Okkk so I was gonna replace the cats, took out the radiator side cat and found that it was almost completely gutted already, i guess it broke over time. If I gut the rear cat and leave the front one gutted as well, and put in my racingline Y pipe, other than a SES light, will this have any negative effects on the engine? I just put the new engine in so I dont want to ruin it or anything. What you guys think?

 

shouldnt be... just make sure there is no leftover catalyst and your fine, makes for o.k gains and its free of coarse lol

 

yeah i was afraid of not enough back pressure or the sensors throwing off the timing or something weird of that sort, I guess not though?

 

Wow, I totally read that title wrong.

 

what do you mean? lol

 

You should be ok... as for your secondary o2 sensors, nothing some o2 spacers can't take care of.

 

Sounds like animal cruelty to me......

 

02 sensor spacers move the sensors out of the direct path of exhaust gas right? where can I get these?

 

Yup!

There are some on eBay... I have a set laying around here somewhere too...

 

Why not just buy headers?

 

The cost and things involved with installing headers is always alot more than removing the cat material in the cats. Not everyone really wants to spend $1200-1800 on headers and an exhaust system including myself. I always judge the cost based on actual needs, etc. In this scenario I can't justify that type of cost versus putting it towards purchasing a newer vehicle or something else more important. I love my Maxima, but after owning it and the upkeep vs other cars I have owned along with the associated problems or downfalls of Nissan quality (exhaust seems to rust out after the warranty period ends). I'm reluctant to put more into my car especially when it is only going to age. Unfortunately cars were never designed so that they last forever or even last a minimum of 10-15 years... I don't know if it is just me, but does anyone else notice the heatshield clips and tack welds for the exhaust sections are rusted out that they rattle then eventually will fall off if you don't do something about them?