xbladr

I know the prob with my dx and putting headers on is that the catalytic converter is in the actual header i have now. I was wondering since i already have a thermal cat-back exhaust would i be able to go out and buy some ex headers like dc sports or something like that and then get a hi flow carb legal cat and get a shop to cut the actual catback so they can go from the header directly to the catalytic converter then to the exhaust? is this possible and if so about how much u think it would cost. I could put the headers on myself not a problem but i was wondering for the cat how am i gonna get an o2 sensor too it or is there only one o2 sensor for my civic like just in the header. Please help me im trying to come up with ideas for this thanks.
Brandon

n1ek

you only have one o2 sensor....just elongate the wiring and you'll be okay.
the ex headers and cat will work, a muffler shop will do the work and should charge you less than $100.

i'm a dumbass. you have a whack catalytic converter. but you still have 2 o2 sensors. one right before, and one right after.


[Modified by n1ek, 4:03 PM 9/30/2002]

xbladr

thanks man what do u guys recommend for headers and a high flow cat where should i go? also wat kind of hp do u think i can expect from my dx if i do that?

lightning

iTrader: (1)

The '96 DX has (2) O2 sensors, one before and one after the cat-header assembly. If you use the the EX header, EX cat, and EX catback all together at the same time it is a strictly bolt on affair. You will have to make a bracket on the backside of the block because the header brace is different. You can usually get enough length on the primary O2 sensor wire to get it to reach the first hole but for the secondary sensor you will need an extension harness. If you are trying to use a catback specifically designed for the DX and the EX header and EX Cat, you will have to cut some of the piping off the catback and have the flange welded back on in the correct place. We do this in the shop quite often.

xbladr

hey has anyone tried ractive headers they make specific header for my car that has two o2 bungs in it for easier install. If so please let me know what u think of them.

lightning

iTrader: (1)

You will get a check engine light. There must be a pre and post catalyst sensor with a catalyst inbetween. Just because there are (2) bungs for the O2s does not eliminate the CEL problem. A quick synopsis: There is one O2 before the cat; if you look at the waveform on a scope, it appears as a very short waveform with a given amplitude. If you look at the O2 sensor behind the cat, it appears to have the same amplitude, but a longer wavelength. This is because the O2 content is different since it has been chemically converted via the cat. The reason that the CEL will illuminate with no cat is because the signal coming from the rear O2 now matches the front O2 signal in wavelength and amplitude. The ECU knows that these signasl should be different and since they are the same gives a CEL.

xbladr

so i would have to extend one of the o2 sensors? now how hard would that be and would i just use regular wire for it or what? thanks also what is a good header at a fairly cheap price?