Hey guys, just like the title says need some help installing OBX header and y-pipe on 97 Maxima. Y-pipe is pretty straight forward, dont really need help with that, just the headers. Looks like i might have to take off the intake manifold??? I will be taking pics of this install, I just dunno how to post em on the .org. Any help would be much appreciated.

thanks everyone

 

Yes, and you not only have to take off the intake manifold, but most people pull the rear valve cover as well. Gulluc n have fun

 

I had mine installed by a mechanic but watched the whole time. They never took of the manifold just the cross member and motor mounts. The car was in the air "obvioulsy" and they worked from below. It took about 5 hours because of the tight spots mainly for the rear set. They had to ream out the holes on the headers because they didnt line up with the bolts on the motor, so make sure your header mounting holes are the same as the manifold you take off to save time. All my friends said if i would have to drop the engine and it would have been a 2hr job
Good luck

 

Uhh not quite.... 2 hrs to drop the motor + 1 hour to put on headers+ 2 more hours to put the motor back in= 5 hours total... lightly speaking...

 

When I did mine I took off the manifold but NOT the rear valve cover. I also dropped the cross member and that was it. Took some finaglin to get the EGR tube to line up and crap but other than that it wasn't too bad. The EGR was the worst thing.

 

yeah the egr was a biotch. i ended up cutting it and splicing in a piece of tubing and what not. it holds....so far

 

i got mine done at a shop cuz u gotta like tilt the engine n ****

 

removal of the radiator fans, upper intake manifold and engine crossmember are required for a much easier install. i never had to remove the rear valve cover. unless you have plenty of time to spare and the right tools, take it to a shop and have them deal with the headache. modifications to the header/Y will need to be done. check the All Motor forum for more information on these headers. http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=386331

is it the older 3 piece system? front runner, rear runner and ypipe all separate?

 

It is a two piece, the back is welded onto the y pipe, while the front headers are seperate. Thanks for the help everyone i get it shipped thursday, and will post about the install.

 

you're going to have to extend the front collector down more to clear the oil pan. also the pipe between the 2nd flex section and flange that bolts to the cat may need to be re-worked due to it not lining up. since you're replacing that section, use a 2.5" piping to free up the exhaust flow.

good luck!

 

OK, I have to add this into this thread because I'm having visions of newbs reading this and saying "omg, I want headers"

95-98 (& 99 fed spec) Manifolds flow silly well, they are a great design, infact there have been aftermarket headers made that were smaller and crappier than the stock manifolds.

When I see dyno results of Y vs Header/Y...............THEN, and ONLY then will I stop pointing out that the price and installation is such a waste..............

 

If this is gonna be a HUGE task (remodifying and all), I might just sell it and get just Y pipe. Kinda low on cash for rewelding and all. i guess time will tell.