Confusion about performance headers

[Jay666]

Alright, I am a little confused and need some help. Rather than posting new questions on the previous conversation about performance headers, because there are 5 pages of threads and I tried to get through them all to get some answers for myself, I figured I'd just ask the questions I need answered and hopefully get some suggestions.

I want to get a performance header and after weeks of research, I have my choices narrowed down to the DC and MMW/Weapon R ones. I WAS leaning towards the DC one, but after reading some of your comments on the last thread, I am now leaning toward the MMW/Weapon R. Here's my questions:

1. I am concerned and confused about the "check engine" light. Does the check engine light definitely come on when putting on one or either of these headers?

2. If so, will the CEL Eliminator definitley take care of this? If not, what does?

3. It looks like the MMW header comes WITH the CEL eliminator, I can't see for sure that the DC one does also. Does anyone know?

3. What other concerns or changes should I make as far as the CAT's?

4. Suggestions, recommendations or concerns with mid pipes?

[Graphite]

I read on other forums that the MMW headers are one of the best. I'd go for that, especialy since it comes with a CEL eliminator and s pipe

[Jay666]

Yeah, that's what I keep reading as well it seems like. Thanx for the re-afirmation (is that a word?)

Do you have some headers on yours?

Also, you are from Illinois as well, correct?

[Jay666]

Originally Posted by Graphite

I read on other forums that the MMW headers are one of the best. I'd go for that, especialy since it comes with a CEL eliminator and s pipe

Shoot, I also forgot to ask... so, does the CEL Eliminator take care of the check engine light issue?

If that's a dumb question, I apologize. I'm relatively new to this but have learned a lot in just a few months and am very serious about upgrading, and just want to make sure I cover ALL my bases before I do things s I learn

[Graphite]

Originally Posted by Jay666

Shoot, I also forgot to ask... so, does the CEL Eliminator take care of the check engine light issue?

If that's a dumb question, I apologize. I'm relatively new to this but have learned a lot in just a few months and am very serious about upgrading, and just want to make sure I cover ALL my bases before I do things s I learn

yeah im from IL. i live by OHare.

i have no idea how the CEL eliminator works. you're better off emailing the company for specifics.

I don't have any header, just whats in my sig. I just want to do a basic street suspension set up and maybe exhaust. nothing major with the engine.

and take your time and do the necessary research before dumping loads of money into your car. you won't learn everything in a short period. take baby steps if this is your 1st car you're attempting to mod.

[Jay666]

Yeah, for sure. I tried to contact the company but have not heard back yet. All the research I've done, I've read and heard conflicting answers, so I'm sort of lost.

I'm tying to take my time. I have not done anything major to the car yet myself. Just a lot of minor stuff to finish what was started before I got it. When it comes to all this mojor stuff, I am definitley trying to take my time and do a lot of research.

[bdis3]

The CEL eliminator is a check engine light eliminator. It is basically a spacer that sits you 02 sensor up higher in your s-pipe so it fools the comp into thinking you have the stock headers. IMO just get the Weapon-R. Yeah, its kinda expensive but you get the awesome 4-2-1 design, the CEL eliminator, and the S-pipe. The headers are not a good first mod tho. I would start with an intake or an exhaust, because you will almost ALWAYS sound like a little ricer boy with the headers. They make the car raspy as hell. But if you dont care, go ahead. Good luck and if you have any questions just ask.[

[Jay666]

I have the TRD Cold Air Intake and the TRD exhaust. Pretty happy with both thus far, figured the headers were the best next step in that direction. There are a lot of mods on the car thus far, almost everything you can get from TRD. (saving for the super charger and limited slip though).

Thanx for the info on the CEL eliminator. That's pretty much what I thought it did, but was not 100% sure.

One question on that though. What about when you go adding a mid pipe after the header? Do you have to worry again about the check engine light or anything?

I'm going to get the Weapon R header I have decided...

[bdis3]

Instead of just getting a mid pipe get a whole new cat-back exhaust and sell your TRD. A cat-back would sound better with a header than the TRD and a midpipe. Trust me, my friend has headers, megan mid, and TRD rear section and it sounds like a loud sewing machine. If you want to keep the TRD stay away from the midpipe. But if you do wnt a midpipe get the megan. People might say megan has problems, but i havent seen anything wrong with their mids, or full catbacks. Im actually going to get the megan drift-spec catback. Good luck

[Jay666]

Great, thanx for the info man. I really appreciate it. That would have sucked if I did not know that.

One more question on this, and I know this sounds dumb, but I just want to make sure...

Because it's a cat back exhaust, there will be no other issues with the Check Engine light to be concerned about, right?

[thekevin]

IMO, i would go with the DC header. its a 4-1 design with less welds. better quality and design. you will get a CEL but that's an easy fix.

the only good thing about the MMW header i can think of is that it comes with a s-pipe and CEL eliminator.

[bdis3]

No, no CEL with a catback. The Weapon-R has the best quality I have seen on a header, so IDK what your thanking about. IT also has the 4-2-1 design, so you gain more low end torque and HP. But to each his own.

[Jay666]

I REALLY appreciate all your help and feedback, both you guys. I've done a ton of research and all the feedback from you guys has helped me quite a bit.

I decided I'm going to go with the Weapon R/MMW header for sure.

I'm still trying to decide on the cat back, but I am leaning toward the Megan one. Any suggestions or opinions on the cat back? From what I hear the Megan one is a good copliment to the Weapon R/MMW header. Several other people are also telling me you get a good HP boost with that combo, they fit well together and it also sounds sweet...

[bdis3]

I have a Magnaflow catback that I would want to get rid of if you want it. There is nothing wrong with it, I personally just dont like the sound. There is a film clip on youtube of my setup. search weapon-r headers with magnaflow or something like that. But some other reputable cat back are Agency power(awesome sound and look, but you pay for it), Megan (what I'm getting), Dezod, Ptuning, and i think Greddy may have a catback. Pm me if your interested in my exhaust

[Jay666]

Thanx man, I appreciate the offer. But I wanted to get the Megan one as well. Sounds like that's the one a lot of people go with. Not that I want to be the same as others, but it seems to be reputable.

If I know of anyone looking for a cat back though, I'll mention it to them.