header question

I've searched the forum, but can't find good solid answers.
I'm planning on purchasing a DC header in the near future. Not sure if I'm gonna get ceramic or polished. Anyways:

1. Can I expect noticable gains considering the mods I already have?
2. Will the header produce a more aggressive sound under the hood in addition the the CAI?

Is there anything else I should know about headers?

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

1) The header will produce "decent" hp with your intake and exhaust, but don't expect miracles (as with I/E)

2) Yes, it will sound more aggressive.

Sweet, thanks.

[DjFrost]

Oh since we are on the topic.

Is there any diffrence between ceramic and polished header?
Any reason why I should buy one over the other?

The ceramic coating is designed to keep the heat inside the header. SS is a decent thermal conductor, therefore having the polished SS header you will get much more heat dissipated into the engine compartment than with the ceramic, or at least theoretically. On a long drive where they're both hot for a while, I'm not sure if the ceramic heats through as much as the SS or not.....

In the mid-late 90's the DC Sports ceramic headers were notorious for cracking. I've heard that they've improved upon them and they are less prone to cracking these days, could someone else please back that up or refute it?

b

I've heard the same, but only in extreme cold conditions when the headers are heated up too quickly when the car is turned on. Cracking should not be a problem if you live in warmer temp conditions, like here in southern cali.

Originally posted by accordboy00
I've heard the same, but only in extreme cold conditions when the headers are heated up too quickly when the car is turned on. Cracking should not be a problem if you live in warmer temp conditions, like here in southern cali.

Two people I know had them on their '95 Accords in middle Georgia.....can't exactly call that an extreme cold climate, but So Cal is maybe a little warmer in the winter than GA? They both got cracks in almost identical places, in fact my bro had his replaced under warranty and the new ones cracked pretty quickly.....so that's 3 headers, 2 people, same climate.

But I would expect them to be more durable than that, or at least hope for it. Maybe it's better these days.....

b

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Though there are heat benefits to using ceramic, I would go with stainless for the durability. You don't want to have to mess with the header after you install it.

[Accord Man]

Originally posted by 94_AcCoRd_EX
Though there are heat benefits to using ceramic, I would go with stainless for the durability. You don't want to have to mess with the header after you install it.

same here.

Will the heat from the SS cause any power loss or engine overheating?

[Accord Man]

engine overheating -- no.

power loss -- instead of gaining 2 horses, you may only gain 1.5.. It something of that order. But you know that you wont have any porblems with it.

Do the headers run hotter than stock because they dont have that shield that covers the stock Cast iron?

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by accordboy00
Do the headers run hotter than stock because they dont have that shield that covers the stock Cast iron?

I have no personal experience with them, but from what I've heard, the SS header will heat up your engine bay a little more than stock. Not a big deal though.

[Accord Man]

trev is right.. but who cares, you just need to get your air from somewhere else.


or how about leaving the heat shield.. not pretty, but most efficient.

Will the shield fit over a header?

Hello everyone, I've been reading these forums for the past 6 weeks and haven't posted until now. I debated on the header question for quite a while, and decided to go with the DC Sports 4-2-1 Stainless Steel Header. To answer your second question, the heat sheild will NOT fit with the header on. Below I have included some photos of it installed, so you can see what it will look like. Enjoy!!

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Looks nice Fred, and welcome to HS

[Accord Man]

those are some pretty pictures..

If I remember well, when fitting the heat shiled back in my friend's car the only place where it was tigh is towards the bottom (I'm pretty sure that where it was) -- opposite fo the engine side.. Nothing a little banging couldnt solve..
He went with SS for the looks, but then covered it with a roughed up heat shield. oh well.

[TonitrusEN]

I have DC sports 4-2-1 Ceramic coated, they heat up my engine bay some, but nothing the cool air cant handle..

Nice picks, but have some questions:
1. How long have you had them? Are they becoming discolored?
2. Did you notice more aggresive engine noise?
3. Do you have any other engine/exhaust mods?

1. How long have you had them?

Answer: 5 weeks

2. Are they becoming discolored?

Answer: Not really, they look Silverish/Gold, If you're debating on the Ceramic or Stainless, go with the stainless, nothings uglier than opening your hood to a rusty header, which is what will happen with the Ceramic over time, not to mention cracking. Have you ever read about a stainless steel header cracking? Rarely.

2. Did you notice more aggressive engine noise?

Answer: Hell Yeah sounds real awesome, especially with the Greddy EVO Exhaust and the AEM CAI.

3. Do you have any other engine/exhaust mods?

Answer: Just have AEM CAI, Greddy EVO Exhaust, and DC Sports 4-2-1 Stainless Steel Header. My car is 7 weeks old and has 2900 miles on it....

Sweet, then I'll go with the stainless. I should expect similar sounds with my Greddy SP and AEM CAI. Another question, though: Whats better, a 4-2-1, or a 4-1? What are the pros and cons of each?

I think 4-2-1 is what's recommended for the 6th gen I4's, but I'd wait for a second opinion on that one. I'm not sure on the advantages of one over another, but I think DC Sports (one example) may only make 4-2-1 for our rides anyways.....I'd have to check again to be sure.

Sorry I'm not more positive on things.

b

[Accord Man]

4-2-1

4-1 is meant for heavily modded, higher compression engines.

4-2-1 it is then, thanks guys!

BTW: My local shop has these prices to offer for DC headers:

Ceramic: $335 installed
Stainless: $395 installed

Are these good prices or not. They are really good about price matching, so let me know if yall can find headers cheaper.