Hello everyone! I am a pround Nissan Maxima owner and was looking for exhaust modifications. I currently have the greedy n1 knockoff cat back and was looking for headers to install. I don't really want to dish out the money for obx so is there any other brands I can look for? Thank you!

 

I think OBX are pretty much the cheapest options for us. At least with regards to knowing what will definitely fit. Granted the OBX headers typically have some slight fitment issues that need to be accounted for but they still work very well after that.

Unless you can find someone to fab you up some headers and they happen to charge less for some reason? (Which I doubt would happen haha)

Btw, pretty sure Altima headers for the VQ won't fit the Max. But I can't say for sure. The only other options I can think of, if you can even get your hands on them, are Hotshot headers or Cattman headers. Both of which have ceased production.

 

OBX is definitely the cheapest you are going to find. If it makes you feel any better they are cheaper than replacing both pre-cats.

 

Does the OBX work with the AT Transmission (fitment issues?) ...wish I had a 6speed :/

 

I don't know of any fitment issues specific to AT Maximas. Can't imagine it makes any difference. The factory parts are the same for either and OBX doesn't specify on their website.

 

Do you think that the studs going into the head will break into the block upon removal if so how can I prevent that?

 

That's the big issue with installing headers or new pre cats, the possibility of broken manifold and head bolts is highly probable unless you soak overnight in PB blaster and use heat! Take your time removing each bolt! I gutted my exhaust last year and installed new pre cats and I broke 4 bolts which had to be drilled out total PITA! Also, there's not much room, so that makes things tougher as well!

 

If you want to go on-the-cheap, gut your precats and leave 'em stock. They will still flow pretty well, much better than stock but not as well as headers.

Or you could find a set of 3.0 manifolds and swap those in, and buy a warpspeed ypipe. 3.0 headers flow better than 3.5 headers. This is probably your best bang for your buck out of all the options.

Or you could buy altima headers for a vq35de, but you'll have to custom make a ypipe for it, as the headers will fit but not the ypipe. This could be cheap or expensive depending on how you get it done.

Or find a set of obx, but ebay isn't carrying them anymore, and may take a while to find.

Or try and find hotshot or cattman, but good luck with that. Very hard to find and will be most expensive option.

 

How much do you think a shop would charge to gut my precats? I would supply them with the fowler for the O2 as well.

 

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