I have the opportunity to purchase a ceramic coated 2200 header (98-02) for a decent price, however I have a 97 2.2, so I'm not sure if they interchange.

Rumor has it that all is needed is a slight bend in the midpipe for it to bolt up. Is that accurate?

Also do the ports and bolts at the block line up the same between the 95-97 2.2 and the 98-02 2200?

Thanks

ports are slightly different...... ones higher/lower then the other.....




SPD RCR Z - '02 Z24 420whp
SLO GOAT - '04 GTO 305whp
W41 BOI - '78 Buick Opel Isuzu W41 Swap

the headers are the same

the extensions are different

Ok, so with the extensions being different, is it that they are routed differently, or is it that the variation is minor enough that an exhaust shop could be able to either:
a) put a slight bend in it to line up or
b) take one look, point and laugh?

Please pardon the noobish question, but any chance to save $100 on a brand new header is worth it in the end, unless it's a pipe dream (bad pun ) and I should stick with one that is guaranteed to fit.

the 95-97 has a flange just before the cat , and the 98-02 is welded

the routing is slightly different , but it should be close enough to get you in the right direction

One final question before I make my decision...

Since I am going with a full header back exhaust, (2.25" piping, Magnaflow cat, resonator, etc. ) would the flange even be necessary?