Headers Comparison (95-03)

[Cattman]

With all due modesty, I'll note that they seem to fit perfectly, we've really got this design down nicely. There have been well over 100 sets sold sold since December without any install issues.

Brian

[BlackA32max]

ok...i know there was a pair of headers mentioned from ebay going for 150 but these are the only ones i see on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Compl...QQcmdZViewItem
does anybody know what brand these are? they're making claims but i see no dyno...and the "supposedly" fit i almost bought them a while ago..but then i got smart and saved up for bigger and better plans that i hope to carry out soon

well then i am the first that is having fitment issues. The actually headers fit like a glove. Instailling them was soo simple and easy. I will say install of the actually headers is way better then the hotshot. I had hotshot before and i had problems with them. Now my point is I am haing trouble with the y-pipe. the y-pipe doesn't match up with the headers. If i match up the front of the y-pipe to the front header, the back part of the y-pipe doesnt match with the rear header.And another thing is that it seems like the y-pipe is too long because it pushes my exhaust out and the tip sticks out past the bumper. also the exhaust is not centered in the tunnel. My car is a 96 with a vq35

[accordingtou]

Originally Posted by ShiftVQ35

well then i am the first that is having fitment issues. The actually headers fit like a glove. Instailling them was soo simple and easy. I will say install of the actually headers is way better then the hotshot. I had hotshot before and i had problems with them. Now my point is I am haing trouble with the y-pipe. the y-pipe doesn't match up with the headers. If i match up the front of the y-pipe to the front header, the back part of the y-pipe doesnt match with the rear header.And another thing is that it seems like the y-pipe is too long because it pushes my exhaust out and the tip sticks out past the bumper. also the exhaust is not centered in the tunnel. My car is a 96 with a vq35

I have the same issue with my cheapo ebay y-pipe.
The pipe is only temporary untill I get my custom y-pipie,but the headers are great

[Cattman]

Originally Posted by ShiftVQ35

well then i am the first that is having fitment issues. The actually headers fit like a glove. Instailling them was soo simple and easy. I will say install of the actually headers is way better then the hotshot. I had hotshot before and i had problems with them. Now my point is I am haing trouble with the y-pipe. the y-pipe doesn't match up with the headers. If i match up the front of the y-pipe to the front header, the back part of the y-pipe doesnt match with the rear header.And another thing is that it seems like the y-pipe is too long because it pushes my exhaust out and the tip sticks out past the bumper. also the exhaust is not centered in the tunnel. My car is a 96 with a vq35

The issues you mention can be solved with proper installation technique.

Since there is room for movement where the manifolds bolt to the heads (bolt holes larger than bolts), the manifolds should be loose on the heads until the y-pipe is connected with both (tighten up the y-pipe first after using play in the bolt holes to align it properly), then bolt everything down, alternating from side to side as you tighten the bolts. The manifolds cannot be positioned exactly until they're both connected to the y-pipe.

The y-pipe dimensions are just like stock, give or take a quarter inch, so there should be no major change in exhaust position. You can make sure its properly aligned if you leave bolts loose until positioned properly and then tighten things down in the correct sequence.

I stand by my statement that these fit great - no heating, bending or cutting like you hear about other brands - but it's still a challenging installation and needs to be done right.

Brian

Brian C Catts
Cattman Performance

Brain that does make sense but how do i know that the headers will be flat and tight when they are against the actually heads? I assumed that the best way was to do it like the way i did it because there wont be any leaks. Also when installing the rear header do you have to remove the bracket that is bolted to the block? The bracket holds the rear motor mount.

[Cattman]

Originally Posted by ShiftVQ35

Brain that does make sense but how do i know that the headers will be flat and tight when they are against the actually heads? I assumed that the best way was to do it like the way i did it because there wont be any leaks. Also when installing the rear header do you have to remove the bracket that is bolted to the block? The bracket holds the rear motor mount.

If you follow the sequence I've suggested - which would be standard procedure with any header installation - once everything's bolted and torqued there will be a perfect seal at the headers, that's no concern. This won't correct a situation where there's truly a bad fit, but that's not the case here.

When you do it the way you did, you not only create a minor misalignment ( by "locking down" all the tightened joints in slightly incorrect positions as allowed by play in the bolt holes (instead of allowing everything to settle into natural positions), it's all focussed on a single flange-to-flange connection instead of being spread out over all the flanges. Hope that makes sense...

[v6guy]

When will the next batch of headers be ready Brian? Also, do you offer a package price for the entire header back system?

[Cattman]

Originally Posted by v6guy

When will the next batch of headers be ready Brian? Also, do you offer a package price for the entire header back system?

As a matter of fact, they're in stock right at this moment. Give us a call at 520.575.6195 or 800.759.9920, open 9-5 MST.

We do offer a good package discount if you buy a full exhaust system, though I'll note that we're low on both 00-03 catbacks and FastCats right now (not out, but low).

Brian

[00SEMAX19]

So, now we have to be members of nycmaxima's to see the comparison. Makes sticky worthless unless everybody that wants to know about the review wants to sign up for a new thread.

[RacerX1320]

Originally Posted by 00SEMAX19

So, now we have to be members of nycmaxima's to see the comparison. Makes sticky worthless unless everybody that wants to know about the review wants to sign up for a new thread.

I FIRST found this in the nycmax site... and EVERYONE mentioned it should be made a sticky in BOTH sites. Dunno whos dragging their feet on this one but they obviously are. Has anyone tested/reviewed the stillen headers some orgsters are asking about?

[Cattman]

I think the Stillen headers were reviewed pretty thoroughly when they came out a few years ago. I'll limit my comments to noting that they didn't fare too well in the critique.

Brian

[skuccio's max]

Are you guys planning on releasing an equal length y-pipe to work with stock primaries? I want to get a y-pipe but hate the GM 3800 exhaust notes the unequal length setups give. I've heard the Cattman header setup and it sounds unlike any other setup for the Maxima...

[siege562]

Hey Brian Do You have any 2k Maxima Headers available now and if you do What is the price for them

[Cattman]

I expect to receive more by the end of this week (today is Monday, 24 March). The price is $859.99 for the two manifolds, y-pipe and install kit.

Brian

[fred86]

i got ebay header's and y pipe they went on with no probleme and they do the job

[codester]

Hey Brian. I was wondering about the header/y pipe combo for my 03 maxima....do you ship to canada??

[Cattman]

Originally Posted by codester

Hey Brian. I was wondering about the header/y pipe combo for my 03 maxima....do you ship to canada??

PM sent!