Hey there everyone,
Well I had a quick question regarding a header system for our cars. Now I know that it's not really worth the money to get a header, but I just want to polish up the look and response of the motor more, so that's why I'm asking about it.

Now since I live in California, I really can't do too much to my car (So turbo is out of the question unless anyone knows of a 2G Eclipse/Talon 420A C.A.R.B. legal kit LOL!!!)

I was looking at either the GReddy header or Pacesetter header due to them both being C.A.R.B. legal. Now in everyones opinion, which is nicer. My gut tells me to go with the Greddy header, but my wallet says Pacesetter. I don't mind spending the extra $$$ though for a C.A.R.B. exempt part. Especially since it seems like a lot of the header systems don't have a O2 sensor spot on their systems.

My last option was just to remove the stock heatshield and buy an extra set of stock headers to chrome dip (Although I don't know how that would hold up in the heat haha)

Please if anyone could help me, I'd appreciate it. Thanks everyone.

Originally posted by EventsCo21XL
My last option was just to remove the stock heatshield and buy an extra set of stock headers to chrome dip (Although I don't know how that would hold up in the heat haha) Please if anyone could help me, I'd appreciate it. Thanks everyone.

I don't have experience with the other two, but I would say no to the chroming of the stock exhaust manifold. That's like polishing a turd, it's still gonna be a turd when you're done and look ugly as sin.

Haha, that's true. I'm just tired of looking at stock parts that are old and worn LOL. California sucks for modded cars IMO =P

If I remember correctly, the pacesetter is cheap and painted. You could get that, have it sand blasted and then chrome or ceramic coat that one. Just another option.

I myself would not bother coating the stock manifold. If you are going through the effort, coat/chrome something that will look good when it is done. I just don't think the stock manifold will look good no matter what you do to it.

I have the pacesetter.... im happy with it.

After about 15 minutes all the black paint flaked off of it lol, so i wouldnt suggest high temp engine paint

I got my pacesetter 4-2-1 for $70 off ebay. Worth the $ IMO. Give it a couple of coats with ceramic silver paint and you are good go. Although im thinking of wraping it for a bit more performance.

header alone wont really do anything, the exhaust bottle neck is the stock cat, replace that with a high flow one, and get a header, and a full cat back, and you will make some more power

Originally posted by EventsCo21XL
Now since I live in California, I really can't do too much to my car

I have heard about the strict laws in California but have always wondered how is it that most heavily modified cars in the magazines are from Cali? :shrug I think that all of the states will follow in CA's footsteps due to the sudden concern that politicians are now putting on the ozone and global warming.

As for the header you could always get one of those cheap ebay chrome header systems. I had one on my eclipse for two years and took it off a few weeks ago to install my turbo and the chrome still looked good. I think I paid like $80 shipped and it also has two different bungs for an 02 sensor. I would sell it to you for cheap but i'm gonna keep it in case the car doesn't pass inspection here in Jersey with the turbo.

I just put my gst catback in at the same time as the header and I could tell a diff. If it'll mae YOU feel better do it.