i'm about to cross 100k miles in my 99ta. Its making me excited and nervous at the same time. I have a R sticker I need to resolve soon, and I need to replace my cat at the very least, and probaly catback/muffler as well. The prior owner fit in a flowmaster that didnt fit, which had to be reattached recently with some brazing (temporary).

While I'm at it I'd consider headers... but whatever I do I need to make sure the computer is fine with it all at inspection time.

The way the car sounds now is great but I'm open to the various systems out there.

 

How strict are your regulations? There are people that can pass emissions by still having long tubes headers and an off-road y-pipe or true duals.

 

MA has tried to pass a ban on aftermarket exhaust several times, but I just checked now and it doesnt seem to be the case. So I just need to pass the computer test, and fool the computer into thinking nothing is wrong.

The inspection guy is pretty cool but he sorta has to go by the book. He warned me that sometimes people get aftermarket stuff and the computer throws a code. I also know of people who change stuff around and pass fine.

Since I'm definitely getting a new cat, will high/low flow throw a code? If I got headers would there be any temperature/o2 sensor changes prompting a code?

 

It is possible to get emissions style long tubes that have the provisions for the AIR and EGR systems and also a catted y-pipe to mate up to the long tubes. Technically, long tubes still are not emissions legal as they move the factory location of the catalytic converters, but they can still be made to pass the "plug-in" style emissions test.

 

you will need to find a shop that does not do stickers so they can do repairs you need some performance shops know what to do to keep emissions in check-they can weld on bungs onto headers for o2 sensors-there are also extensions for o2's to slow readings to allow for mods-high flow cats are fine as long as your car is running good(have one on my 3rd gen and passed twice just fine)don't pick just any shop,you don't want hackers-as long as the engine light is out it will pass emissions(here in mass anyway)

 

Well I'm on Nantucket so its hard to find a proper shop, I'm focusing more on getting the proper parts that will all fit up with sensors and no fuss. Price is the main consideration.

I saw Mac middy headers w/ cats for ~$700 and then a magnaflow 3" catback for ~$400. Would these parts jibe and cover all my bases? is there other good cheap stuff that has what I need? (I really only need cats + muffler, but if the price is good and headers are part of it...)

 

Can't go wrong with that setup, both MAC and Magnaflow have a great repuation for making good quality and nice sounding exhaust components.