[MikeChandler]

So I was on the phone getting a quote for having headers installed on my nissan titan - and they informed me that they cannot replace the manifold/catalytic with a header, because there's a federal law prohibiting removal of a catalytic converter.

WTF? I was surprised- I asked how it is that other people are getting it done, and he was adamant. I then called another shop, and got the same spiel.

Is this just in Arizona?

Is there some other solution?

 

[danman]

You should still have secondary cats after the manifold/header unless you have a 2004 4x2

 

[jdmartin]

Also, you can get shorty headers and have the cats welded on to the headers.

 

[BuckWallace]

True story. I'm in Oregon and I went through the same thing before I installed my long tubes. Every exhaust shop around me said they wouldn't touch it because it's illegal to remove the cats, even if you get catted b-pipes. If you don't have a visual inspection and get Cajun's catted b-pipes you'll be able to keep codes away and pass emissions, however.

You should still have secondary cats after the manifold/header unless you have a 2004 4x2

The secondary cats don't do much scrubbing, and they're also behind the sensors so you'd still throw a code.

 

[wanderMT]

Federal Law - shops are subject to fines for altering any part of emissions systems - enforcement has been sporadic for years

 

[MikeChandler]

I guess there's the magnaflow option... it has cats on it.

I am surprised JBA doesn't make a catalytic converter header. Simple solution (or at least that's easy for me to say).

 

[danman]

You could always do the job yourself...then you can get what you want without the flak

 

[FishnAlaska]

There are always "options" keep calling around, specifically to speed shops. Bet you will find someone willing to do it. My dealership won't touch them either, and we have zero testing here

 

[HRTKD]

The secondary cats don't do much scrubbing, and they're also behind the sensors so you'd still throw a code.

Catalytic converters in the b-pipes alone are usually enough to pass emissions as long as they are aftermarket b-pipes. They usually do enough to avoid the stinky exhaust smell too. I had a custom set of b-pipes made with two catalytic converters in each b-pipe. I could easily pass both the visual and the sniffer test here in Colorado.

 

[BuckWallace]

The secondary cats don't do much scrubbing, and they're also behind the sensors so you'd still throw a code.

Catalytic converters in the b-pipes alone are usually enough to pass emissions as long as they are aftermarket b-pipes. They usually do enough to avoid the stinky exhaust smell too. I had a custom set of b-pipes made with two catalytic converters in each b-pipe. I could easily pass both the visual and the sniffer test here in Colorado.

Yes, that's what I was saying. I passed emissions with the Cajun catted b-pipes. The stock b-pipes have a set of cats behind the sensors though, so the sensors will be picking up non-scrubbed exhaust and will throw codes all day every day. I guess you'd be fine with a visual inspection with catted b-pipes unless the visual inspector knew where the cats are supposed to be on Titans or was looking for a CARB stamp.

 

[MikeChandler]

I need a solution that local shops will support. I can't drive 130 miles each way to get this done. If the local shops would install the cajun system, I'd have ordered it already. I talked to Jeff, he was very helpful, and recommended everything I'd need. Nice guy, great deal.

But NOBODY UP HERE WILL DO IT. I live in Yavapai county and they are nuts here. They write people tickets for leaving on their porch lights after 10pm. I am not kidding - they even control light pollution here. Every local shop has told me NO WAY, as apparently a shop here was busted in recent years. So it is not going to happen.

I think it means I have to use an OEM type manifold and cat replacement.

I am pissed about it, but it is what it is. But look, I am a senior citizen, I have no desire to race or burn rubber, I just don't want to go through a third set of OEM manifolds; they are crap.

So I really need a solution that has a manifold or header with a catalytic converter on it. I wish Jeff would install one of his cats on a shorty header, but he has already told me the shorty header is no good.

I guess I am now looking for a used OEM or best possible aftermarket manifold. Sucks to be me.

 

[HRTKD]

Mike, it depends on how much you want to spend. I had a local shop create a set of b-pipes with two catalytic converters in each one. So while the catalytic converter wasn't in the OEM spot it was in the system so I was following the spirit of the law and my exhaust smelled nice and clean. Maybe if you got one of your local shops to do what I did then they would install the headers. My solution wasn't cheap though. I tried to get Cajun to build a set with two catalytic converters but they weren't interested, saying there wasn't enough room to fit two in there.

 

[SuperTighty5.6]

I have headers in AZ and I pass in Maricopa county everytime. I had the dealer install my stillen longtube headers.

 

[Nick Name]

ideas to explore....talk to a mechanic that has some skills and see if he's interested in working a side job..his garage or yours. if you want to keep using the OEM style...look into Dorman mainfolds, they have a lifetime warranty for some reason. when they fail, you still have to do the labor tho.

 

[MikeChandler]

Here's what I want:

JBA Shorty headers with a hi flow cat welded to them. I can bring that to any local shop and they will install it, because it is a manifold and a cat. Doesn't matter to them if it's a header (tuned flow) or not.

This guy did it:

 

[MikeChandler]

If anybody wants to do this complete with a flange for connection to a stock exaust midpipe I'll buy them. And my local guys will install it.

Closest I have found is the Magnaflow 50380 and 50381. I found a place selling the pair for $995 shipped.

 

[MikeChandler]

I have headers in AZ and I pass in Maricopa county everytime. I had the dealer install my stillen longtube headers.

Who is the dealer? Please share, and I'll call them.

 

[SuperTighty5.6]

It's my friend that works at the dealership. I can give you his number if you want?

 

[danman]

Mike, it depends on how much you want to spend. I had a local shop create a set of b-pipes with two catalytic converters in each one. So while the catalytic converter wasn't in the OEM spot it was in the system so I was following the spirit of the law and my exhaust smelled nice and clean. Maybe if you got one of your local shops to do what I did then they would install the headers. My solution wasn't cheap though. I tried to get Cajun to build a set with two catalytic converters but they weren't interested, saying there wasn't enough room to fit two in there.

Right. There is a cross member in the way

 

[HRTKD]

Right. There is a cross member in the way

Apparently not because my muffler shop made it work.