OBX header instal Protege5

[MP5cd]

Went is surprisingly easy.You will need a O2 Sensor Simulator Mechanical CEL - MIL Fix $10.The Check engine light does come on.Best off to have a new exhaust donut,strange but you can only get at mazda , its larger than norm+ good chance old oem will not come loose.Be ready may need new springs and studs.Removed the cooling fan two bolts,makes easier to position header in place.Will not make exhaust any louder with stock muffler.Reuse old monting hardware for header flange.Good luck hope the pics help.
new pic:Just got oem pieces back today from paint shop.Engine enamal Aluminum baked at 200f.Looks real good

[RedAstina]

So what do you think of it? I had mine installed yesterday and i reckon i have lost a wack of low end torque, albeit on a 1.8.

I do still have stock piping from the cat to the axle where it widens again to 2.25 with a straight thru muffler, which is probably the reason.

looks really nice tho on the car.

[RaiderMP5]

Try the non-fouler method to really fix the whole CEL thing. That resistor capacitor trick works not nearly as well as the non-fouler. Check the how-to, as there is a new thread about it.

[SlowPro98]

Yeah, I installed mine about a week ago- didn't have the donut, that was the biggest pain in the ass. I was pleased with the ease of the project.

Biggest power gains are in the higher rpms, so it's great for passing power on the highway. I've been doing a lot of cruising on back roads (took rt 85 from waterford all the way back to manchester) and there's more pulling power.

Now I need save my $$$ and get some UDPs and a tranny saver.

[MP5cd]

Try the non-fouler method to really fix the whole CEL thing. That resistor capacitor trick works not nearly as well as the non-fouler. Check the how-to, as there is a new thread about it.thank you sir ,i got the mech none fooler coming.

[MP5cd]

Yeah, I installed mine about a week ago- didn't have the donut, that was the biggest pain in the ass. I was pleased with the ease of the project.

Biggest power gains are in the higher rpms, so it's great for passing power on the highway. I've been doing a lot of cruising on back roads (took rt 85 from waterford all the way back to manchester) and there's more pulling power.

Now I need save my $$$ and get some UDPs and a tranny saver.YES PAIN in the A_ _.Big time i actualy cheated i instaled all but donut.Midas did it for $50 out the door.Mazda wanted almost $30 just for donut.

[MP5cd]

So what do you think of it? I had mine installed yesterday and i reckon i have lost a wack of low end torque, albeit on a 1.8.

I do still have stock piping from the cat to the axle where it widens again to 2.25 with a straight thru muffler, which is probably the reason.

looks really nice tho on the car.
yes i am not to sure about gains but looks so good and saves tons off weight.

[Rac3rX]

Might be different on a 1.8 but In sure there are some top end gains (auto or manual?)

I put mine in a few weeks back on my 2.0L and just love the added grunt.

Times at the track reflect the added power ta boot.

[MP5cd]

Might be different on a 1.8 but In sure there are some top end gains (auto or manual?)

I put mine in a few weeks back on my 2.0L and just love the added grunt.

Times at the track reflect the added power ta boot.good to hear,i have to finish the rest off the exhaust 2.5.

[Tengo]

ive been looking at the obx headers for a while, well i take it you need some new hardware and something about the CEL fix???? it seems well worth it though.

[Rac3rX]

Very much worth it, get a non-fouler fix for 10$ and there is a How to with detailed pics, that cures the CEL

The install is megga easy

And Look at my Sig for track times (Stock she runs arround 17.2)

Also the MAM mid pipe should give you enough of an exhaust line.

The gains are felt with certainty, there is no question, she even pulls nice in 5th.

[Tengo]

fifth??? of what fifth u talk about??? lol, i have an auto. but doesnt the stock o2 sensor just plug into that hole on the obx header?

[Rac3rX]

fifth??? of what fifth u talk about??? lol, i have an auto. but doesnt the stock o2 sensor just plug into that hole on the obx header?

5th in my 5spd lol

Yes there are bungs for the sensors to go into, but if just plugged you will throw a CEL and run in "Limp" Mode.

The non foulers is installed on the 2nd o2 sensor to trick the ECU into thinking the CAT you removed is still there. This way you dont throw a CEL or go into "Limp" Mode.

[Tengo]

ohhhh ok i get it know, i say u make the non fouler things u made and sell them!! cuz i dont have a drill and i would never be able to make it as perfect as u.

