Hey guys,

I'm doing a light all motor build on my 99 GSR and having trouble deciding on header choice. I will list the specs of my build below for you N/A experts. I am between the Skunk2 Alpha and the PLM Tri Y style header. I live in PA and have to face emissions yearly, which I'm still deciding on how to do, hopefully can find a lenient shop since I'm not going to be OBD2. I want to keep a cat there for the O2 sensor and inspection reasons. Test pipes won't pass visual and will throw the O2 code. Anyone think either of these is better than the other? Also..which cat can I use since I know these are cat deleters, I want to use a shorter/universal cat that won't throw codes etc..any idea of sizing. Will be going into an Apexi N1 Catback. I couldn't find much when searching. Thanks.

Specs:

Block:

99 GSr w/ B18C1
.25 oversize P30 JDM pistons on GSR Rods
GSR Crank
OEM HG

AEM SRI
Stock TB/Intake manifold
Stock Valves with supertech retainers/dual springs
Comp Stage 2 clutch and light weight flywheel
Skunk2 Pro Series 1 Cams
Degreed Cams/adjustable gears
Dyno tune with s300

 

I'm curious about cat recommendations as well because I've also got a mild build and I'd like to run a cat. I can tell you that you won't thrrow a code regardless because OBD1 has no O2 sensor after the cat.

 

Contact SMSP and tell him what you want to do, he can recomend you the proper cat and can make it the correct length you need depending on what header you go with. I think the recent header test showed that there's not a big difference between power curves and different headers on a little 1.8L. Pick the header with the best power curve to you and go with that.

 

My concern for the code comes down to emissions time. I'm going to have to put back in my stock ecu to pass obd-2 inspection, or find a shop local to me that will dirty inspect it (unlikely to have that kind of luck). If I'm throwing codes I won't pass. Also - I like running cats, and it'll help in visual inspection as well.

 

I know they're similar, dyno's are close, was looking to se epersonal experience with a similar build. Also - he'll make a custom cat for me? Since i'll be running a rep..I can't justify spending 600+ dollars for an extra whp or two.

 

The dyno test will be pretty representative of most any 1.8L, so I doub't you'll find much difference in anyones personal experience. SMSP makes custom cats for people, I got one from him. He has many different types available too and for a good price.

 

Great, I was looking at his website, I'll shoot him an email. I may go with the PLM because they cost me nothing since I deal them. Gagnar, I will update with what he says..

Mitch

 

Anyone have his contact info? His email isn't active..

 

the cams / header combo is a really important for a good setup and a smooth powercurve

I tested some bad match cams / header last year, we change the header and cam to find the best combo

 

I'm running Skunk2 Pro 1's..anything other then the currently box 4-2 I have right now..

 

On a 2L or larger, the outcome will be greater but on a 1.8L with the headers he's looking at, the differences will be small, even running the pro 1 cams.

 

I think the tri y will be fine. Anyone have his contact info?

 

Anyone else have opinions or SMPS' info?

 

Have you tried this:

http://sms-products.com/Contact.html

 

I am not trying to be a dick head but you sell headers but you don't now how to decide on which one to run? Then you don't know who some are the best header builders are? Like smsp?

Again not being a dick just trying to get an understanding.

 

Email bounced back like I said up there, I might try to make time to call tomorrow.


Yes you are, and you know it. I do sell parts, but was asking about personal experience between two specific ones. Parts data can't tell you what someone with a similar setup had luck with, that's what I was asking for. As for SMSP, I know of him, and his shop. I was asking more about a custom cat, I didn't think he did custom cat work, figured he'd be busy making the headers and other more mass produced things. Clearly I made two choices suited towards my build, just asking for advice on which one might help with my goals over everything. When you stock 10000 parts, it's hard to know which rep style header is gonna perform best when dyno's make them look very similar. Thanks.

 

I honestly wasnt man. There was no way for me to ask without sounding like a dick head.

 

No harm no foul. Is SMSP on the forum anymore?

 

Yea he pokes his head in here once every blue moon

 

Sorry, reading comprehension fail. I had in mind the idea that you found his HT id and got the email that way.

 

I'm just going to try to make ten minutes to call him today at lunch time from his site's contact phone number. I've been working 70-80 hour weeks since it's year end, so I can get on the comp some, but phone not so much. i'll let you all know.

 

Dialed the number off the site, was told it's the wrong number. Safe to say no results from him..

 

Debating if a 60MM exhaust is going to be enough. A couple [people are telling me I need 2.5 all the way through. ANy suggestions. Was gonna run the 2.5 inch through the header, high flow 2.5 cat and then run the N1..

 

2.5 or bigger. I run 3"

 

I'm disappointed you're having trouble contacting SMSP because I was hoping to get a cat from him one of these days. I guess local business is paying the bills...

Edit: try these www.sms-products.com !!!!!NEW!!!!! smsptech@***.net 540-899-2940