[Padanky]

So I got a really good deal on Ceramic Strup Header from STICK 1NZ. All went smooth install was quick, when it came to getting the o2 sensor out is when all hell broke out. Factory drove the sensor in crossthreading it, broke my $45 Sensor socket, had to use a torch to try and heat it loose, finally it came out but with no threads and useless. So I had to buy a new one, and the threads are useless in the OEM header now too.

Total cost.

Retail on Header $399+ 25 shipping

My cost: $309 shipped
New o2 Sensor $170
Broken Tool $45
Total: $524

And I can't go back to stock now.
**************************************************
Header is sweet though, nice finish, nice fit.
Sounds nice with stock exhaust. Kinda Audi TTish.

[Rocket_Sciontist]

You might be able to put a helicoil in the OEM manifold, if you can find a metric one.
New header looks sweet!

[Dooby]

Loos good mang !

[Flea]

hmmm ... i may have issues getting mine out as well ... may go ahead and pick up some o2 sensors to be on the safe side .. can always return them if i don't need em.

[Rocket_Sciontist]

You boys might want to try penetrating oil on the threads like the night before. Padanky's was cross-threaded, but you all know how exhaust crap is!

[Flea]

yeah when my header gets here i am going to put it up on stands the night before and spray everything ... that way it will be good and cool ...

maybe i will get lucky with both the sensors.

[Padanky]

I only needed to remove one sensor. The Strup only replaces one.

[Flea]

and if you start getting CEL's you will need to remove the second one to put some spacers in there to correct it's reading...

[bB626]

looks good! sorry about the misfortune...

[Padanky]

Cool, I haven't read up on the header at all, any info is helpful.

Originally Posted by Flea

and if you start getting CEL's you will need to remove the second one to put some spacers in there to correct it's reading...

[Lvbitwiz]

Ya, you'll throw a cel, no doubt about it, I tried the anti fouler trick, and it didn't last too long. Gave up and bought the weapon-r cel eliminator. Has worked great ever since

[Padanky]

You put the cel eliminator on the second sensor? The lights don't bother me since I have the Vegas Gauge over lay and you can't see much shine through during the day.

Originally Posted by Lvbitwiz

Ya, you'll throw a cel, no doubt about it, I tried the anti fouler trick, and it didn't last too long. Gave up and bought the weapon-r cel eliminator. Has worked great ever since

You have the Strup? How do you like it? Seems to go through the gears faster. I haven't driven it on the highway yet.

[Lvbitwiz]

yes, and the exhaust. I'm pleased with both. I won't really comment on performance gains till I have had a chance to use some freebie dyno time. But I'm definately a happy camper

[Bones43x]

02 sensor sockets break...that's a fact of life. Snap-on/MAC/Matco...all of 'em.

The trick to getting the sensors out without stripping them is using a wrench and hitting it with a hammer. The impact is the key. After that, remove the sensor by hand.

The problem is alot of people try to break it loose just by pulling on their ratchet, and then trying to ratchet the sensor out. The threads are very coarse and all it takes is to get the sensor cocked when removing it and the threads strip. Also, don't forget to put antiseize on the threads!

[DTRAIN619]

Sorry for the headache you got from your efforts, Chris. But man, that header does look sweet. And ceramic too! Good job.

[Padanky]

Originally Posted by Bones43x

02 sensor sockets break...that's a fact of life. Snap-on/MAC/Matco...all of 'em.

The trick to getting the sensors out without stripping them is using a wrench and hitting it with a hammer. The impact is the key. After that, remove the sensor by hand.

The problem is alot of people try to break it loose just by pulling on their ratchet, and then trying to ratchet the sensor out. The threads are very coarse and all it takes is to get the sensor cocked when removing it and the threads strip. Also, don't forget to put antiseize on the threads!

First I used my 3/8's impact and then a 1/2.

[NoLimitzInd]

Looks very good. I love mine as well.

[Flea]

my stuff came in today ... so will be installing all of it hopefully first thing in the morning.

[Bones43x]

What happens to the cat with these headers? I've not worked on enough xB2s to know if they're the same as the Camrys where the cat is part of the manifold.

[Flea]

the first cat is part of the manifold ... the second cat is built into the resonator (IIRC)

so the first cat is killed off ...