You think my xb would run okay if i installed headers and a cat back w/o the cai? I read that the cai screws with your maf and i dont want to have to deal with any of that.

 

It will run ok, but without the cai you will not notice much of a performance increase over stock. I installed the Injen short ram intake on my box at 5,000 miles. It makes a BIG difference. I now have 45,000 miles on the car and have had no problems. The stock header and muffler flow pretty good. Since the catalytic converter is the biggest restriction in the exhaust, I can't imagine that you will see much gain with a new header and muffler, unless you are operating above 5000 rpm. However, you will notice a louder exhaust note.

 

It would run OK, but you're not going to get as much benefit from those parts as you would if you did the Intake also. Header and exhaust allow more air flow out the exhaust side of the engine. This is generally more beneficial when you have more air flowing in the intake side as well.

It's like putting a big hose at the end of a little hose. The big hose isn't going to make more water flow out because it will be restricted by the little hose already. Personally, I don't think the stock intake is that restrictive that it would cause a problem, but I also don't think the MAF problem is as bad or as widespread that I would shy away from the intake. Just make sure you wipe the intake out before install and let it idle for 10-15 minutes once its installed.

 

I hope i'm not asking an insanely stupid question. Is a new cat included with a catback exhaust system? If not, would you recommend i purchase a new cat converter?

 

TheScionMan is dead on. "You can't get out what you don't put in," is the way I have always heard it. The new header and exhaust (very minor) will free up any restrictions associated with their factory counter parts. The increase though will be minimal because you are not providing more air to the motor by way of an improved intake system. You will not see the true benefits of the header and exhaust until you add a free flowing intake.

If you do decide to look into intakes I would highly recommend the F5 Fujita short ram. It isn't a CAI, but performs quite well, and has the best short ram design in the industry for our application. Well, at least in my opinion. The best pricing I have seen on this is from http://www.ptuning.com. You can get an additional 5% off purchases there for being a Scionlife member. Simply enter "ptscionlife" as the coupon code when you check out.

 

Just so you know...

90% of exhaust systems for the xB are "axle-back" not "cat-back." For those that are cat-back the begin after the catalytic converter. I know you aren't in California, but if I recall correctly, you can not replace a catalytic converter with anything but a factory unit until the car is 7 years old or older. At least that is what every exhaust shop told me a few years back when I was dealing with my Dakota. This probably isn't the case in other states.

You can buy high flow catalytic converters though. Your best bet is to just check with your favorite online store or do a google search. Just keep in mind, once you get into high flow catalytic converters you are going to start getting into welding and custom piping.

 

hmm...I'll hold off on that. I bought the car to cruise in, definitely not to race in. I just needed a little extra bolt on hp. thanks for the help.

 

intake and a nice muffler... adds some oomph to your seat dyno. lol. If anything, they do sound cool.

 

the injen is the one that's notorios with clogging up yer maf.


any intake where the crankcase vents after the maf is perfectly fine.

 

The problem with the sensor is normally caused when a CAI filter is cleaned, and re-oiled. Too much oil is absorbed into the filter causing the sensor to malfunction (due to oil). AEM has the answer for that in their relatively new "dry, cleanable" filter. That is what I am switching to when the original filter needs cleaning/reoiling on my OEM, AEM CAI. I don't like taking the chance of fouling the sensor. I still have stock exhaust, but the CAI definitely helped out a bit in the HP area.

 

i have the strup header and exhaust and i've had a very noticeable increase in power from stock. although it does still seem like the engine is struggling for air especially on uphill climbs. hopefully when i get the fujita intake it'll help.

 

it works fine i have strup headers and a strup axle back with the stock intake to me it sounds good and runs good but im in the process of buying a cai.