Thanks for all the feedback folks. Really appreciate it.

@FFM, where and when did you get your header install done?

 

Did it myself using a buddies lift, was a couple years ago now. Nobody touches my cars

 

Same here.

 

Same here except my “lift” only gets the car like 2 feet off the ground so I need to work on my back lol.

 

Same here. Jackstands...

 

Appreciate the feedback everyone.

I've called the shops that were highlighted from the thread:

• Stage Auto Center - Estimate @ 15 hours
• VIP Performance - Estimate @ 6 hours
• Tork Motorsports - Estimate @ 8 hours
• Intec Racing - Estimate @ 8 hours
• Ishii Motors - Estimate @ 10 hours

Unless something drastic changes, I'm going to move forward with Intec Racing in Kent, WA.

 

Best of luck with your choice. It won't be hard to spend 8 hours on it if they're unfamiliar with the job. Now that I've done the starter, I'm pretty sure I could do a header job pretty quickly (~4 hours) even without air/power tools.

Finishing this job made me want to convert more of my toolbox to Snap-On stuff to fit in the tight spots easily.

 

I got my PPE headers installed in Oregon (I live in Seattle). Portland speed industries. They did my headers and rr racing bushings for $600 or $650. I can’t remember but it was worth the drive.

 

IIRC Washington has fairly strict emissions laws and when you install aftermarket headers you remove the primary cats which instantly fails you and you deal with the stink. You get about 40 hp though, which is awesome but most of that comes from the cat coming out, not the pretty looking, shiny header, that no one can see after it is in.

What I have been pondering is what I would do in this case.

I might remove the OEM headers and have them repaired, then relocate the factory primary cats to the midpipe. Then, with my remaining money (since I didn't buy headers), I would have a non- cat midpipe made and get a tune for it.

Not unlike this thread below but with stock cats.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...gesi-cats.html

Then you could pretty easily bolt in and bolt out the cats as you want and pass smog easily. Theoretically, of course.

 

Depends on the county. No emissions testing up in the NW corner of the state. It’s glorious.

 

No testing in Washington state as of 2020.

 

Wow. I'm surprised. CA has a visual plus OBD-II check

 

Yup, I remember a law being passed as of 2020 that WA no longer requires emission testing.

Someone called out Portland Speed Industries, and it looks like it closed down for good? Can anyone confirm that?

Per a few people's suggestion here, I installed the USRS bushings and replaced both front ball-joints while I was at it. Because of COVID-19, pushing off alignment (even though I just got one 3 weeks ago, before the install). Between the USRS and new front-ball joints, a WORLD of difference.

 

Nice! Welcome to the world we’ve been living up here further north forever haha.

 

Thought I'd get everyone an update:
Got my PPE Headers Installed by Intec Racing in Kent, WA. 12 Hours. That included RR Racing Motor Mounts, PPE Headers and replacing the starter motor. Also re-did alignment just in-case; Toe was a bit off.

She sounds so much more raspy and louder than I thought! Definitely feel the pull. I remember reading some folks were saying it's like driving with the 'Sport' mode on. Noticeable difference in NVH, but still within my tolerance of my DD threshold, so I'm pretty happy about that. Lucky enough that I don't smell any fumes when driving with the windows up. I may end up installing a high flow cat, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Here's for the less fortunate news:

• Every now and then, turning left makes this rubbing noise from what seems like coming from the front passenger side. Originally I thought it was the tires, but I just got the alignment. Based on research, it looks to be either a heat shield bolt that's rubbing against the headers, exhaust bracket, or the RR racing motor mount rubbing against the headers. Need to dial in on this one.
• a CEL popped about 24 hours after the install (P0430 and P0420) since I'm running catless which makes sense. I cleared the codes, but will monitor it. May end up with a tune to eliminate it completely.

Other than that, loving the new feel and the rumble. If anyone has any tips on the above two issues, any guidance is appreciated!