[RedAstina]

after some more driving i reckon i have definetly made gains up high, the car doesnt trail off towards the redline like it used to, i just get less of the push in the back at low rpm than i used to...the power curve seems to ramp up more now.

[P-Funk!]

Now do the UD pulley to get back some bottom end. The combination works well. ;)

[02PROTEGE2.0]

see i just did ractive headers.... i like them a whole lot

u see, the ractve header is four pipes all the way till an inch from the mid pipe... i think this design works better....

none the less i feel alot of pull in mid and high rpm... the tires peel when i shift hard into 3rd!!! my mustang barely does that! it gives it a bit more growl but im sure pne the rest of the exhaust is done it will help playh into that equation

[Rac3rX]

see i just did ractive headers.... i like them a whole lot

u see, the ractve header is four pipes all the way till an inch from the mid pipe... i think this design works better....

none the less i feel alot of pull in mid and high rpm... the tires peel when i shift hard into 3rd!!! my mustang barely does that! it gives it a bit more growl but im sure pne the rest of the exhaust is done it will help playh into that equation

Sweet

I like the OBX/Tsudo design best myself. Its 4-1 and the primary lenths are short, I want the gains to be most evident from 3.5 to 4 grand and up, for low end grunt Im grabbing the UDP. The combo has been proven to work well.

[MP5cd]

see i just did ractive headers.... i like them a whole lot

u see, the ractve header is four pipes all the way till an inch from the mid pipe... i think this design works better....

none the less i feel alot of pull in mid and high rpm... the tires peel when i shift hard into 3rd!!! my mustang barely does that! it gives it a bit more growl but im sure pne the rest of the exhaust is done it will help playh into that equationow yes

[MP5cd]

Sweet

I like the OBX/Tsudo design best myself. Its 4-1 and the primary lenths are short, I want the gains to be most evident from 3.5 to 4 grand and up, for low end grunt Im grabbing the UDP. The combo has been proven to work well.Yes i did Tsudo,CAN YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE? nope
No need for pieces,more room for leaks.the 4 into 1 equalizes the exhaust ports exactley,unlike oem #1&2 ports collide.Looks like vroom vroom bike exhaust pic.

[MP5cd]

i posted the OEM finished pieces on friends E-bay iItem number:8075026387 other pictures as well.We need this coating with all the yucky SALT in Canada before it gets eaten up,looks amazing,like aluminum ,bling bling(canada) .

[Replica]

I thought my OBX made gains....then i went to a dyno... :(

The header certainly does clean up the engine though.

[njaremka]

I thought my OBX made gains....then i went to a dyno... :(

The header certainly does clean up the engine though.

do you have before and after graphs? what other mods do you have?

[Rac3rX]

I thought my OBX made gains....then i went to a dyno... :(

The header certainly does clean up the engine though.

They make gains, keep in mind peak gains are NOT all that matters, dont forget about gains throughout the power band.

I run 16.0 all I have with an intake header exhaust & thats 1.2 seconds faster then stock, I think at least SOME gains would be neededto go over a second faster.

$10000000

You didnt do the Dyno runs correctly

Number 1 the ECU needs to be reset and have time to recalibrate itself inorder to get the full gains.

If you just did a dyno run stock, then swapped over the headers and did another dyno run, your dyno runs show no usefull information.

Or it was done wrong in another way.

[Replica]

They make gains, keep in mind peak gains are NOT all that matters, dont forget about gains throughout the power band.

I run 16.0 all I have with an intake header exhaust & thats 1.2 seconds faster then stock, I think at least SOME gains would be neededto go over a second faster.

$10000000

You didnt do the Dyno runs correctly

Number 1 the ECU needs to be reset and have time to recalibrate itself inorder to get the full gains.

If you just did a dyno run stock, then swapped over the headers and did another dyno run, your dyno runs show no usefull information.

Or it was done wrong in another way.
With just an intake I dynoed 101whp and 111trq.

With the mazdaspeed axle back and OBX header, with the CEL fix AND resetting the ECU and driving the car for about 3 months, I dynoed again. 104whp and 114trq. I'm not sure how I could have done the dyno pulls "wrong", I don't operate the dyno. Please share your dynos, I'd like to see how everyone else is doing "post-header."

Peak power isn't that important, I agree. After installing the parts, my power curve was all pokey looking and didn't pull as smooth as stock. I'm sure the assumptions are coming that somehow I messed something up or it could be there is alot of hype and no one wants to be realistic about what is really possible with the FS-DE.

