I am considering getting a y-pipe for my 02 Max (Warpspeed, Cattman, CustomMaxima) and after doing some research I noticed a lot of fitting issues (banging against cross beam, etc.) with some brands. I would like input for those who have recently purchased one for their 02-03 Max to see if these issues are still valid and if they are what fixes they used to fix these problems. Don't want to get one if it is going to be a royal pain. They only thing I want to hear out of the Maxi is that sweet growl when I step on it. Thanks.

Pedro

 

there basically is no point in getting a y-pipe for 5.5 gens maximas. in the older models like 4th gen ad n5th gen models the precats were in the y-pipe but now on 5.5 gen maximas, the yare in the headrers. all the y-pipe now is a piece of pipe. you are going to have to get headers to see real gains.

 

I would not listen to him. The y-pipe is still a minor restriction and by adding on an aftermarket one such as a cattman you should free up anywheres from 5-8 WHP. It is a decent gain, but not as much as the headers. However, if you are going to get headers later on then buying a y-pipe now would be somewhat redundant because the headers come with a y-pipe.

vsyahljfh jkhljhsakjfdh - Try to guide people on the right path. Check out the dyno section where people have proven gains from y-pipes.

 

man...ppl are so defensive about their mods...sheesh

 

and why shouldnt he listen to me? i said the exact same thing as you did just in a different way. i am guiding him in a way of not spending money that he could use to buy headers. all i am saying is that alot of people including me would rather buy the headers. you will get better gains from them anyway.
and please spell my name out right.

 

He's right there's no point in buying a y-pipe for a VQ35DE-powered maxima. Some ypipes have been known to LOSE hp on some cars.

Cattman said his headers work a hell of alot better on a VQ35 than a VQ30. The headers will give you 16-18WHP on a 3.0, and a whopping 30WHP on a VQ35. Headers are the only way to go with 2002-2003, the reason being that Nissan didn't make the exhaust system bigger for the bigger motor. All 2000-2003 have the same system, regardless of engine. So, the stock, ****ty manifolds rob HP big time. Just get headers and be happy in the long run.

Even if the ypipe gives some gains (single digits), you'll want more later anyway. I went the full mile and I'm happy I did, even if it's alot of dought specially for someone like me whos got a shiitty, low-paying job.

 

how is the y pipe that comes wit the cattman headers?

 

what???

5.5 should get headers

 

there is no y-pipe on the headers. the headers replace the y-pipe also.

 

Loudness issues with headers vs. y-pipe??

 

i thoguht that the cattman headers comes wit a y pipe for that header?

 

A Y-pipe combined with a high flow cat or straight pipe or gutted cat and b-pipe does make noticeable gains on an 03. The combo can be expensive or inexpensive depending on your budget. Had a few minor fitment issues with my set up but it's been problem free for over a year and it sounds great. My .02

 

headers come w/ y-pipe

 

that's wat i heard. how is that y pipe? any good?

 

Sticky, anyone? This should be in the FAQs or something.... people ask it all the time... (I know I did when I first came to the .org....)

 

The headers don't come with a separate y-pipe.... the part ya know as the y-pipe is part of the headers so headers replace both the exhaust manifold AND the y-pipe.... ya can't really compare the "y-pipe part" of it with just a y-pipe... does that make sense?

 

The headers pictured here are for a 4th Gen... but you'll be able to see what I mean....

Headers:



Y-pipe (Cattman, top & stock, bottom):

 

Anyways.... back to Pedro's question... I have a Cattman y-pipe and have had no fitment or banging issues whatsoever... the growl is nice and with my Frankencar cat-back, ya can barely tell its there until ya really stomp on the gas... can't speak much for the gains yet, because I still have a leak in my secondary pipe (broke a bolt and haven't replaced it yet).

As for all the 5.5 Gen y-pipe haters.... it really depends on how much ya wanna do to the car... if ya want all out gains and are willing and able to spend the time and money, then headers is definitely the way to go. If you don't have the time or money for that, the y-pipe will give ya the best gains for your money when compared to say, a cat-back or an intake.... I have a y-pipe because its a nice addition to the Max w/o spending 500-800 bucks, plus more time and money for installation, since I'm not considering headers for at least another year or 2...

 

You can really feel the gains, look for Fezziks dyno comparing the y-pipe and headers.

If anyone has a picture of the stock manifolds, you can clearly see why they are very limited, as all 02-03's are Cali spec, meaning thet all have nasty power robbing cats in the header.

The Cattman headers are made for the 3.0, but fit the3.5L too.
You have to extend the O2 sensor wires if you don't want a SES light, but even if you don't extend them, it will not affect power output as the O2's needing relocation are for montioring the condition of the cats. Buying an O2 sensor simulator will do the trick for the SES.

HS headers are made for the 5.5 specifically.

No noticeable sound difference with the stock cat-back, very little but it sounds like a very very mild version of the 350Z/G35, but not as loud.

I can't speak for gains on the cat-back/gutted cat arena, as I do not have either nor have seen results of them adding power. Though Bdigo(sp?) has run low 14's, automatic w/o any y/header modifications, but WITH cat back etc.

Bottom line for 5.5g y-pipe, the hp/$ ratio is not as good as it is with the 3.0, and if you do plan on getting more power it be ebst to save $$ for the y-pipe. I was going to do the same as you, but got lucky and found a used set of Cattmans. GL in whatever you do.

 

Ya meant "... save $$ for the headers..." there and not "y-pipe" right? And that ya found a used set of Cattman headers? That's great... never see anyone selling those used any more...

Just curious... how much were they used?

 

thanx. yea i understand. finally someone answered my question, i posted this same questoin in other exhaust related posts too

 

...: :...


$650

 

Its all good... just wanted to clarify...

Great deal btw... apparently those things don't really lose value.... but $650 used is better than $850 new....

Did ya extend and weld the O2s or use an O2 sim?

 

I'm looking into getting an O2 simulator. The price is actually going up, due to the depreciation of the US $ vs NZ $.

Maybe could have got a better deal, but I had the money and got them from a very respected and established member, so I knew i wasn't going to run into any short comings such as shipping mishaps, running off w/ the money etc.

 

the 2k2-2k3 cat is a high flow cat.

 

Are you talking about the main unit under the car? How do you know?


I guess Nissan did one good thing on the 3.5 exhaust.

 

yes the 2k2-2k3 cat is high flow. it sits right after the y-pipe. it is high flow becasue when you take it off you could see right through it. with a regular 4th gen cat and 5th gen cat, you cant see through it. plus the 2k2-2k3 cat is a direct fit. i have it on my 4th gen.

 

I could see right though my stock 3-gen cat. And that looked just like my carsound high flow 4-gen cat that I'm using. If you can't see straight though the honeycomb cat, something is wrong with itl.

 

plus the 5.5 gen cat is round and the cats that i have from 4th gen i cant see throguh them. i would take a pic but i would have to remove it.