Ok, need some suggestions or help. I bought a 97 4dr 5spd DX and it already had a Magnaflow Catback Exhaust. What I want to do is put a header/Hiflow cat on it without spending $500 on Magnaflow's header/cat combo for the DX. I'm thinking just converting over to EX Exhaust, but would the Catback that is there be able to bolt up to it, or do I have to modify or get a new EX catback to make it work?

 

it will all bolt up fine

 

^not necessarily




Does the Magnaflow exhaust on there have a very short section of the exhaust that is about 18" long, pretty much right under the steering rack?

If so, everything will bolt up, you just put the EX style cat in place of that short piece of exhaust pipe. If not, you will have to get the exhaust shortened in that one place (which should be very easy for an exhaust shop and cost less than $50.)

I recommend a Megan Racing header and a Magnaflow High Flow cat. This is probably the most economical solution without sacrificing quality.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MEGAN...es#ht_2036wt_0

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

I have both of these products (except my catalytic converter is a different model number because mine doesn't have an O2 sensor on it) and they're nice. Just make sure to torque all the header bolts down good, especially the ones on the flange that connects the 2-pieces together (midway flange). Start off by torqueing them down to specs during installation, and then retorqueing them after you have driven the car some and allowed it to cool down. Check it again in a couple days and retorque them if necessary. After that you should be good.

 

Alright, Thanks I kinda asked this question without really looking under the car yet, but thanks for the info. I was kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place if it didn't bolt up.

 

does your exhaust have the short section of exhaust i mentioned?

 

Yeah, it does from what I can tell from pictures of the kits for the DX. It has a section the is for the resonator, section for the muffler, a bent pipe, and a straight short section.

 

Alright, that's good then. That means your header will replace the manifold/cat, and the new cat will replace the short pipe on the exhaust. Oh and another great thing about that magnaflow catalytic converter (mine had it, yours may not) is that it has a spin flange which allows you to more easily align your exhaust without having to force things into place.

 

Oh, so you can spin it and fit it instead of twisting it with the whole system attached.

 

yea.
i had a guy tell me though that his magnaflow direct-fit cat didn't have the spin flange, and his was the same as what you need.
I have 92-95 (OBD1) so I use a different cat. mine has a spin flange. I honestly don't see why magnaflow wouldn't put it on the other one too, the overall design is the same except your kind has an O2 sensor bung. Even if it doesn't have the spin flange, I wouldn't be too worried. I'd expect pretty good fitment from a magnaflow product, regardless of the spin flange.

 

Yup, that's what is good about a reputable company, you get years of quality and service when you buy from them. They have the money to make it work for the vehicle you order for, not any "Universal" Cats.