Ok I see. So if I get headers, put the s pipe with cat on, get a mid pipe and keep my trd axle back I should be in good shape. THanks for the help. I appreciate that.

 

no worries... also just a tip... dont know if you are familiar with racing header installs or not... but whether you go Megan or DC... it will most likely trip your CEL. but there is an easy fix for this. for about 3 or 4 bucks at your local checker or autozone, pick up a pair of 18mm "Help" brand spark plug antifouls. you will need to drill a 1/2" hole in ONE of them to accomodate the O2 sensor on the downpipe. it doesnt bypass your emissions, but it will keep the sensor from tripping due to the increase exhaust flow from the larger header.

 

Yeah I'll definately do that because I don't want a CEL. To pass emissions can you put the stock header back on or do you have to put all the stock pipes back on? I don't have to get the car inspected til 2011 so it's kinda of a moot point but I was just curious.

 

well, I dont know how strict they are in Jersey... but you shouldnt have to hold on to the stock parts once you have the car running well. If you go with Megan or DC, most of their models for the tC do NOT bypass the O2 sensor on the header. so you should be ok. the Megan is a better header as far as HP gains and quality...plus they are generally cheaper than DC. with DC you pay more for the name, w/ Megan that has been in racing for years and years... you simply pay for the performance. If you want the Megan one... send me a private email message on here and I'll hook you up with a good supplier out of CA.
with the Megan, I had my car dyno'd afterwards, well I do with every mod. it is putting out a solid 10 HP gain at the wheels. Not bad at all for 200 bucks. (which is about 130 cheaper than getting it anywhere else)