Header onn!

I want a turbo just for the noise it makes, I could care less about the power it gives me. But I can't spend 8K on a noise haha.

Hey dude -- get one of those AirRaid or similar TB spacers and it'll give you a whistle that's at least suggestive of a turbo! Course, they tend to sound kinda dumb when you're whistling down the street at modest speed in lower gears !

haha, as long as it sounds awesome!

i already have a tb spacer. i had that before the header.

does it make a neat sound?

I just added a header to my RS8 and I love the extra power and the sound especially in under passes

You could just strap a hobo to your roof and make him yell WHOOSH every gear change.

Now I'm not sure the minimum wage for hobos in the US is but I imagine if it's anything close to up here. $4300 should get you like 2-3years worth of driving.

Well its not loud enough to hear over my sound system that at car meets I'm told is heard across the parking lot.

I have been thinking more and more about adding a weapon r header and S-pipe to my setup... the reviews for a header have been great from everyone.

perhaps after the airbags.

phobic said:

I have been thinking more and more about adding a weapon r header and S-pipe to my setup... the reviews for a header have been great from everyone.

perhaps after the airbags.

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The header is good, the "S"-pipe is for bragging privilege. If you decide to do both, do the header first and after evaluating its value, then do the "S"-pipe. That way you'll be able to tell what the "S"-pipe actually brought you.

Doesn't the stock header contain a pre-cat?

For those who have to worry aout it: how will you pass your smog inspection after you install your header?

Also: does altering/changing the stock muffler affect your smog inspection? I read on another forum someone was arguing the stock muffler added "necessary back pressure" or something like that.

I'd like to add a header and/or change the stock muffler but am concerned about passing smog.

it does contain a pre cat, yes. the other cats and muffler will be fine in the inspection though.

Gonna take my header off soon. Like the power upgrade but not enough for the risks

BrickPig said:

I'd like to add a header and/or change the stock muffler but am concerned about passing smog.

Click to expand...

Just come to South Carolina . . .
NO smog test or vehicle inspection what so ever!

BrickPig said:

Doesn't the stock header contain a pre-cat?

For those who have to worry about it: how will you pass your smog inspection after you install your header?

Also: does altering/changing the stock muffler affect your smog inspection? I read on another forum someone was arguing the stock muffler added "necessary back pressure" or something like that.

I'd like to add a header and/or change the stock muffler but am concerned about passing smog.

Click to expand...

Since I've yet to run my 2008 through DMV, I can't be dead certain. However, I'm expecting my loss of the pre-cat to be a minor issue given the continued presence of the main cat ("scuba"). The choice between axle and cat backs basically effect only the sound. Choose whatever you prefer, but it's highly unlikley emissions will change as a result.

Newbie xB owner,
We just picked up a new 2012 xB with a stick. We maybe over the hill but my wife and my self aren't dead yet!

I played A LOT with late model Mazda MX-5's! (Miata's) I don't see how replacing anything behind the "S" pipe would gain anything but noise!

I replace the OEM header on the MX-5 with the cat built in the header to one without a cat built in. Gained about 10 to 12 HP and for a car with 170 HP stock it's a good bit. Had to move the primary cat to with Mazda calls the mid-pipe. Myself and many others keep getting P-0421 & P-0420 CEL's. You can clear the codes but new late model cars need "drive cycles" before they will clear the state emissions!

Who make's a good exhaust system for the xB from the OEM header back. The "S" pipe should have the rear 02 sensor bung welded in the OEM location. If the 2nd cat is removed you better have a large muffler / resonator in it's place or it's going to get noisy!

AZ