[dirtbiker348]

I've been searching this website, and read the whole "Update on spi headers" thread, and still can't find exactly how to modify a header to work for the spi. I read that the escort gt header can work, as well as zetec headers, since they have the same firing order. I'd rather go for a shorty header so i don't eliminate my cat. I no people on this site have made them, since i see them being sold once in a while, and since i have access to a welder, i want to try to make one.

So if someone who has made a header for an spi can tell me what header they used, and what exactly needs to be done, it be great.

 

[collective2]

I haven’t seen anyone modify a Zetec Shorty header for the spi... yet. If you can find one with a similar flange to the Zetec race header I don’t see why you couldn’t. Also you don’t need to weld anything when modifying the header. You may only need to weld if you want to use the zetec flexpipe that comes with some the headers on eBay. Also, if you go the shorty route to keep your cat, you would still need to upgrade to a hi-flow cat and larger downpipe. Your stock cat wouldn’t last too long with the larger header plus you wouldn’t get the full benefits that the header would bring.

I started a thread about this months ago when I made mine and its currently only a few threads down right now. Click here.

I used this header in my project: Click here.

And this is a link to the "instructions" I used to modify my header: Click here.

 

[SmokeyJBluntz]

according to that auction, it is a 2.0l zetec header... im really interested it this also, except i dont want a shorty header... from what i read i think what you want is a 90 escort GT header, then you modify from there. which would suck because if im right, i had one, but kinda sorta lost it...

 

[dirtbiker348]

So according to that thread, all you have to do is drill holes in the flange, and cut the top part off, that's easier than i expected. I will most likely be doing this in auto shop sometime this school year.

With the header that you have, can you still pass inspection or do you go back to your stock header before the inspection, jw.

 

[collective2]

I don't have emissions testing where I live, so I don't know. But most likely it wouldn’t pass.

 

[phocusphreak]

So according to that thread, all you have to do is drill holes in the flange, and cut the top part off, that's easier than i expected. I will most likely be doing this in auto shop sometime this school year.

With the header that you have, can you still pass inspection or do you go back to your stock header before the inspection, jw.

deleting the egr wont pass emissions tests. Certain states are diff. of course in how strict they are. I know for a fact it wont pass here. But your best bet is to get the focus style zx3/zx5 header and modifying that. And no it's not a simple drill and cut job. There's hanging "issues" for the new top bolt pattern is what i heard. What im doing is going to a local muffler shop who is known for custom exhaust work and having a flange made and welded on. Once i get a quote i can send u the price and maybe he can knock out a few of them for cheaper. Collective will tell u what he did. The first successful job was done a while back and triangular pieces were cut to help fasten the top bolt pattern. Again i think ur best bet if u have the tools and access to a shop. Cut the flange off. Smooth out where u cut it. Grab another 1/4 piece of steel, cut as needed, and drill the holes as needed. Reweld. Slap that mofo on there. As far as the EGR goes again i'd either cut the current one off, weld it shut, and have it relocated to where you're current one is so no mods the actual EGR tube is needed, if indeed you wanted to keep the EGR system.

 

[Gregorzzz]

Emissions testing is what is tempting me to get my inspection right after winter, 3 months beforehand so I can just mod and slap my header on and not have to switch for inspection for awhile.

 

[phocusphreak]

Emissions testing is what is tempting me to get my inspection right after winter, 3 months beforehand so I can just mod and slap my header on and not have to switch for inspection for awhile.

for a while lol.. just dont delete the egr system

 

[collective2]

I don't really think the egr matters too much if you have the race header on because if they use a sniffer no cat = fail.
And I think it would be a butt load of work to put the stock header and cat back on every time for emissions testing. I don't think the header is worth that much effort.

 

[loudfocus01]

LOL.........I passed inspection with no cat, and egr system completely disabled.
Guess I better not move to another state anytime soon. This area of MO rocks.

 

[Gregorzzz]

They plug up to the OBDII port for emissions in pa. I'm guessing with the O2 sensors at the cat, if you did that little plug mod to trick the computer into thinking the cats still there, then some kind of egr code would be my issue. I dont think he'd notice the cat missing either, the mechanic I took my stuff to is wierd.

 

[jmiller_1974]

Just run another O2 sensor downstream, and You should be fine, emissions-wise.

 

[phocusphreak]

hey did dirtbiker get any useful info?

 

[dirtbiker348]

Yes i did, its just a matter of buying a header and talking to my auto teacher bout it. Do you guys think it would be easier to fabricate my own flange and weld it on there or its easier the other way.

 

[collective2]

Well having done it myself I think it’s much easier to modify the current flange, a custom flange would be way more work or if you don’t do it yourself way more money. The end result would be nicer but not any more functional.

 

[phocusphreak]

yeah it's a 50-50