Still waiting for some more manufacturing parts to come. He expects to have his test fitment set next week and hopefully the first batch will be produced come the following week. My guess is they won't be moving out the door until the end of next month.

 

Yep, there's a real odd size (diameter) of stainless tubing that we need for the primaries and the delays have been frustrating (for us and everyone that wants a set on their car).

I know that delay after delay in this process begins to sound pretty bogus after a while - that's understandable - but unfortunately it is more the rule than the exception in the process of developing a fairly complex parts system.

This is probably more detail than most will care about, but as my friend notes above, I expect the bender will receive the elusive tubing size and have it bent early in the week of 06 August, we'll receive our "proof set" (basically the first production set) not long after, and hopefully be able to complete the test fit and initiate production by mid-month. Yes, we said the same thing when we were shooting for mid-July and obviously that changed, but there's no question that we're moving closer to a successful launch.

I've got to thank everyone for being so patient; its pretty remarkable given how long this has taken and how much of the summer has slipped by. Thanks a lot! We will do our best to make a product you'll be proud to own.

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance

 

If anyone has a set of Cattman headers/y-pipe lying around, I'll buy them from you for exactly what they cost through Cattman. My motor's out of the car right now and I'd really like to install these b4 I drop it back in (by week's end). So...if you've got a set that you won't be using right away, I'll buy them from you...then you can simply reorder them from Cattman in time for your own needs. C'mon...help a fellow org'er in need out. Thanks.

 

Hi Brian, any updates? How was the test set?

 

Wish I had them on the shelf right now, but we're inching toward production. Everything seems to take longer than anticipated, but I hope to have my test-fit set by early next week. Once that's approved, we go into full production, but even at this point I hesitate to make a liar out of myself by establishing a certain date.

Brian

 

Please keep us updated. Where is the test fit being done at? Just curious. Thanks.

 

Thanks for the updates Brian. Just keep us posted. Once everything is a go, I'll be looking to get a set of headers as well.

 

Hi brian, I am interested to no if the headers would fit on a VQ20???

 

Sorry about the slow reply, didn't see this right away. I think there are two questions. First, will it fit, and I don't know the answer to that since that 2.0engine was never imported to the US or Canada (were they sold as new in TT, or imported used?). If the external block dimensions and headflange patterns are the same, it just might.

Second, and perhaps more critical, would these headers work well on this much smaller-displacement motor? I'd really have my doubts about that - the tubing diameters are very much intended for the 3.0/3.5 litre motors.

So, about all I can say is that if the motor was seriously built, with an elevated redline (maybe 8k?), and if the headers fit, then they might work for you. That's a lot of "ifs" given the cost of the part and shipping it to you.

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance

 

Thank you for your honest reply. To answer your question about the motor, the answer is yes to both. The engine was sold in maxima(new) and cefiro(used) in what u guys would call the infiniti I35( which is what i have), as we also import cars from singapore used(foreign used) as it costs considerable less and we get alot more features that the dealer provides for a fraction of the cost.

Secondly, the exhaust diameter right now is average 2.25 to 2.5" not more. i Can't speak for the headers, but from the y-pipe is about that size probably comin down to a 2" at the end of the muffler.

I am not planning to do any work internally apart from some cams, due to a lack of specialised machine shops capably of doing quality work here. So i guess we can rule out a built engine. My mods would not go further than intake, exhaust and engine management(e-manage ultimate).

And u are right it's gonna cost me a good penny to ship that part from the US. In the coming mths as my project gets off the ground i would be willing to provide u with flanges and other info which u may need to determine if it will bolt up. If it's ok with you?. I am going for a full exhaust system, my car has 4 O2 sensors also.

Thanks
Rodney

 

sooooooooo......are we in production yet Brian?

 

Not in production, but I received my test-fit set a few minutes ago. We'll install to check fitment tomorrow afternoon.

