Headers or Cat Back

benwinrich · 10-24-2012, 09:50 PM

I need help. 2009 370 sport, AT, stillen CAI and Stillen oil cooler. Looking at next mod but I can only afford one, headers or cat back? I have a Z-tuner who can do either at about the same install cost. I don't drive fast but like to het to speed fast. Suggestions?

FL 4Motion · 10-24-2012, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benwinrich

I need help. 2009 370 sport, AT, stillen CAI and Stillen oil cooler. Looking at next mod but I can only afford one, headers or cat back? I have a Z-tuner who can do either at about the same install cost. I don't drive fast but like to het to speed fast. Suggestions?

only headers worth doing imo are the long tubes (either F.I. or PPE). However, unless you get a CBE with some built in hfcs, it's gonna smell and you could attract some unwanted LEO attention, not to mention if you live where there are emissions testing, you'll fail that miserably.

If you really want both, why not just save up some $$$ and wait and then get both at the same time??

Trips · 10-24-2012, 09:53 PM

CBE has my vote

And Welcome

w0rM · 10-24-2012, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL 4Motion

only headers worth doing imo are the long tubes (either F.I. or PPE). However, unless you get a CBE with some built in hfcs, it's gonna smell and you could attract some unwanted LEO attention, not to mention if you live where there are emissions testing, you'll fail that miserably.

Why would a CBE cause a smell or inspection failure? A catback isn't going to effect the cats. The stock cats would stay on the car.

gomer_110 · 10-24-2012, 10:08 PM

Do the CBE (Fast Intentions FTW) first then decide if the headers are worth it for your situation. Also I think you're installer is smoking something if he's going to charge the same price for either CBE or header install. The header install is significantly more involved.

benwinrich · 10-24-2012, 10:09 PM

I live in TX and annual inspections are required.

LakeShow · 10-24-2012, 10:26 PM

Welcome

FL 4Motion · 10-25-2012, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w0rM

Why would a CBE cause a smell or inspection failure? A catback isn't going to effect the cats. The stock cats would stay on the car.

read the first part of my post again, I said if he does lth's, then he needs to get some hfc's downstream to kill the smell etc.

Z-Girl 12 · 10-25-2012, 05:23 AM

My CBE install was $65 and I love the sound...freakin awesome! Oh and the look jus finishes off the amazing rear of the Z!

w0rM · 10-25-2012, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL 4Motion

read the first part of my post again, I said if he does lth's, then he needs to get some hfc's downstream to kill the smell etc.

Gotcha... I misunderstood. Sorry.

Chuck33079 · 10-25-2012, 10:16 AM

If the header install is really going to be the same cost as the cat-back, go for the headers now and install a cat-back yourself later.

dmhenderson · 10-25-2012, 10:53 AM

Headers are a HUGE pain in the butt on the Z and not something you want to attempt yourself unless you really know what you're doing.

FL 4Motion · 10-26-2012, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w0rM

Gotcha... I misunderstood. Sorry.

no worries, I was dead tired when I wrote my post and def could have worded it better.

Nu2Nizmo's · 10-26-2012, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple's

CBE has my vote

And Welcome

10-24-2012, 09:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
benwinrich Base Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 9 Drives: 2009 370Z spt,auto, Rep Power: 13	Headers or Cat Back I need help. 2009 370 sport, AT, stillen CAI and Stillen oil cooler. Looking at next mod but I can only afford one, headers or cat back? I have a Z-tuner who can do either at about the same install cost. I don't drive fast but like to het to speed fast. Suggestions?

10-24-2012, 09:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Trips Administrator Join Date: May 2009 Location: Disneyland, Ca Posts: 8,730 Drives: 🔰 Rep Power: 10	CBE has my vote And Welcome benwinrich likes this. __________________

10-24-2012, 10:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
gomer_110 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Perrysburg, OH Posts: 17,992 Drives: '11 Nismo #528 GM Rep Power: 36941	Do the CBE (Fast Intentions FTW) first then decide if the headers are worth it for your situation. Also I think you're installer is smoking something if he's going to charge the same price for either CBE or header install. The header install is significantly more involved. __________________ '11 370Z Nismo #528 Fast Intentions \| Stillen \| Motordyne \| Uprev \| CSF \| Zspeed \| Z1 Motorsports \| AST \| Swift \| SPC \| SPL \| Whiteline \| Hotchkis \| Bride \| Schroth \| Robispec \| Cusco \| Nismo \| Volk \| Forgestar \| Hoosier \| RJM '17 Titan Bone Stock

10-24-2012, 10:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
LakeShow A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: L.I., NY Posts: 5,307 Drives: Everything Rep Power: 25	Welcome __________________ \|2013 Audi S4\|Ibis White/Black\|S-Tronic P+\| \|2013 370z\|PearlWhite/Persimmon\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|F.I. CBE 18" CF\| \|Sold\|2011 370z\|Gun Metallic\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|

10-25-2012, 05:23 AM	#9 (permalink)
Z-Girl 12 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 4,105 Drives: Spirited Rep Power: 11716	My CBE install was $65 and I love the sound...freakin awesome! Oh and the look jus finishes off the amazing rear of the Z! __________________ 2012 Z-SOLD 2014 Nismo #565 Fast Intentions CBE/HFC/Swift/SPC/RJM/H&R-15/20mm/Z1 CAI/Headers/Intake Manifold w/Uprev Tune 328.31whp/263.64tq

10-24-2012, 10:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
benwinrich Base Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 9 Drives: 2009 370Z spt,auto, Rep Power: 13	I live in TX and annual inspections are required.

10-25-2012, 10:16 AM	#11 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	If the header install is really going to be the same cost as the cat-back, go for the headers now and install a cat-back yourself later.

10-25-2012, 10:53 AM	#12 (permalink)
dmhenderson A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,930 Drives: AWD TT 370z Rep Power: 26	Headers are a HUGE pain in the butt on the Z and not something you want to attempt yourself unless you really know what you're doing. __________________

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