I know that my on my 98 EX and 96 EX, it is not connected to the cat. Don't know if that helps. Just trying to participate more in this forum overall. I suggest the DC sports header. I think it is like around $300 from NOPI. It was easy to install. Getting the original one out was kinda a pain. Of course, I did have an automatic on the 98 model. Looks easier with the manual tranny. I think you have to buy the donut gasket separately. I cannot remember. You should probably replace the old one since it might leak and you don't want to have to take all that crap apart again.