The cat was replaced by a straight pipe some time in the past. Both quotes I got wanted either 250 to 400 for a cat. I found a set of headers on ebay last night with a flex pipe. I am going to buy them Tuesday. I will then see if I can get a shop to make the other sections of the pipes for me in stainless. I can then hang a new muffler myself if I have to.

The hardest part will be to find time outside work to do this.

 

I haven't started looking into any exhaust hop-up options yet for my 1.9L...that set of headers you're looking at, are they legal, and do they improve exhaust flow the way most headers do? Been wondering what's available out there...

 

I don't know of any headers that are allowed under Cali rules.

If you want to take a look at them search Ebay for

OBX Exhaust Headers 91-95 Saturn SL SL1 1.9L SOHC 8V

Here in Michigan we don't have to worry about inspections.

 

As far as I know there are no problems in using headers in
California unless you are replacing and air injection factory exhaust manifold with non air injection headers which is illeagle. I have installed air injection headers with no problems at all as far as smog certification goes. I have been dealing with smog for 30 years now. Personally I do not find the installation of headers on a street engine of any performance advantage unlesss the engine has been modified heavily or has greatly increased rpm capab ility and most street derived engines do not. However they have incurred a great increase in cost over OEM exhaust manifold and greatly increased agrevation on serviceability.
On small engines, a high flow catalytic converter and a good performance muffler and on large V engines and H pipe or an X pipe with factory manifolds work well. Take your money and put a cam in it.