I've already searched the forum... but I thought this might be a quick way of getting some useful advices.

I've got a cattman headers tht id like to install on my 2003 maxima.. but wondering if it will help me.

The current situation of my 2003 maxima is that its got a CEL light throwing a code for Bank 1 sensor. And my pinging at 2000 rpm have gone worse, so im thinking it could be that my precats are gone as well...

So can i just intall the headers and hope the pinging goes away? I'm assuming I'll need the O2 sims for the CEL light.

Please chime in!

 

So if you think the problem lies in your precats, then by replacing them the problem should theoretically be solved.

 

colder plugs would be easier

 

Knight_yyz....i did switch to colder plugs...no change

 

Both front sensors are used to regulate fuel mixture. If the sensor is bad, eliminating the cats won't help. Although, I understood the system is designed to switch to the rear sensor if the first stops working properly. So, that's not to say there isn't an issue with the cats.

In any case, if you plan to keep the car, do the install but anticipate maybe having to change that one sensor. I also highly recommend going to a 4th gen (IIRC) lower oil pan. It moves the oil drain from facing the rear to facing the passenger wheel. Makes changing the oil due to the proximity of the y-pipe, MUCH easier and avoids getting oil on the exhaust each time. I believe the panics only about $50 through www.nissanpartsasap.com (though I suggest you just call if you have trouble finding the part).

 

Damn, I didnt know this could be done. I hate oil changes after the header install

 

As for the sim, I highly recommend you just extend the secondary o2's to behind the main cat. The sims are hard to come by and they don;t seem to last very long.

Nick knows how to extend the o2's properly if you are out in the east end of TO.

Pinging may also be due to a small air leak though. The ****ty gaskets all around the plenum tend to be garbage. The black "coating" can become brittle and start to flake and cause leaks. I've seen this on a few spacer installs.

 

great suggestions.... but im seeing if I can sell the car...but appreciate it!

 

Ooohhh, suppose there's going to be a new for sale thread for header/Y. Somebody better ******'em up!

 

I wonder if the Gen I Cattman headers are slightly different design since I have yet to (never say never!) get oil on the exhaust during an oil change, and never has been an issue for me to even think about.

 

Food for thought on the pinging.
Last week I went for a dyno tune with the BBMAF and I lost a ton of low end torque. So for ****s and giggles I put the VIAS butterfly back in the car. At low rpm and cruising my AFR is still at exactly 14.7, at WOT it is a little more rich than it was. BUT!, at cruising and light acceleration I am pinging like a **** with one step colder plugs. I'm removing the VIAS later today.


The problem with the new gen headers is the skid plate for the most part.

 

Interesting. And you had no pinging with the VIAS delete?

 

Never with the colder plugs. Right now with the colder plugs it's all I can hear. it isn;t even hot out the last few days.

Sorry, I just noticed something. Putting the VIAS back in, leaned out heavy acceleration and WOT by a wee bit according to my wideband, but normal driving did not change

 

That's nuts. Is the pinging in the initial part of giving it throttle when driving or all through acceleration?

 

light throttle, cruising, going up a hill. I have other problems right now with the car that I am aware of, but the car was not pinging when I left the dyno. And it was a hell of a lot hotter on dyno day than the last few days since I put the VIAS back in.

I'm in the middle of doing something else to the car right now but i will take it for a drive. The VIAS is gone but I am experimenting with durometer ratings on my custom engine mounts.

 

Cool. I am curious to see if the ping disappears now that you took the VIAS back out. I wonder how the VIAS leaned out the mixture.

 

I thoight first gen Y's were unequal length, so the "loop" that hugs the oil drain plug in the new versions don't exist. Though, I thought I read where you had second gen headers/Y!?

 

I've got first gen units. The original 3 piece design.

 

your loop is more round, the newer ones are oblong. I was just under the car i should have taken a photo

 

Ok, so took out the VIAs, I have to idle air relearn, but it is hot as hell out today. But my pinging is gone after taking it for a spin.

 

Wow!

 

I have a weird ticking noise too but only when I floor the car or go up hills. I was told it was due to the injectors and to live with it, not true?