6G Celicas Forums

I looked at other threads but couldn't get a definitive answer.

I am going to probably get the E-bay header for my 95 GT.

I think I did read somewhere that our cars have 2 cats. With that being said I also think I read somewhere that one is somewhere right after the header, on the downpipe or something like that.

Does the E-bay header include this cat? does this exist? if it does not will I be ok as far as emissions go?

I'm not in California thank god but I'm in New Jersey and want to know the specifics of this.

Thank you and sorry guys for bringing this up I know you've seen the E-bay thread about a million times but I'm looking for specifics that I wasn't able to find within the others.

This post has been edited by cardshark525: Apr 22, 2009 - 2:38 PM

If you try a more definitive search, you should have been able to find this information.

There are 2 cats on our cars, one on the header (where it connects to the down pipe) and one further down the line (in the mid section, near the resonator). By putting on the ebay header, you're removing one cat from your car. In theory, this should allow for more UNRESTRICTED flow, however the performance increase will be minimal (not the header, just deleting one cat).

There are a couple of people on these boards that have this same header on their cars, and they still passed smog. I don't think it was by much, but they passed nonetheless.

Don't be hating on California, some of us do live out here ya know :-P I do think that the laws on smogging are much easier on NJ though, so I wouldn't worry about it.

I will also say this though; Ebay headers are only OK. If you put header wrap on them, they will break, crumble, and implode on themselves. If you run them without the wrap, there is a small chance that it can discolor your hood. Bear in mind that they aren't tuned for performance like most name brand headers (like DC), but rather that they are taking the "tree stump" design and changing it to where each cylinder has it's own piping. This will increase performance somewhat (expect to see 3-5 at the wheels), but not as much as an actually tuned header.

-TC

Thank you very much for the information. I was primarily concerned with whether I would be able to pass the emissions test if the E-bay headers didn't have the cat like our cars now. That is the information I was unclear about.

Does DC make headers for our cars and would u know how much they run? I know the after market selection for our cars is minimal and the only other ones besides the E-bay ones and the factory ones are OBX as seen here:
http://www.2kracing.com/Product/18422.html

Any input on those?

I love my car but finding parts is insanely difficult. In the not too distant future I will probably swap in a 3s (my engine has 160k miles), but for now I just want to play around with it and just add a little more power.

Thank you for your help again.

This post has been edited by cardshark525: Apr 22, 2009 - 10:54 PM

Those OBX headers would be great, I'm actually thinking about buying some myself.

Just as with all things, the more you pay the better (usually) quality you'll get. While DC doesn't make headers for our cars (as far as I've seen), those OBX ones will fit the bill pretty well. I'd pay the extra and get them coated though, makes them more resistant.

I think one of the joys in owning a Celica is that they aren't the easiest car to tune. There aren't many aftermarket parts out there, and those that were there are now becoming increasingly harder to come by. Thanks to this, when you do get your hands on some insane parts, you'll have a much fonder appreciation of them.

That and we don't have to deal with EVERYONE owning a celica, as do civic and integ owners.

In the end, it's your decision. Either one will be an improvement over stock. Just ask yourself how much you need it, and figure out how much you're willing to spend.

Also keep in mind that you can have custom headers made for your car. My local muffler shop has the tools and knowledge necessary to make me a custom header at whatever length I want. The engineering that goes into it would be the only thing in question though. I think that even an OK job would still yield better results than the ebay headers, and probably a price that's in between the ebay and obx ones.

-TC

This post has been edited by razor7: Apr 27, 2009 - 1:44 AM

Thanks again. I was just talking to a friend of the family (and coincidentally a mechanic of 20 years) about getting the part. And while I do deserve being called a noob for this I do have just one last question for you if you could help me out.

Would the OBX headers hook up straight with the rest of my exhaust or would I need to get a full cat-back along with these headers for them to hook up properly? I guess its a question if the piping size on the headers more than anything, and I've already asked the site abotu the specs on the headers.

Also I have come across some sites for shops in the local area that can make headers, exhausts and so on, all custom. However they are a little more expensive than even the OBX header. Not by much but they are asking for $300 for the headers and $600 for a full custom exhaust (I'd need to provide the muffler).

It's funny that you should mention the Honda's though because my wife is looking at getting one. It's a 2001 Civic EX w/ 125k miles that were getting for $2000 from family so you really can't blame her for going that route. She wants to drive a stick which it is, and its a nice upgrade from the boat she's driving now (Ford Taurus). lol.

I have the ebay header and it's heat wrapped. Definitely no probs...sounds good and noticed a little gain but a little loss in torque (I think). Never had any O2 lights come on at all. Passed inspection with flying colors.

No problem, these forums are meant to inform.

Those OBX headers should hook right up, however there may be some fab work needed. I would take it to the muffler shop to have it installed. Plus, it will be much easier when your car is lifted. For NA set ups, most people recommend 2.25" piping.

As with all exhaust set ups, it'll be a TON better if you do a full system (high-flow cat + muffler + headers). If you have the money for it, then get it all done. If not, then do the headers first, then cat, then muffler. Just remember to get a resonator, or else it will sound like a fart can.

The civic sounds like a good deal. I have nothing against them, I just think that tuners choose them too quickly when there are better choices out there. For that price, it's a steal.

-TC