STS legal header and cat

[STS-ZX2SR]

With the new STS cat rule that allows for highflow/aftermarket cats, in lieu of usinging a JBA header and a 'direct fit' cat (hi-flo or otherwise),

http://i21.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/bf/6d/7377_1.JPG

http://www.convertergeek.com/itemimages/30396.JPG

...is there any reason not to use a Focus shorty and a universal cat, with a custom pipe that connects to the cat-back? It would be a lot less money, just because the ZX2 Header is so much more in cost than a number of good Focus headers.

http://i17.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/f5/ae/d52c_1.JPG

http://www.convertergeek.com/itemimages/70317.JPG

Dos this infringe on the rules at all in that the Focus 'dump' from the header is a bit more centered, whereas the ZX2 is offset to the tight side of the car slightly.

[zxtwou2]

i've been wondering this myself..because i'm sure they won't be letting me run in STS much longer with a catless 4-2-1 header. the only thing that's kept me from going JBA with custom cat/downpipe yet is the cost. i'd love to know if we can use the focus shorty header..because right now the JBA is the only header that's CARB legal for the zx2.

[ZeeEcksTwo]

IIRC, the old board had a dynograph on it that showed the JBA making very few gains below 3500RPM & having no improvement above that over the OE log.

[zxtwou2]

well...as long as the focus mani is CARB legal....i don't see why we couldn't use it. nothing in the rulebook says the parts you use have to be made for you make and model. after all, i have a strut tower bar from a ford probe, sway bar from an escort LX, and a few other random parts.