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Cattman header install...

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Old 06-06-2011, 10:13 AM
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Cattman header install...

I tried to install my Cattmans on my 2K2 last night . On the radiator side it appears the holes On the head flange were drilled improperly ? These pictures show how close one hole is to the edge of the flange. I didn't measure it but it appears to be a 1/16 inch of thickness between the hole and the end of the flange.

Did andy one else have any issues installing their's???



Last edited by datsunzcar84; 06-06-2011 at 10:22 AM. Reason: Added content
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Old 06-06-2011, 10:26 AM
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Did you actually try and mate it up?

It should be fine, some headers don't even have metal on the outside on the flanges, it's just more of a slot vs a through hole, works well for fitment and versatility.
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Old 06-06-2011, 10:31 AM
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Yes I tried for like 15 minutes . I do know that some headers are slotted but this hole being this close to the edge just apprars to be off. I didn't want to force them on. I just though they should slip on..
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Old 06-06-2011, 10:35 AM
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quickest response would be to call brian himself and talk to him
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Old 06-06-2011, 10:42 AM
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I did call him I just wanted to see if any one else had any issues . He told me he is checking into it.
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Old 06-07-2011, 12:01 PM
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Did you get a response...I just got my Cattman headers about 2 weeks ago...I haven't put them on yet but the hole is the same on mine too......
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Old 06-07-2011, 12:02 PM
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Anyone get better pics, not so zoomed in?
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Old 06-07-2011, 12:14 PM
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Yes here are the pictures I have . I had to expand 4 holes on the front and all six o the rear to get them to go on.

Radiator side


Firewall side
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Old 06-07-2011, 12:16 PM
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I also didn't get a response back from Brian . I can tell you this IF your holes look like mine you WILL have trouble getting them on and they will need modified.
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Old 06-07-2011, 12:23 PM
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Mine are Gen II and fit perfectly, but because they were from a different "batch" I'm not sure if helps you, although mine are definitely not that close to the edge of the flange. Here's a picture FWIW:

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Old 06-07-2011, 01:04 PM
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Thanks for the pictures Puppetmaster . IMO from your pictures it clearly looks like the holes on my headers are off...
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Old 06-07-2011, 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by datsunzcar84
Yes here are the pictures I have . I had to expand 4 holes on the front and all six o the rear to get them to go on.

Radiator side


Firewall side
So did everything bolt up good after that....sh1tthey look pretty identical but maybe would tell berterif they were in front of me....
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Old 06-07-2011, 01:23 PM
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Yes they fit once I reamed them out with a drill bit and my dremmel . Alot of going back and forth test fitting them . I just got finished with them today I had to extend the primary O2 wires .

I had no choice I had to get them on . I need my car and it sitting waiting for a solution wasn't a option for me.

Last edited by datsunzcar84; 06-07-2011 at 01:29 PM.
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Old 06-07-2011, 01:30 PM
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Originally Posted by datsunzcar84
Yes they fit once I reamed them out with a drill bit and my dremmel . Alot of going back and forth test fitting them . I just got finished with them today I had to extend the primary O2 wires .
And how was the butt dyno....on test drive....
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Old 06-07-2011, 01:55 PM
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I just got off the phone with Brian. He is trying to get to the bottom of this issue . At this point I'm not sure if I am the only one with this issue.

Take note that this really is not a major issue you just need to be prepared to ream the holes out and the headers can be used .
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Old 06-07-2011, 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Rods03Max619
And how was the butt dyno....on test drive....
I can't really say I have a open y pipe . I need to have a flange welded to my aftermarket cat .
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Old 06-07-2011, 03:01 PM
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On the other hand, I just spoke with a customer who said they went on "like water", so I'll admit to being a bit mystified about the source or cause of datsunzcar84's issue. I think the most useful input will come from others who are installing units from this batch of headers.
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Old 06-07-2011, 08:57 PM
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i just got done installing my headers from this last batch and i must say i had no issue with the installation it all went smooth for me
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Old 06-08-2011, 01:27 PM
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i am not near my set and i have not installed them yet but i dont recall the holes looking that close to the edge of the flange
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Old 06-09-2011, 06:33 AM
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I have Gen I's

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Old 06-09-2011, 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by NmexMAX
I have Gen I's
Cool. I'll give you fifty bucks for 'em.
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Old 06-09-2011, 01:52 PM
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I just got a set of Cattman headers are well. I will try to fit them on the heads I have when I get home.

