Questions about headers and bypass

[ChrisZang]

Originally Posted by Stunin_Stud

Thanks I may get in touch with you to check out your car. Im currently in the caribbean.

Cool, which island?
I've been to Saba a lot in the last 3 years (like 20 times or so)

[Boxtaboy]

Was thinking about doing the Fabspeed cat bypass pipes on my 01, which has both primary and secondary set of cats. Wondering though- if I get rid of the cats in the rear section and replace with the Fabspeed Cat Bypass pipes, since there are a set of 02 sensors in the rear section as well, wouldn't that set off a CEL light if removed?

[ChrisZang]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Was thinking about doing the Fabspeed cat bypass pipes on my 01, which has both primary and secondary set of cats. Wondering though- if I get rid of the cats in the rear section and replace with the Fabspeed Cat Bypass pipes, since there are a set of 02 sensors in the rear section as well, wouldn't that set off a CEL light if removed?

take a look at where your O2 sensors are and where the cats are on your car and then you have your answer...

[jwade]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Was thinking about doing the Fabspeed cat bypass pipes on my 01, which has both primary and secondary set of cats. Wondering though- if I get rid of the cats in the rear section and replace with the Fabspeed Cat Bypass pipes, since there are a set of 02 sensors in the rear section as well, wouldn't that set off a CEL light if removed?

No it won't set off a CEL if you remove the rear cats and replace with Fabspeed by-pass pipes.

You won't regret your purchase either!!!

[Boxtaboy]

Ok, thanks guys. I presume the rear 02 sensors are located before the secondary cats, and therefore, do not trigger the CEL when the bypass pipes are installed.

[Stunin_Stud]

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

Cool, which island?
I've been to Saba a lot in the last 3 years (like 20 times or so)

Im in Dominica. Im trying to plan out my projects so when I come back to San Jose I can put everything together at once. I currently have the 2003 euro rear bumper being painted along with center console and speedster humps.

[Johnny Danger]

I experimented with several different exhaust configurations before choosing the final system for my 3.2 S. I found the following set-up produced the best results in terms of performance and reliability (keeping my vehicle OBD II compliant).
Here's my ditty:

1. A less restrictive, high quality after -market cat back exhaust.
2. By-passing/deleting the secondary cats (they're like having an extra set of thumbs).
3. Headers and cats that stick with the basic principles of the oem design, however, they incorporate longer, equal length primaries that flow into a merge collector, along with lower cell - high flow cats (something on the order of HJS 200 cell).

No need to relocate O2 sensors, make bungs, chase CEL's, reprogram the ECU, or worry about emissions ! Excellent results in terms of improved power and performance. And perhaps equally important - great sound !

[mikefocke]

damage to your ears over time from the louder sound (and the louder sound system setting)

and

damage to the atmosphere as you add more pollution to it.

Plus I know someone with a dyno who went through dozens of combinations of exhaust component setups before they found a combination that actually gave gains over the entire useful RPM range. It isn't as easy as just taking one from column a and one from column b because their characteristics may cancel each other out.

If I were to want more sound, I'd use Pedro's mod as it is cheap and reversible in a minute by inserting a plug. So if it turns out you don't like it, you can retreat. Or, if you are in an area where such sound is inappropriate (a funeral procession or ...) you can quiet the car to stock.

[BrokenLinkage]

Contemplating a set of headers with sport cats to brighten up the coming winter. Hope to soon have a slightly used Fabspeed catback system at my disposal, but I doubt I'll luck into a similar deal on the headers, so...
If I'm laying out top dollar for new headers to pimp my ride, can anybody comment on the NHP headers with sport cats vs the Fabspeed headers with sport cats. They look pretty similar on paper/monitor. The FS unit comes at quite a price premium, does it have any special attributes to warrant this? Internet research hasn't been particularly helpful, other than to confirm the general good regard in which Fabspeed is held.
JD - I know you are quite the fan of the FS product, can you tell me why I should pay so much more for the FS headers as compared to NHP?
Anyone out there with experience, positive or negative, that might inform my decision?
Also, for people who have done this, how high is the likelihood of me shearing off a bolt at the header flange while removing the old headers? Is this job something I should pass off to a "real" mechanic who is prepared to drill and tap if necessary?
Thanks guys.

[BrokenLinkage]

Maurice - your link regarding header bolts at the end of your post brings up a site (PBBB) with some message about being shut down by commies, and a notice that I am not authorized to see whatever is there. Maybe I'm just not seeing whatever is necessary to find your reference.

[schoir]

Originally Posted by BrokenLinkage

Maurice - your link regarding header bolts at the end of your post brings up a site (PBBB) with some message about being shut down by commies, and a notice that I am not authorized to see whatever is there. Maybe I'm just not seeing whatever is necessary to find your reference.

I just tried it and the link still works, but you have to sign in and it then brings you to the exact page for the thread.

A few years ago there were some heated disagreements between supporters of the different schools of political thought and PPBB ("Porsche Pete's Boxster Board) was shut down by the guy who had been running it since the passing of the original Porsche Pete ("Chuck Hammersmith"). Nonetheless the archives are still accessible and have tons of valuable information.

I believe you can still sign in and create an account to access the archives, even if you were not a member when the site was fully operational. If you can't get in there let me know and I'll see if I can find the write-up I did in my files and send it to you.

Regards, Maurice.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by BrokenLinkage

Contemplating a set of headers with sport cats to brighten up the coming winter. Hope to soon have a slightly used Fabspeed catback system at my disposal, but I doubt I'll luck into a similar deal on the headers, so...
If I'm laying out top dollar for new headers to pimp my ride, can anybody comment on the NHP headers with sport cats vs the Fabspeed headers with sport cats. They look pretty similar on paper/monitor. The FS unit comes at quite a price premium, does it have any special attributes to warrant this? Internet research hasn't been particularly helpful, other than to confirm the general good regard in which Fabspeed is held.
JD - I know you are quite the fan of the FS product, can you tell me why I should pay so much more for the FS headers as compared to NHP?
Anyone out there with experience, positive or negative, that might inform my decision?
Also, for people who have done this, how high is the likelihood of me shearing off a bolt at the header flange while removing the old headers? Is this job something I should pass off to a "real" mechanic who is prepared to drill and tap if necessary?
Thanks guys.

I have the NHPs on my 3.6 Box & they are fine for it. I own a pair of fabspeeds for a 987 & they are better quality & design, but my budget does not provide the extra $1300 for 5-10 HP. Less of a difference for a 3.2L engine. I believe you will be happy with either. As for the header bolts, soak overnite with good rust penatrant, then using a quality (Snap-On) 6 point socket loosen each bolt before removing any bolts. If any bolts resist coming loose retighten all bolts & take car to mechanic to remove stubborn bolts. After bolts are removed very easy job!

[BrokenLinkage]

Maurice & Bypro - thanks for the feedback. Collective wisdom via this great forum may be the most valuable tool in my kit.