does not give as much gains as one might think. The power is mostly gained through the equal length collectors of aftermarket headers reducing the turbulent flow of the exiting exhaust gases. It is from replacing those short stock manifolds + y-pipe and not so much from the removal of the pre-cats.

You can see from the following link that removing the pre-cats via a Fed spec conversion didn't provide much additional gains, and so I'd expect that punching out your pre-cats and retaining the stock manifolds will have a similar effect. Link:

http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...6&postcount=10

 

It's also illegal. And in states like IL, we have inspections...

 

If they don't visually inspect the equipment, you can still pass with no pre-cats, assuming your main cat is working and fully warmed up.

 

My solution is to take it to a leniant gas station...the local Chevron near my house is old and beat up like ****....the guys who work at the service stations are almost illegal immigrants if u ask me...they could careless about how fixed up yer car looks like....they just see the #s and if u pass...just give u the certificate....just look around and see if theres any type like that

 

So what you are saying is you've never had a problem getting your car smoged? Just curious. The reason I am asking is because I am either getting the Cattman headers and full cattback or HS headers and full cattman cattback. Thanks.

 

well I took my old 96 maxima there twice before I sold it....i never smogged my 2k2 becuz I dont have to until 2007 I believe....

 

i have to get tested like every 6months where i live. with just my main cat left, and its a warpspeed highflow i still pass. ill be adding hs headers and a new cat soon

 

Yeah I think we have like six registration periods before new cars have to be smogged for the first time. Think that would put my car at 2008.

"Vehicles registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification program are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Starting January 1, 2005, owners of vehicles six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV."

 

Gentlemen, just move to Florida. We no longer have inspections, modding is year round, and no snow tires. By the way, I have the Hotshot headers, straight pipe, and Cattman catback. You should see how much the OEM parts weigh that were removed.

 

actually i am moving to florida. a little/alot offf topic, is it cheaper to tint a car there. i heard it is cause its more common and done more often, its like 150 arond chicago and thats a low ball figure.

and for soem reason its by town where i live, if i lived 10miles norht no testing, but by me its like twice a years, doesnt make any sence to me.

 

Down here in South Florida you can get a decent tint job for under a $100. Just need to shop around.

 

You guys can keep your hurricanes, I'll stay here, lol.

 

N--New MExico ..... = Modding year round, no inspections ....

 

^ except in bernalillo county


+1 for florida and no smog. hurricanes never bothered me. tint depends on which tint you want, but if you just want basic, its about $75. dont go to the swap shop.

 

... How do you know certain things ...

Well, everywhere else in the state....

 

i told you i used to live in Albuquerque...

 

Yeah thought you were the one.

 

I always go to the Swap Shop on Sunrise BLVD when me and my parents visit out family down in Boca.

 

yea i go there too, just not for tint or car stereo/alarm installations.

you can find a good tint job for about $75 for base tint + a little more for llumar. theres a guy, dont remember where, who does it in his driveway and has been doing it for like 25 years. he doesnt have a shop or overhead so...

 

I'm thinking the new Cattmans for me.