There are obviously going to be people here with higher stock dynos, and rightly so. Every dyno and operator comes out with different results. Every P5 and sedan that was modified I raced, I either beat or pulled even with. This isn't a typical "Replica hates mazdas" post, just my experiences with the mazda i owned. Hopefully future owners will have better results.

Your increased 1/4 time was probably due to a better 60 foot. A 16 flat is pretty good for a Protege. It's close to catching my SI, and stock MSP's. (rtfm)

[Rac3rX]

With just an intake I dynoed 101whp and 111trq.

With the mazdaspeed axle back and OBX header, with the CEL fix AND resetting the ECU and driving the car for about 3 months, I dynoed again. 104whp and 114trq. I'm not sure how I could have done the dyno pulls "wrong", I don't operate the dyno. Please share your dynos, I'd like to see how everyone else is doing "post-header."

Peak power isn't that important, I agree. After installing the parts, my power curve was all pokey looking and didn't pull as smooth as stock. I'm sure the assumptions are coming that somehow I messed something up or it could be there is alot of hype and no one wants to be realistic about what is really possible with the FS-DE.

There are obviously going to be people here with higher stock dynos, and rightly so. Every dyno and operator comes out with different results. Every P5 and sedan that was modified I raced, I either beat or pulled even with. This isn't a typical "Replica hates mazdas" post, just my experiences with the mazda i owned. Hopefully future owners will have better results.

Your increased 1/4 time was probably due to a better 60 foot. A 16 flat is pretty good for a Protege. It's close to catching my SI, and stock MSP's. (rtfm)


A few things will affect the dyno reading, and make it difficult to get the gains clocked exactly, but possible, and you must check for it. Humidity, & Air Temperature, a tough combo to get exactly the same on any other day, but again posible. There is also Oil quality. Its best for something that takes a ECU reset to have as close to the same quality of oil as possible, dropping new stuff in before the pull, both times.

And then there is the peak, not being the only point in the power band to look at, you should take several points and compair at those given points, not just peak.

If your not pulling smooth, I would check your plugs/cables, & oil

My 60 footer is actually slower because I have more spin from the tires 1sr & 2nd gear and have to keep it in check, due to having more power. They keep track times BUT THRERE IS NO TRACK PREP, they go all out Friday nights and do the full track prep, but it cost 4 times more to get in, so I sticking to my 5$ night with time slips untill I feel Im fast enough.

I also ran 2 runs at 16 flat, 16.048 @ 87mph & 16.08X @ 87mph

[Replica]

I also ran 2 runs at 16 flat, 16.048 @ 87mph & 16.08X @ 87mph
That's a damn good trap speed.

[Rac3rX]

That's a damn good trap speed.

Thanks.

Here are the slips to get a comparison.

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/8630/160491el.jpg


http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/7521/160843cc.jpg

And a bit slower, but the same night

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3309/162304rp.jpg

[Rac3rX]

Those runs were done with old oil (I changed it today) and on a cold drizzly night, hook up was hard to come by.

I also did a engine flush when I changed the oil, and ran a Bottle of new fluid threw the system, before filling her with new oil/lucas oil stabalizer with a slight overfill (about .3 of a bottle, It sits just above the full line) for oil starvation safty.

I also had the spare still in because the track is a good 30 min drive out side the city, bagging it next week so its not going to be in the car neithor will the Jack or rear seats.

I will also have the tranny fluid changed over the next few days, Im doing a Penzoil Syncromesh/Lucas oil stabalizer combo. It should be all set for Tuesday's 1/4 mile runs.

I also use 91 when at the track, and fill it half way.

Tire pressure was @ 17 PSI, Im going to try out 15PSI next week (Progressivly)

In case you cant tell, Im hunting a high 15 second time. (silverpro (laugh)

My mods are only a Injen CAI/Axl Back Exhaust/Tsudo 4-1 header/Nology wires + Denso Plugs/RR-Racing F/R Motor mounts.

Individually they dont do much, but all together they make for some alright gains, uber smooth aditional pull, and passing power in 5th gear.

[thrasher]

My mods are only a Injen CAI/Axl Back Exhaust/Tsudo 4-1 header/Nology wires + Denso Plugs/RR-Racing F/R Motor mounts.


Rac3rX, how did you run the wire for the 2nd O2 sensor after you installed the Tsudo header?

Mine is just hanging in front of the downpipe, but I'm sure there is a way to secure it a little more.

