I just recently got a CEL for a P0420, the Catalytic Converter... I'm really leaning towards getting the OBX header but I want to see what you fellers that already have it installed to get some feedback. I heard that the y pipe doesn't just bolt on and needs to be extended. Chime in if you know anything!

 

Not for the GS, but I had a generic OBX type header for my '06 Sentra 1.8, and it worked just fine as far as fit and function, but it needed an aftermarket catalytic converter at the end between it and the cat-back because the factory manifold was 1 piece including pre-cat and main cat. Ran it for 20k miles no issues but I put the stock manifold back on due to emissions (CEL was on since I couldn't ever set up the cat and o2 sensor right).

Now this could or couldn't have anything to do with the GS header but thought I'd chime in.

 

Any input is great. That way we can all get an idea of what kind of quality OBX provides.

 

SEARCH OBX header has been covered including installation and review.

How is this useful?

 

I've searched in and out the forum, still haven't found any recent or very useful info. Hopefully this will be an update for all of us who is also interested in the OBX header for their GS300

 

It's useful in that at least OBX makes parts that fit and work like they're made to, in the case of my purchase. You may be right though, as it is unrelated to the GS header which may in fact be a completely inferior product. However, in my research of OBX products for various other cars, I've not really hard of too many quality or reliability issues but usually cosmetic and longevity (cheaper metal etc.).

 

look in the performance section, they already made a thread within that 2gs subsection.
I think the general consensus is AVOID them.

 

Why would you say to avoid them?

 

I just removed my OBX header and Carson Tuned B-pipe from my GS300.

I had them on there since 2006. Performance wise, I did feel some increases, as well as a better growl to the sound. At first, I didn't get a CEL, even w the SRT intake + ECU upgrade, but later the CEL popped up. I sold the SRT about 4 yrs ago and put to stock intake back in there....still CEL was on. I have the LuxuryMotorworks O2 simulator as well, but never got around to install it...so I just rolled with the CEL.

As of last night, after installing the stock header and B-pipe...the CEL automatically disappeared. Incidentally, these are the original O2 sensors from 2001. I cleaned them with brake cleaner before installing them. Also, I didn't reset the ECU or manually cleared it with an OBD2 scanner/reader....cool!!

 

How come you removed the header PHML? Are you saying that the CEL would have went away if you installed the simulator?

 

Time to move on...up for sale in Hawaii Craigslist.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it would have cleared it.

 

So what exactly was the code that came up?

 

This is an old thread, but hopefully this will help someone. I had the OBX headers and the downpipe install on my gs and it is in the process of being sold. But as for the code, I had the same code as you before I had the headers install. So what you can do as a easy fix is to go to a local parts store and pick up a O2 spacer and use a Christmas tree drill bit and drill out the hole to make an opening for the sensor. By doing so your O2 sensor is going to sit flush inside of the spacer. $5 fix and clear your check engine light for the cat

 

I wonder why a code would even come up. Its got to do something with maybe faster flowing exhaust. Maybe it flows cooler because it doesnt meet up with as much resistance. Plus bigger diameter pipes will make the same amount of gas flow slower. Not much but that combined with soft, easy flowing turns will make the gas meet up with less resistance. That is the whole idea of doing it but im guessing the code comes from the fact that it going outside it factory specs.

But what is the code?

 

I used to be pretty active on the LS1/LS2 GTO boards when I still had that car. OBX makes headers for those cars as well which is basically a cheap copy of Kooks longtubes.

Overall opinion is that it's cheap Chinese knock-offs that blatantly copies the designs of better headers (basically stealing their R&D work), while using cheaper materials. It's the textbook example of cheap Chinese knock-offs that is everything wrong with the world today.

Don't contribute to everything that is wrong with the world today. Avoid them.