Here is the first picture of the new set:



Someone with a sharp eye will notice that the O2 ports are not installed and this set does not have the EGR valve (going on a VQ35DE that doesn't need one). I didn't need the O2 ports for fitment, and creating the fixtures to locate those holes would have delayed the fitment test a couple more days.

So, this set is for fitment purposes only and I need to return it to our fabricator after we do the installation. Some may be dismayed that we won't be able to done some dyno testing at this stage; it would have been fun to show off a few runs, but the results are not a concern to me.

This set builds directly on the previous, well-tested designs and I don't believe there's any possiblity that it will make less power - more likely that it will make a little more due to some small changes we've made to optimize the 3-1 and 2-1 collectors.

So, things are not as far along I'd like them to be at this moment, but there is tangible progress and I've little doubt that we'll begin shipping production sets within the next couple of weeks. Finally.

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance

 

I'm aware of the 2.0 litre Maxima - they were all over New Zealand, having been brought in as used cars from Japan - but I don't have any first-hand experiene with it performance-wise. Sounds like the exhaust system is similar to the 3.0 litre systems here (which is probably pretty adequate for that motor). Stay in touch and feel free to write to us directly (bcatts@cattman.com) as your project progresses.

Really small-displacement V6s like the 2.0 are interesting, reminds me of the 1.8 litre V6 that Mazda did a few years ago but the Nissan block is much larger. OTOH, a more extreme example would be the 1.8 litre V12 that I once saw in a hand-built 1949 Ferrari coupe.

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance

 

That set looks prettier than my Gen IIs and the tubes look longer too... neither of which I thought was a possibility.

 

I would definitely agree that these are prettier. Although the configuration of the primaries has changed slightly, length has only increased to the extent allowed by a 3-1 collector that's a bit more compact (the lower flange is in the same position).

These headers are made from purpose-bent (mandrel) tubing; the "gen2" sets were made from stock mandrel tubing bends that were cut and pieced together, meaning more pieces and more welding. As a result, they have a neater appearance, but other than increased production costs, there is nothing inherently wrong with piecing together cut bends if they are fit and welded precisely.

Anyway, as soon as the design is finalized and production begins, I will start a new thread. This one is too old, and somewhat deceptive since its talking about a group deal that won't be occurring. FWIW, the introductory price of the new units will be $799 including install kit; that may go up a little after the first 25-50 units are sold.

BCC

 

Keep me updated Brian please, I would love to know how they turn out.

 

I want to keep in the loop on this also, I am thinking about taking off my HotShots for your headers...

I need the EGR fitting...

Any discounts for test cars?

 

The test car is his car.

 

And is a 5.5 gen, I have a 5th gen with the VQ30 with an EGR...

 

There will be 2 versions of the back manifold, w/ and w/o the EGR. I probably will send out a single set for test fitment on a 95-99 Maxima because we need to confirm EGR position and make sure there isn't anything we'd run into on the A32s engine compartment (we know it works in an A33).

I'd be willing to discount a set for this purpose, pointing out that its best to work with someone who's a good enough wrench to self-install (with confidence) so that there isn't money lost over any fitment issues that come up (like a misaligned EGR valve).

If you or others are interested, drop me a PM, I'd rather discuss the details off-line. I'll point out that I'll be offline from this afternoon (closing early) through Sunday morning.

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance

 

Any new info on these Headers? LMK

 

yes.. please Brian, let us know...I want more powaa!

 

i second that, need to get the most of out of my new engine.....

 

*Bump*

 

I'm slightly annoyed with my header fabricator at the moment, but things are progressing...

I did a test fit a couple of weeks ago, a couple of details required changing so we took measurements, pictures, etc. and gave it back for revisions. I was supposed to receive the revised set last week but the fabricator ran out of time and left on a short family vacation, back tomorrow. I wouldn't expect him to cancel the vacation, but he should have gotten this out of the way last week.

