Can someone explain why this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...mZ190262006963)
or a similar header won't work on a 1st gen? Is it because it won't be a direct bolt up to the rear or will it not bolt up to the head or hit on the firewall?? Thanks for everyones input.

 

I believe it's because the bolt pattern is different.

 

I dunno...according to partsamerica.com the manifold gasket is the same part number. I am wondering if the 2nd gen has the cat further down the exhaust as opposed to right after the manifold like the 1st gen and maybe that's why it "doesn't" work.

 

95-99 has the donut/ball style connection between manifold and cat, newer ones have a straight connection with a flexpipe before that to absorb any movement. I have looked into them looks like a cheap way to get a long tube header

 

1st gens have the 2 bolt ball/socket flange
2nd gens have the 4 bolt flat flange.

if you remove your cat or get a cat from a 2nd gen then it should work fine

 

Sounds good. The other issue I noticed is that on the particular one I linked to shows the downstream o2 sensor right before the flex..which would be in front of the cat. My understanding is that you have an o2 sensor before and after the cat. So how would that work out?? I was planning on running either no cat or a metallic high flow cat. Will I get a cel without the cat? Thanks again guys.

 

since the header you posted is a cat delete, they can put the o2sensor bungs at any spot and it wouldnt matter....
the header has 2 spots for 02 sensors

 

Do Neons run ok without a cat? CEL?

 

They run fine. You may or may not get a cell for the downstream O2 sensor. Some people don't get the cell, others ignore it.