Help! Muffler shop won't install header!

OzPunk · Feb 6th, 2003, 08:32 PM

Alright, this sucks. I just got my hotshot header and my stromung exhaust for my 200sx the other day and I went down to my local muffler shop to have them install it, since I'm not much of a wrench head. Anywho, I popped the hood and showed them my new header and the dude was like woah, wait a second, I can't install this. Of course I was a little surprised and then he told me that since the catalytic converter is built into the old exhaust header, he can't remove it because there isn't one on the hotshot header, obviously. He also said that if he did install it, he could be fined and lose his liscense, since it's illegal to not have a cat. Well, great, so now what in the hell am I supposed to do? I asked him if he could install a new cat after the header, but he said he couldn't mess with it at all, due to legal restrictions. I've read about others just using their second cat, but my model 200sx doesn't have the second cat like I at first thought, its got a resonator instead.
So in desperation, I turn to the forum, hopefully I can get some help. I know that if I try I can install the header myself, but then I won't have a cat, and thats just plain wrong. Heh. A solution, yes, but I'd like to still be able to pass emissions tests. And if I could get a new cat installed after the header, just where on the pipe could it go? And would I have to move my o2 sensors? Any help would be seriously appreciated and I know I'm just a stupid newbie, but please don't flame.

sr20 805 · Feb 6th, 2003, 08:47 PM

just buy a random tech convertor, and this time go to another shop.........there shouldnt be any problems

LIUSPEED · Feb 6th, 2003, 08:53 PM

well.. what u need to do is go get yourself a high flow catalytic converter.. that way the guy wont be fined etc.

Irons · Feb 6th, 2003, 09:26 PM

Isn't there a flanged connecting pipe between the end of the header and the CAT? Why can't he just adapt the header to the CAT with a piece of straight pipe.

Irons.

OzPunk · Feb 6th, 2003, 09:41 PM

Wow , thanks for the timely responses! You guys kick ass. So if I buy a Random Tech high flow cat, I should be ok huh? I'm guessing they will have to install it underneath the car where the resonator is now? And then what about the o2 sensors? I know one has to be a set distance from the ass end of the cat, but does there have to be one plugged into it or right before it like on the stock header? And yeah, I don't think I'll be going back to that shop any time soon.

javierb14 · Feb 7th, 2003, 12:28 AM

thats right, it is illegal for a shop to remove ur cat or install "test pipes". they can lose their license and face possible fines. your best bet would be to install the header/exhaust urself and drive to the shop for a cat install. ur car will drive fine though will pollute on ur way to the shop. its highly probable that u will get a MIL on the way to the shop. the code will probably be 0707 for the rear o2 sensor out of range. the rear o2 is there for emissions, not for fuel trim.

Presea08 · Feb 22nd, 2003, 01:02 PM

I am hopping to get a HS header for my r10.Could anyone help me in this forum.No one carry HS in Spore.Thks in advance.

himilefrontier · Feb 23rd, 2003, 01:07 AM

Remember also that anything can be done for a price,there are usually shops who will do things they're not supposed to,"under the table".That means no reciept and pay in cash.I am not one of those people but I've seen it done.