New Exhaust and Header recommendations

[msmoore]

I have a few extra bucs to buy some toys for my 90 Z. So far the only thing I have done is Marc's chip. I would imagine that the next logical "bolt-on" would be headers and exhaust. I do want a better sound. I'm leaning towards the Corsa system. I am also considering headers.
What are the best options for headers?
Can I use the factory cats and still pass emissions?
How difficult is the installation? Is it all truly "bolt on"?
Are there any programming changes required?
What type of performance can I expect?

Thanks!

[A1990]

We don't have a lot of choices for headers as Stainless works is one choice and several have installed the OBX ones. I think basically everyone has copied the Jeal headers. I believe Corey at Henderson Performance in TX may be doing his own headers.

I see that you are in TN so you would be very close to Bowling Green for the Gathering in May. It would be worth your time to go (if nothing else a day trip) to hear the different exhausts first hand. Many of the owners will give you a ride so you can hear first hand the interior sound as well as exterior. OBX also makes an exhaust system that at least looks similar to the Corsa system. I know some members have installed it.

Exhaust sound seems to be a personal choice. Myself I like it loud and proud...headers, B&B exhaust and no cats.

You will need a chip change if you install headers.

Also, if you have a 90 the cats will go with the exhaust manifolds. Not sure about the 91-95's. If you need to run cats, it might be worth it to invest in some new cats that will work with the headers and your exhaust system.

You are probably looking at 40-45 chp gain from exhaust, headers & chip change.

[USAFPILOT]

I bought the stainless works headers and they are great. I retained the AIR system, but if I were to do it over I would scrap it.

[msmoore]

Thanks for the input. If I were to opt for new mufflers only for now, would that gain any HP?
It appears that if in addition to the exhaust and headers, I must also buy new cats and a new chip, my cost will be more than I was estimating.

[Daniel_Mc]

Dennis is right if you can make BG in May you should come. It's a great time and worth the trip. From Nashville to BG is something like 62 miles.

BG 2013

Also LT's no cats and B&B's sound SWEET but it is a personal choice on exhaust.

Daniel

[efnfast]

I did the OBX headers, no cats, and exhaust. It looks like Corsa system and Stainless works. OBX is made in China, so it is cheap. I had the headers ceramic coated, the exhaust came with short fat glass packs that look like cats (works in NH). I had it installed by a local shop. He ended up shiming the motor mounts so the steering shaft didin't rub the headers. So far I'm very pleased. -Steve

[msmoore]

I still need to pass emissions for 2 more years. Once she hits 25, no worries.
Cats are required for that correct?

[Corbusa]

I believe cats are required , or if it looks like cats ( the OBX has fake cats ) and if your your vehicle can pass emissions . I went OBX and they are waiting to be ceramic coated. I'll take some heat and a wedge and dimple/ crease the header instead of shimming the engine , ( but that will require installing it twice ) either way would work.
I also went with Dynomax 17228 mufflers
http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/17228/10002/-1

[Gunny]

You need to come to the BG gathering in May ... as mentioned earlier, it's a short drive from Nashville and can be a day trip. BUT ... if you can manage the time to be in Bowling Green for the entire event so that you can hang out with as many ZR-1 owners as possible, I guarantee that you will learn more in 3 days than you can possibly imagine.

See you there