I should get the revised set early next week, we'll immediately do the install and if all is good we'll OK production immediately for the VQ35DE version (no EGR). At that stage we'll also fabricate a VQ30DE version for a test fit to make sure the EGR port is properly aligned, and start production on those if all's good. [I have a fitment volunteer, but thanks for all the offers.]

Our initial production batch will be 25 units, 22 or 23 of those are already committed. The next batch should begin immediately or soon after the first. Orders will step up once we're in full production, so it may be a while before we actually have these sitting on the shelf. I don't actively encourage backorders, but if a customer wants to anchor a place in line, that's the way to do it.

Once again (and hopefully I won't have to say this too many more times), thanks, everyone, for your patience.

Brian

 

Thanks for the response, I'll be waiting patiently

 

trust me guys...I have bought a lot of stuff in the past from Brian...any part that he would put his name/reputation on is well worth the wait!

 

Brian, I want to say this in case anyone hasn't said it recently, or in case you thought that there wasn't anyone who appreciated all your efforts...
1) Thanks for updating so frequently here on this forum.
2) Thanks for being a cool guy.
3) Thanks for being up front and honest with us.
4) Thanks for providing us Maxima lovers with great quality parts.

It's refreshing to see you here and still kicking out the good stuff, when others who are less than reputable have come and gone.

Oh, and I hope I'm one of those 22 or 23 people you mentioned before.

 

Brian are you going to do a stock maxima dyno this time?

 

likewise...

 

I'm sure there will be a stock vs "new headers" dyno done by one of our customers before long, but any testing we do will be done with the Cattmobile (my 02 Max), which means the baseline will be done with the original NZ headers, and the "after" run will be with the new headers. I wouldn't re-install the stock headers to dyno test a design that I'm confident about already.

Keep in mind that the basic design, both as the NZ version and the US stainless version that followed, is well tested already. Nothing about this new iteration would subtract from that, and in fact, some changes to the 3-1 and 2-1 collector design probably add a little power.

Brian

 

free bump, these headers are amazing .... nothing quite like cattman headers ..... hey Brian I sent you a pm

 

hmm i might be thinking of these now. I got to see how much it would be to install these. I love 0% interest.

 

man I wish I had the money for the catmobile! You just know it is one of the cleanest 5.5 gen's out there...

 

Has anyone heard how Brian is doing with the new ones?

 

I'm sure that just as soon as he has news worth sharing that he'll share it.

 

Are the ones featured on custommaxima.com for $999 the same headers? Would the $999 be money well spent?

 

I think we really need a new thread on the new Gen's where we can be updated on the progress.

 

I think that they have the Cattman headers on their website as sort of a "placeholder" until they're back in production. We don't tell our distributor how much over retail they charge, but when these are available again our introductory price will be $799 for a limited period of time.

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance

 

I agree that there should be a new thread, but rather than start one immediately - and spend the next week or two providing reports on "micro-incremental" progress - I'm going to wait until we start shipping them out. Believe it or not, that's not far off.

This is where things stand right now. Production is underway and has been for some time, and in parrallel we're doing the final fitment checks (holding off on final assembly until all of that's worked out). Once everything's set, all 25 units in this batch will be ready within a short period of time (rather than shipped bit by bit). Its possible that the headers for late '01 through '03 Maximas will begin shipping first since they do not require the EGR valve (which is being machined next week). Anyway, I can't commit to an exact day, but we should start shipping these within the next couple of weeks.

About 21-22 of the first batch are pre-ordered, so there are still a few of those units available. Once they start getting installed I suspect that we'll get a lot of orders (putting us in a backorder situation again for a little while), so if anyone else is interested in getting a set soon they should place an order in this first batch. As a reminder, there is no payment or deposit required in advance; these are actual orders, rather than a waiting list, but we don't touch the CC until the part's ready to go. [520.575.6195, open 10-5 MST, M-F.]

The last set from our first stainless steel production run (that we've sort of used as a pattern set for the new ones) will be available at a discount once the new production is finalized.

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance