I just received this e mail, if someone can host for me I'll send them the picture.



To everyone on the contact list for Cattman headers,



Last week we installed the first prototype set of our new header design (95-03 Maxima). Things went well for a first session – we did a nice strong baseline dyno on a 2002 Maxima with a set of New Zealand headers, got the new headers installed that day and did a follow-up dyno the next morning. At this stage of the process, its most important to know how they compare with the previous design, rather than compared with stock.



The peak hp didn’t change much (238-240hp) between the strongest runs of each session, but there were significant gains under that (up to 10hp, 8 ft/lbs). A solid indicator is that the average HP between 3000-6500 rpm went up 5hp, which means the gains were not just a spike here and there, but consistent through much of that rpm range and a solid increase over an already successful product.



The changes we’re making to the first prototype are substantial enough to require a second fitment session, and that will hopefully take place before the end of next week or early the following. The result should be a final design, and then we’ll adjust the manufacturing fixtures to reflect that configuration (and take them into production).



<Call for a volunteer> I expect that we’ll want to install the first production header on somebody’s car before we go into full production, and I’d like to find somebody with 95-99 Maxima (ideally with an automatic transmission) in San Diego or willing to drive there. Please contact me if interested, I’ll discount the price.



As a teaser, I’ve attached a pic of a new manifold next to an old one. Note the differences in the 3-1 collectors, which is probably the major source of the power gains over the previous style (the 2-1 collector is upgraded too). Note also that the primary tubes are assembled from mandrel bend sections (you can see the welding seams), but once the design is finalized these will be mandrel bent in single pieces.



Its very possible that the first batch or two of headers will be fabricated with mandrel sections so we can get some production out ASAP (while the mandrel bending is set up), but these are extremely strong TIG welds (as can be clearly seen in the picture), and take nothing away from the quality of the headers (TIG welding does not intrude into the interior of the seam like MIG welding will) – in fact, all the fancy custom header applications are made this way.



My best guess would be that we’ll have the first headers ready in about 20-25 days. We will keep everyone on this list apprised of our progress.



Brian C Catts

Cattman Performance

 

sounds good, send me the pics. i'd like to see them as well as be happy to host them. paramy.mixaychareun1@wachovia.com

 

Sent...........................

 

Here you go guys.......

 

is there a price set yet?

 

I need to see dyno. Plus it better not be the cheap *** material they used on other headers.

 

They look like the old units .. Any other more detailed pics? The front piece looks slightly different on the outer tubes.

 

If they are stainless, mandrel bent, and give that much more power overall then I am definitely going to get them. It would be nice if the price actually went down, but I highly doubt it.

 

collectors are now individual pieces instead of 1 piece molded to 3. also, he said at maxus he had a set on his and they were not equal length. they sounded horrible and believes they were going to go back to equal length. he also mentioned the price would be slightly higher.

 

so let me get this straight....this new cattman header gives approx 10hp/8tq more than the older header below peak HP? jeez that sux for us owners with the older design....10hp/8tq seems like a nice punch

 

That's how the buisness goes..

MEVI --> 00VI.

3.0--->3.0-K--->3.5

Gen I FWD VQ35 --- Gen II FWD VQ35

Cattman gen I -- Cattman gen II

Oh well, maybe more confirmation when independant dynos are done ... Can;t ever buy something and not expect something better to come along .. But still feel a little

 

Will he be setting up prototype or Cattman "Gen II" headers, For the 4th Gen. as well?

 

need to see a dyno first but i am interested as long as ther will be no problems with fitment.

 

The e-mail did say "Last week we installed the first prototype set of our new header design (95-03 Maxima)". Sounds like they just dyno tested on a 5th gen vs 4th gen.

 

here we go again ?

 

They might find a few extra ponies for the 3.5 guys, but I doubt a 4th gen would find any more hp over the current cattman header, since the 4th gen really didn't gain any over the manifold/y-pipe. It just isn't that big of a bottleneck on n/a 3.0

 

I believe its more of a fact that the 3.5 y pipes available are not equal length and retain both pre cats vs the 3.0 y pipes that remove both pre cats. Im planning to get these once they become available with proven gains, they should work well with FI.

 

Thats great, another 10hp/8tq over cattmans previous headers, the peak is the same so the top end is same but the mid is higher ? thats great , id like to thank cattman for workign on our maximas and making great products for us... Now where that awsome price ? group deal ?

 

And great thanks to the earlier customers to pay for the R & D for later versions.

 

Yeah This pisses me off. When I got my y-pipe they said that they wouldn'y make headers so I bought the y-pipe. Then headers came out but ceramic coated. Bought those and now there is going to be stainless.

 

Oh well, as I patiently sit (it could be a while) for independent dynos

 

Thats great news! I was just planning on buying a pair of the headers and a catback from them for my '02.

 

How about headers for the 6th gen. Maximas. I already have Injen CAI, Greddy SP-2 Cat-back, Racing pulley and CE Y-pipe. There are alot of owners who are looking for headers. Later Warren

 

Headers would eliminate that CE y-pipe.

 

Can I safely say that one doesn't need a pulley and cat-back to make decent power?

 

My friend you can say what ever you like. Would I have gotten these numbers without them. I just installed the Y-pipe before I drove down to Florida, now that I am back I will redyno the car. Later Warren

 

I know but when are headers going to come out for the 6th gen.

 

On my 3.0, I gained about 5 hp over the y-pipe with the headers. But I agree that the new version probably won't improve much over the old for the 3.0. One or two hp maybe... but likely not more.

We should keep in mind that the numbers quoted (10 hp etc) are on a VQ35.. and are likely comparing best #'s too. The average is more likely in the neighborhood of 8. If you've already got headers on a 3.5, it's probably gonna cost around $800-$900 just to upgrade for 8-10 hp. THat's expensive...

 

if you are going to compare to others numbers on here then go a shop where they use a dynojet 248 and have it sae corrected.

 

I won't believe it until I see the dynos.

And I don't see what's wrong with the previous headers. I have them and they work perfect, sound, power and rust free.

 

The area under the curve gained is what is well worth it especially for FI cars and 3.5's. Most people on this site are way too caught up on peak numbers.

 

better start knocking on wood big time especially residing in Canada.

 

Because even though I gained 13 peak, I really didn't care what I had peak because the curve had much more area under the curve.

There were certain parts of the curve that netted much much more than 13 whp..

 

I am sorry but if he is charging more for this new set than the previous then f*** that. I am happy with the hotshots

 

I know.. I'm more interested in the area too. All I'm saying is, if you already spent $800 on headers, and now you're spending another $900... it's an expensive hp/$. I never said it wasn't worth it, especially for FI etc... I'm just saying it's costly. But then again... nothing is cost effective for these cars anyways. haha.

 

And these new headers are said not to give peak, only more area under the curve .... Current Cattman owners are currently .-->

 

it sucks to buy the 1st generation of anything..as they are always improved upon...

 

Ok, so how do you get a curly Q in your dyno plot? Is that from shifting, or something?

 

Oh well, unless they can justify 800 dollars, I'm sticking with these suckers.

 

WTF kind of dyno is that? Why and how does it loop back?