Hi Guys!

I'm from Adelaide Australia and have just got back my PS20(P5) from the workshop where PACEMAKER HEADERS here have been testing a new header for our model car. A 4-2-1 header with the first cat removed to a 2 1/4 inch pipe through to the second cat. Now all I need to do is replace the second cat with a larger straight through design and also a free flow muffler.
So far the dyno shows an extra 8% (around 9kw increase from 98kw) but will do more changes in January where I will get a final reading and print out to post on these webpages.
I drove it home last night and WOWEE.... the pull from low RPM's is magic and the acceleration is harder and more flowing than previous. I reckon at least a 0-100km/h (0-60mph nearly) of at least 8.8. Am putting in a K&N panel filter this morning so that should make breathing a little easier as well.
After my road tests are complete by January PACEMAKER Headers should be able to place these on the market as well for export to USA. Though States in USA i.e. California will have to miss out as removing the first cat wont pass emissions. I'll keep you all posted on these as well as fuel consumption.
I'm hoping with the other mods an extra 4kw may be gained so a final reading of 112kw will be enough to blow off the road other hot hatches.
The last mod I'll be saving up on would have to be a reprogrammed chip to make all the mods gel! I'll be happy to get the final figure to 115kw ( I think is 160HP or thereabouts)

 

P.S. I'll post pics of the new headers next weekend when I get hold of a digital camera.

 

are the headers for the 2.0Litre

 

SWEET, can't wait to see some pics.

let us know how everything goes.
any idea if the headers will be shipped to canada as well??

 

GAHR! Be darned California!

 

actually removing the cat on a new car is against federal law, so it is illegal in all 50 states, but if you don't have inspections in your area who is going to catch you?

 

It's illegal in 50 states...ouch thats ota really hurt.
Here in Australia it's not illegal...yet!.... BUt there are some really big gains to be had with it removed.
But are you sure it's illegal ? Remember there is still one cat which should cover legalities. The only reson for the second cat being so close to the original pipes coming out of the enging was for cold start reasons. During cold start emissions are at their worse until the engine warms up. So the first cat is useful for the first few minutes straining the cold gases, after that, there is no need for it as the second cat does the rest of the job. Emissions will increase a little of course.

Exporting the headers to Canada???, I'll check with Pacemaker and see what they say. They make headers for all models and currently export to USA, so i would geuess it depends on the importer in USA requesting headers for the P5.

 

That sound's great can't wait, any idea of price as yet? I've already got a 2.25" mandrel from the second cat back.
What did you pay for your K&N panel filter? if you dont mind me asking.
What chip were you looking at getting I was looking at Powerchip. Takes from 98kw standard to 111kw and the torque(NM) from 174 to 194 so with the mods will be even better

 

SO what happens to the sensors????

 

Yes technically this is true. Technically altering any part of the emissions equipment is illegal.

However, there are two tests that need to be passed in most emissions cases. The visual test and the sniffer test. You should be able to pass the sniffer test easily enough. I don't think the Protege is an emissions hog.

The visual test is going to be the tricky one. You'll pass if they never open your hood. You'll pass if the inspector opens your hood, is a moron and doesn't know that the car had two cats, one of which is right off the manifold.

You'll be jammed if you have a smart inspector who knows that the header on your car isn't supposed to be there. It all depends on your luck.

And if you live in Florida, it doesn't matter because from what I understand there are no emissions tests.

 

another thing to remember is that nothing is illegal for "competetion" or "off highway" use. so importing them should be a problem.

 

Tampering with ANY part of the emissions control system on a car in the US is technically illegal.

I would imagine that the second cat would let the car pass the sniff test, though.

Hehe - legal schmegal. The P5 will still have way lower emissions than trucks, buses, and those ever-so-popular, gas-guzzling, wannabe-off-roader SUVs everyone loves these days (phooey!)

Bolt them suckers on!

~HH

 

Does anyone have this 'PowerCHip' that was mentioned above???

 

What's the exchange rate from US to AU?
Seems like a lot of $$

 

$US is about 1/2 $AUD - so $1000 AUD is about $500 US.

~HH