I finally got some free time, so I decided to install my obx header, for the 02 2.0 L. Went smoothly until I went to bolt it to the 2nd cat...it fell about 1 mm short, leaving a gap for leakage.... I noticed there wasn't any gasket between the cat and the piping that was already there, so I cut one out of some gasket sheet lying around...and then found that those stock bolts, with the small springs on them so the exhaust can move, wouldn't thread with the gasket in... I had a buddy check it out, and he same thing, he either had the gap that wouldn't tighten down, or he couldn't get those bolts to thread....

Anyone else have this problem? I was thinking of taking it to a muffler shop and getting a flex pipe put on the end of the header where it meets the cat so it maintains the flex, and close off that gap. ..I don't want to mess with the 2nd cat much, ie weld to it, for fear of smog regulations..since I still need this car to pass in CA. Any help would rock, thanks!

 

Are you sure you mean 1mm? I can't see how 1mm would create much of a problem, especially if you added a gasket.... A flex pipe should eliminate that however.

I don't think you'll be able to pass CA smog at all with that header. That's not a 50-state legal header, is it?

 

it's advertised as CARB exempt. whether or not that's bs I gues I'll find out when I go in in two years.

 

you are missing the metal tapered gasket that connects the collector of the obx into the stock midpipe. If you look on your stock downpipe you'll notice that there is a round tapered o-ring slid over the downpipe. You'll either need to remove that or go to a local auto parts store to buy a new one. I suggest buying a new one since they are only about $3.

Sorry to say it but you'll most likely need to pull the header back out of the car to take with you to the store. I just walk in, fit the gasket up...make sure i've got tyhe right one and just tap it on with a rubber mallet. Once you do that you'll have no problems.

You've got to make sure you have everything you need prior to starting a job like this. Makes it much easier than having to redo it later on.

 

yea it is not carb legal whoever told you that is a jackass

 

"OBX High performance racing headers are made out of pure SUS-304 stainless steel. Dyno tested at low end and top speed to increase 7~10 horsepower. Precision mandrel-bend to enhance exhaust gas flow. OBX Headers will fit OEM down pipe or OBX Cat Back Systems without modification. These 2 piece type headers are easy to install. Value-added bolt-on headers for any racing sport performance enthusiast. CARB exempt. -Dyno Tested"

--this is the general ad that I see advertised with the header. I've seen it everywhere from ebay to apex motorsports.

 

the obx header is not a 2 piece. unfortunately, none of the headers out for our cars are carb exempt.it removes at least one of your cats, and that, according to CARB as well as federal law, is illegal.

 

Don't forget the Wagner shorty header keeps the first cat.

 

I pretty sure "CARB exempt" does not attempt to claim that it will pass. I think it means the same as "off road use only"