Headers on the VG33E (1st gen 3.3L V6)

[dcobb]

Has anyone here replaced their Exhaust manifolds with headers? I'm interested in what kind of results were seen as well as the difficulty of the job itself. Did some online searches and didn’t find much. For my 2003, SLR has this set for $475 + $13 shipping http://www.spencerlowracing.com/products/headers.htm. Figuring i've already modded the exhaust and doing the intake now, I figure Headers would complete the circle. Talking to the guy at SLR it sounds like they've sold about 50 sets in the 4 years they've been out. So not very many... Also sounds like it would be something I could replace myself being it's all bolt on, though I’ll have to buy a 1/4" drive swivel to take off the heat shields, which sounds like the trickiest part of the whole deal.

Also I know this technically isn't street legal, but the chances of the emissions guy actually catching me with these I’m thinking are pretty slim. And it’s not like the headers are going to affect the test results, so…

Lastly if I ever get around to doing this I'll post a walkthrough & results.

TIA!

[steve0616]

SLR is the only manufacturure of headers for our our truck. Now the SLR headers remove the two main catalitic converters(There is controversy of if the first set is the main or the second set is the main and the majority say the the first). The headers will also throw a CEL(Check Engine Light).

Here a link to a write up on how to install them and fix the truck so it does not throwing a CEL. http://www.offroad-usa.com/ click on SLR headers on the left. They are not easy to install there is everything from having to bleed the brakes, trimming the inner fender sheet metal, removing the transmittion crossover, removing steering bar, welding, drilling, and lengthing wires.

[dcobb]

Holly exhaust fumes Batman!! I had no idea it was that involved. Also whoever I spoke to at SLR made it sound like I didn't need anything extra either which doesn't sound like the case. Although it sounds like whoever wrote the article thought the headers made a big performance difference though. May have to rethink this one a bit more...

Thanks for the link. Also did you ever consider doing this to your rig?

[steve0616]

Yes I almost bought the headers in the summer just before the person did the write up. Once I saw the write up I figured I would wait.

Now I have installed headers on other vehicles and they do make a world of difference. Now with that said I have never worked on a vehicle were is was such a pain to install. I have even heard on another guy who has the SLR headers actually use a engine hoist to lift the motor up a few inches to get more clearance. Just seems like to big of a hassle for the weekend mechanic.

[dcobb]

Yeah you may be right. And given the complexity, I’d be real hesitant in paying to have it done as well given they're liable to screw something up not to mention charge a fortune. I have to say the write-up is good though and makes sense, just seams like a real PITA. I may read through it a few more times and noodle it some more over a beer or two

[dcobb]

Steve, re-contemplating this again and that link you sent with the writeup is no longer there. From what i remember the web page looked different as well. Do you happen to have a revised link?

I called up Spencer again and chatted with him for a few. When i mentioned that the two sensors had to be relocated he seemed to remember that having to do with smog and was something that i may not have to do being i live in WA. Though i remember it had to do with LED going off or something to that effect. Admittedly i don't know much about this and was struggling to remember what Spencer told me and what the writeup said, but he made it sound like and even the picture of the headers show two ports where you'd screw the sensors in, so I'm wondering if what the other guy did with lengthening the wires and relocating the sensors is really necessary.

Again if you can shed any light on this or refined that writeup or any other, I'd sure appreciate it. also, Spencer said the headers are now like $550 and the shipping which was once $13 is now about $40, so delivered to your door is now about $590, so about $100 more but on the upside he has about 5 sets in stock so i wouldn't have to wait for his queue of 10 orders to fill up.

Mods - Feel free to move this into the 1st gen forum if you want

[FindingNismo]

the guy doing the write up might have been a total moron. you never know. ive never had a prob installing headers i dont see why the nissan would be a prob. but maybe it is. i havnt done this yet, but i plan too no matter what it takes to do lol. i think it will be worth every penny for them.

[dcobb]

Well I agree, and am contemplating about doing the work myself, but the writeup seemed pretty complicated and it was the lengthening of the sensor wires and relocating them further down the exhaust (which required some drilling & welding) that I'm not all that comfortable about doing. Spencer said the headers are 2 1/4" diameter, which sounds about right in terms of not loosing too much back pressure and having your low end suck eggs.

If anyone has any more input on this, please chime in. I too think I'm one day going to do this, but am contemplating the labor aspect

[sexy6chick]

from getting headlights to installing headers..big jump there.

Now I don't know anything insanely techincal..and I've been searching google for a bit now looking for any detailed specifics on it but haven't found anything. I do know that it's a common mod to any vehichle..so I wouldn't think it should be TOO hard.. I mean my 21 year old friend can take apart everything under the hood of a car and put it back together..so I doubt you'll have too much trouble with it with your knowledge. I say go for it.

[dcobb]

I'm a man of many talents

Computer nerd during the day, superhero at night, and weekend warrior as well