[Rac3rX]

Rac3rX, how did you run the wire for the 2nd O2 sensor after you installed the Tsudo header?

Mine is just hanging in front of the downpipe, but I'm sure there is a way to secure it a little more.

I didnt do much, I just slipped the cable under the 1st o2 sensors clip, and the non-fouler keeps the wires far from the header, Its just hanging un-secured, but I havnt had a issuue at all It doesnt move.

[MP5cd]

I didnt do much, I just slipped the cable under the 1st o2 sensors clip, and the non-fouler keeps the wires far from the header, Its just hanging un-secured, but I havnt had a issuue at all It doesnt move.
same here O2 line just hangs free,in front off header,noproblrms

[thrasher]

I smell something like burning rubber today.

I think it's either just the header, or the grease I used on the threads to put the nut for the EGR tube back on the header.

[Rac3rX]

I smell something like burning rubber today.

I think it's either just the header, or the grease I used on the threads to put the nut for the EGR tube back on the header.


If you greesed the threads It sounds like a likely culprit.

[MP5cd]

I smell something like burning rubber today.

I think it's either just the header, or the grease I used on the threads to put the nut for the EGR tube back on the header.good idea,it will burn off,should protect from rust as well,needed with mazda bolts.

[MP5cd]

wow what a difference, i am sure removing the cat ,and just the weigh savings alone,runs much smoother, better response for sure.Bought header wrap for the heat.

[bumpin_p5]

Bought header wrap for the heat.
I will be getting the obx in the mail soon is it really necessary to wrap the header? just curious.

[Rac3rX]

I will be getting the obx in the mail soon is it really necessary to wrap the header? just curious.

Ive heard bad things about the wrap keeping in too much heat and damaging the header.

There is Jet coating & similar stuff you can do.

Me Im going a different route. I originally grabbed some wrap to do wrap them but not wanting todammage them I went a different route.

I want the headers to stand up to the task, but I also want them to look good, and those looks to last long.

So I opted for this http://www.thermotec.com/products/full/12001/12001.html

Its made for the wrap itself, but works as a paint directly on metals.

Im going to spray them silver. And Redo them if ever they get dull.

[RaiderMP5]

Wrapping can do harm if not done properly. Too much overlap, not enough overlap, all can cause a problem.

With my header, there is more charges to go along withthe standard coating. They gotta remove the oxidation on it, whcih is an additional fee. Sucks.

[bumpin_p5]

so basically it wouldnt hurt if I didnt wrap them then? seems like alot of trouble and risk wrapping them.

[RaiderMP5]

You are on without wrapping, but my engine compartment does get a lot hotter as a result of the header.

[MP5cd]

Rac3rX, how did you run the wire for the 2nd O2 sensor after you installed the Tsudo header?

Mine is just hanging in front of the downpipe, but I'm sure there is a way to secure it a little more.TAKE OFF THE SPRING LOOKING PART FROM THE OLD TRASH CAN I MEAN CAT,UNSREW TWO BOLTS ON THE FAN.PULL IF OUT.aTACH WITH SELF TAPING SCREW THE SPRING THING.hOCK THE o@ THERE

[MP5cd]

Rac3rX, how did you run the wire for the 2nd O2 sensor after you installed the Tsudo header?

Mine is just hanging in front of the downpipe, but I'm sure there is a way to secure it a little more.TAKE OFF THE SPRING LOOKING PART FROM THE OLD TRASH CAN I MEAN CAT,UNSREW TWO BOLTS ON THE FAN.PULL IF OUT.aTACH WITH SELF TAPING SCREW THE SPRING THING.hOCK THE o@ THERE

[MP5cd]

You are on without wrapping, but my engine compartment does get a lot hotter as a result of the header.YES YOU NEED 2" x 15' Roll Exhaust Header Manifold Wrap by DEI and 14" Stainless Steel Locking Ties - Header Exhaust Wrap.

[wildo]

MP5CD, I wanted to commend you on your attention to detail. All of the hose clamps are going the same direction, and are all facing up. Nice...

[Replica]

Wrapping the header isn't going to make much of a difference. Just more hassle...

[i12drivemyMP5]

MP5CD, I wanted to commend you on your attention to detail. All of the hose clamps are going the same direction, and are all facing up. Nice...Hey cool, nice to know there are others that notice things like this when viewing & doing.