EDIT

So I checked and sure enough, neither header would slide over the studs and mount to the head. The holes seems to be too far towards the edge of the flange. Kinda sucks for something that costs almost a thousand dollars. I bought these because I wanted superior fitment.

Last edited by ajm8127; 06-10-2011 at 04:05 AM.
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Old 06-10-2011, 05:36 AM
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Originally Posted by NmexMAX
I have Gen I's

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Old 06-10-2011, 08:31 AM
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Originally Posted by ajm8127
I just got a set of Cattman headers are well. I will try to fit them on the heads I have when I get home.

EDIT

So I checked and sure enough, neither header would slide over the studs and mount to the head. The holes seems to be too far towards the edge of the flange. Kinda sucks for something that costs almost a thousand dollars. I bought these because I wanted superior fitment.
OK...did you do this yourself? Are you a professional mechanic? Where is Brian? Anyone else had any problems? I haven't had mine installed yet, but don't want problems.....you had to drill the holes a little more to get it to fit? The only one that didn't have problems is Mr. ONE POST Priceless???
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Old 06-10-2011, 08:43 AM
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Originally Posted by ranmas2004
OK...did you do this yourself? Are you a professional mechanic? Where is Brian? Anyone else had any problems? I haven't had mine installed yet, but don't want problems.....you had to drill the holes a little more to get it to fit? The only one that didn't have problems is Mr. ONE POST Priceless???
Yes I did this myself, and no I am not a professional mechanic. However, I am proficient enough to thread the studs into the head I have removed from my VQ30 and test fit the headers. I have not installed them yet and won't until my engine build is done.
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Old 06-10-2011, 09:07 AM
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I looked close last night and the holes on mine are really close to the edges too. I won't get around to installing them for a few weeks but I hope there are no issues. Like ajm8127 said, fitment issues are unacceptable for something that costs this much but fingers crossed that there will be no problems.
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Old 06-10-2011, 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by rosader
I looked close last night and the holes on mine are really close to the edges too. I won't get around to installing them for a few weeks but I hope there are no issues. Like ajm8127 said, fitment issues are unacceptable for something that costs this much but fingers crossed that there will be no problems.
Damn not good news....seems 1 lucky guy with no problems and about 3 with problems, and I want to get on the next batch and get these but just want to drop and put on not do a little extra work especially for the PRICE TAG.....
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Old 06-10-2011, 12:25 PM
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My OBX's don't seem so shabby all of a sudden...
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Old 06-10-2011, 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 95VQ30
My OBX's don't seem so shabby all of a sudden...
It's more a matter of principle. The holes can be easily enlarged, but Cattman is touted as the crème de la crème of headers which is reflected in the price. They have come up short here. I feel like I got OBX fitment for Cattman prices.
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Old 06-10-2011, 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 95VQ30
My OBX's don't seem so shabby all of a sudden...
+1 They fit just fine for me
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Old 06-12-2011, 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by datsunzcar84
Yes here are the pictures I have . I had to expand 4 holes on the front and all six o the rear to get them to go on.

Radiator side


Firewall side
I would suggest someone take a pics against the OEM exhaust gasket and send it to Cattman....do not modify them just send them back and I'm sure if there's really a problem Brian can address it.....But It's hard to believe that out of hundreds of headers that have been built by Brian that there's a fitment problem! I've installed a few sets and never run into this issue B4!
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Old 06-12-2011, 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by ajm8127
I just got a set of Cattman headers are well. I will try to fit them on the heads I have when I get home.

EDIT

So I checked and sure enough, neither header would slide over the studs and mount to the head. The holes seems to be too far towards the edge of the flange. Kinda sucks for something that costs almost a thousand dollars. I bought these because I wanted superior fitment.
Take a picture with the exhaust manifold gasket over the flange please and post....the other person enlarged the holes don't do a thing just a pic and contact Cattman! I've never seen this problem with any of his products, so I'm mystified as well..take that pic please!
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Old 06-12-2011, 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by CMax03
But It's hard to believe that out of hundreds of headers that have been built by Brian that there's a fitment problem! I've installed a few sets and never run into this issue B4!
Well I can assure you there is a problem . Brian had told me that he is using a new vendor for the flanges . Common sense would tell you ok we have never had a issue in the past what is different..... It just really upsetting that after the price paid and time I waited for these headers that Its being assumed that I somehow inncorrectly installed them .
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Old 06-12-2011, 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by datsunzcar84
Well I can assure you there is a problem . Brian had told me that he is using a new vendor for the flanges . Common sense would tell you ok we have never had a issue in the past what is different..... It just really upsetting that after the price paid and time I waited for these headers that Its being assumed that I somehow inncorrectly installed them .
I guess everyone should then compare the header to the header gasket first! Then send them back to be corrected and analyzed by Brian....I'm sure there's a go-no-go gauge or jig in the house to compare this with!!!!! I wouldn't have modified them to fit....just simply RMA them to let Cattman investigate the issue and he'll fix the source of the problem! He's a man with integrity and will help any of us with issues with his product! Apparently you're installed now and happy with your butt dyno results....
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Old 06-12-2011, 10:23 AM
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Yes I would have sent them back had that been a option for me. I had to cut my exhaust off so my car was up on stands and had no choice but to modify them. This is why I chose to buy Cattmans headers because I wanted ease of install...

