My New 5sfe Header, 5sfe headers finally installed... Options

[k-weaver]

I just installed my new headers today (my gf bought for my birthday) and it took about 5 hours...All in all it was totally worth it. There is a huge difference in the way it sounds (much louder now) and I do notice an increase in HP.


Before Header


New Header Not installed


Header on car

[Celicav]

I ordered one of these Ebay headers and it has been received. Due to my perfectionist nature, I had PMed a few of the people that have installed this header (including k weaver) b/c I was worried that the bolt holes on the header looked off, and not centered with the surrounding metal design. So, although I have not installed it yet, I have concluded that I should not worry. So I spent a couple hours under the hood, and found the manifold studs anchored to the block are 10 mm wide, while the holes that the studs go through on the header are like 14 mm! That should definitely leave some tolerance if your holes look like they off kilter when you receive your header.

Also, in reference to the first big, O2 sensor, with the oval shape and attached by the two studs...well the hole on the header is not perfectly center between the two studs that the O2 sensor attaches on. After studying the stock set up, this is how it is anyways...there is about an 1/8" difference from middle of the sensor to one stud, and from the middle of the sensor to the other stud.

These are just some preliminary observations before I actually install this very inexpensive header...but the quality seems to be pretty good. If I run into any other issues or find any other technical info to share, I will do that. And pics to be added once it is installed.

One question: Should I expect any CEL code to be thrown, or will everything be okay as long as both sensors are plugged in?

My impression is that although we are removing the pre-cat, it really only "covers" for the main cat under the car until it warms up and starts doing its job. So without the pre-cat, we are really only throwing unnecessary pollutants out for a little bit of time after starting the car. Let me know if I am off base.