[02PROTEGE2.0]

fyi... the longer skinnier heat shield off the bottom of the old headers/cat makes a good heat shield for ur cai thats sitting an inch from ur radiator hose! =) ill take a pic of mine and post it...

i painted all my CAI with ceramic black 500 degree engine enamel as well as the hat shield so it looks nice... not trashy..

[bumpin_p5]

Wrapping the header isn't going to make much of a difference. Just more hassle...

Thanks, I think I'll forget wrapping mine then.

[RaiderMP5]

In doing a scientific comparison of wrapped and non wrapped engine compartments with the infallable "pop the hood on the hot engine" test, the engine compartment was indeed cooler.

People have wrapped headers since the hot-rod days. They do cool off the compartment. That is common knowledge.

Jet-Hot is an option, but it is not cheap. Looks aweseome though. Works just as well if not better. But wrapping does indeed work.

[i12drivemyMP5]

Doesn't sound like anyone doubts that it works. I think the questions are more along the lines of how does it affect the longevity of the header? How much cooler? & Is it worth the time and effort considering the answers to the other questions?

[RaiderMP5]

aaah ok. Well, I have an unwrapped header, and after a year or so unwrapped, I will be wrapping it up, because the engine realll gets too damn hot for my liking.

[i12drivemyMP5]

yeah, mine's that way & yeah way damn hot in there too

[MP5cd]

MP5CD, I wanted to commend you on your attention to detail. All of the hose clamps are going the same direction, and are all facing up. Nice...Thanx its all about the details,actual changing those to the t clamps

[MP5cd]

Doesn't sound like anyone doubts that it works. I think the questions are more along the lines of how does it affect the longevity of the header? How much cooler? & Is it worth the time and effort considering the answers to the other questions?Longevity greatly increase if you buy the spray for them when done.Coller by 1/2,worth time YES but take the time to wrap properly and make pretty.Use the stan. strps.You can only by the spray in US but they cannot ship to me in Canada(just like a spray can of paint).

[MP5cd]

fyi... the longer skinnier heat shield off the bottom of the old headers/cat makes a good heat shield for ur cai thats sitting an inch from ur radiator hose! =) ill take a pic of mine and post it...

i painted all my CAI with ceramic black 500 degree engine enamel as well as the hat shield so it looks nice... not trashy..cool want to see(shocked)

[Replica]

Also, if the header isn't wrapped correctly, it throws dust and crap all over the engine bay.

[02PROTEGE2.0]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/misterwacker/my%20car/062806_1921.jpg

i ahvent gotten the last pipe painted... but its ok... the black one u see there is actually pvc... and i moved the other metal pipe to the fender well... and the maf between that pipe and the pvc... so the temp sensor is basically in the fenderwell... so it gets the air when its its coldest... =)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/misterwacker/my%20car/062306_1340.jpg
JDM bitches!!! aha... had to throw this in.. i just did this like last week.

[MP5cd]

just nology wires and Uderbox pulley header wrap.getting there

[MP5cd]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/misterwacker/my%20car/062806_1921.jpg

i ahvent gotten the last pipe painted... but its ok... the black one u see there is actually pvc... and i moved the other metal pipe to the fender well... and the maf between that pipe and the pvc... so the temp sensor is basically in the fenderwell... so it gets the air when its its coldest... =)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/misterwacker/my%20car/062306_1340.jpg
JDM bitches!!! aha... had to throw this in.. i just did this like last week.VEREY NICE(shocked)

[MP5cd]

THAT PVC HAS AN AWESOME CURVE TO IT.GET SOME aluminum paint,then clear coat the s_ _ t out of it.I may steal your idea (cool)

[i12drivemyMP5]

THAT PVC HAS AN AWESOME CURVE TO IT.GET SOME aluminum paint,then clear coat the s_ _ t out of it.I may steal your idea (cool)I'm gonna steal your valve cover allen bolt mod then, LOL (thumb)

[Boston5761]

How much did you guys torque your header down? Did you use a torque wrench, or just tight them until tight?

[Rac3rX]

How much did you guys torque your header down? Did you use a torque wrench, or just tight them until tight?

Untill nicely hand tight, I could of went further, but dont want to stress the bolts, just use some lock tight and make her nice and snug, but dont over do it.

[MP5cd]

I'm gonna steal your valve cover allen bolt mod then, LOL (thumb)
thats funny cuse i was going to rec.

[MP5cd]

How much did you guys torque your header down? Did you use a torque wrench, or just tight them until tight?i just hand didi it, should use a torque wrench.