I do believe he is a man of integerty but I'm sorry I just don't think he came though on this one . For the price paid for them, I dont think they should have ever left his hands without double checking them.

It may be a small issue with reaming out the holes it more a thing of principal. Would you buy a brand new car without a engine? When you purchase something you expect it to preform to a certain standard...

Last edited by datsunzcar84; 06-12-2011 at 10:27 AM.
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Old 06-12-2011, 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by CMax03
Take a picture with the exhaust manifold gasket over the flange please and post....the other person enlarged the holes don't do a thing just a pic and contact Cattman! I've never seen this problem with any of his products, so I'm mystified as well..take that pic please!
OK...CMAX....I got the new batch of headers as well, but have not installed them yet so as soon as I get off work here I will take a pic against the manifold gaskets and post them all up on here...PROMISE!!! I understand what datsun is talking about as far as how much money these things cost and wanting quiality. We need to solve this once and for all. Pics coming soon....
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Old 06-12-2011, 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by ranmas2004
OK...CMAX....I got the new batch of headers as well, but have not installed them yet so as soon as I get off work here I will take a pic against the manifold gaskets and post them all up on here...PROMISE!!! I understand what datsun is talking about as far as how much money these things cost and wanting quiality. We need to solve this once and for all. Pics coming soon....
GOOD to hear some like probably 3 no problems and 3 with who else on this batch had problems im like 90% sure bouts to get on this next batch.....
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Old 06-12-2011, 03:54 PM
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Sorry took so long..spending QT with the wifey Olive Garden then shopping....never ends....ANYWAY.

Here are the pics requested:

This first pic is just BOTH headers side by side so you can see the difference in the holes...


THE NEXT PIC is a pic of the header with the hole close to the edge with the gasket on it...notice its perfect around the one hole in the upper left hole...but doesn't line up with the other hole in the lower right...the hole is too far over to the edge:


THE NEXT PIC is a close up of the pic above:


AND JUST FOR demonstration purposes I took a pic of the other header (the one with the holes drilled normally) with the gasket on it as well.....this is a close up....notice PERFECT match:


Not trying to say anything bad about Cattman...he is a great guy and I STILL think he makes superior products......but there seems to be something wrong on this one......I have not attempted getting them put in...but judging by what I just posted they are not going to fit without drilling that hole bigger......

Last edited by ranmas2004; 06-12-2011 at 04:03 PM.
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Old 06-12-2011, 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by ranmas2004
Sorry took so long..spending QT with the wifey Olive Garden then shopping....never ends....ANYWAY.

Here are the pics requested:

This first pic is just BOTH headers side by side so you can see the difference in the holes...


THE NEXT PIC is a pic of the header with the hole close to the edge with the gasket on it...notice its perfect around the one hole in the upper left hole...but doesn't line up with the other hole in the lower right...the hole is too far over to the edge:


THE NEXT PIC is a close up of the pic above:
















AND JUST FOR demonstration purposes I took a pic of the other header (the one with the holes drilled normally) with the gasket on it as well.....this is a close up....notice PERFECT match:





Not trying to say anything bad about Cattman...he is a great guy and I STILL think he makes superior products......but there seems to be something wrong on this one......I have not attempted getting them put in...but judging by what I just posted they are not going to fit without drilling that hole bigger......
Nice to see the pics up on the problem or the situation people are dealing with....but think I will be going the OBX route.........J/K should be ordering a set in 2 to 3 weeks..
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Old 06-12-2011, 05:25 PM
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I think it's safe to say that this new flange guy would not be getting another order from Brian.
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