tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

I just received my OEM FD2 Type R exhaust manifold in the mail today and will be doing a full DIY write up as I go through the steps, measurements, modifications, etc. to mount this on my 2007 FA5.

Reason behind doing this is I live in California, where all headers are illegal(except CTe shorty). This little piece is a 4-2-1 design from a production vehicle with heatshields and Honda stamped right into it. I don't want to hassle with removing a aftermarket piece every time I go in to the smog station. I know at least one other person that has done this and has passed smog inspection, so I decided this is the manifold for me.

Total cost:
FD2 type R exhaust manifold - $80USD+shipping from overseas(Varies)
EXHAUST PIPE SUPPORT - HONDA CIVIC FD 2006-2012 OEM 18215-SMG-E11 - $9.99USD
O2 sensor extender - $30USD shipped
Welding - $196USD
Total - $315.99

Parts needed:
OEM FD2 type R exhaust manifold
O2 sensor extender
EXHAUST PIPE SUPPORT - HONDA CIVIC FD 2006-2012 OEM 18215-SMG-E11
Welding required for modifications

7/18/2014 Installed


OEM FD2 Type R exhaust manifold:

Top view


Bottom view


Heatshield removed




Update 7/16/2014
Got the old 4-1 exhaust manifold and downpipe/catalytic converter removed and ready to go to the welder tomorrow to make necessary modifications to downpipe and flange.

Will update again when I get back from welder with hard numbers on material that needs removed.
FA5 4-1 vs FD2 4-2-1


FA5 4-1 vs FD2 4-2-1


Update 7/17/2014

Got the header/exhaust manifold installed today, nothing special, just like any other header install.
Now on to some measurements:
Header to B-pipe is right at 14"


OEM catalytic converter length is 15" to the weld, I am hoping to modify it down to around 16"-17" including flanges


Marks showing planned modifications to down pipe/catalytic converter flange


Update 7/18/2014 Installed

Well just got back from exhaust shop and it's installed, not originally how I envisioned doing it, but it's on and I couldn't be happier. It looks clean, even though the original configuration has been altered due to design of the USDM catalytic converter.

Removed the ball flange from the FD2 header and down pipe off of catalytic converter. Added a 4" length of pipe and O2 bung in the pipe for the primary O2 sensor.


Removed a 4.25" section from the midpipe as well as the flange.


Welded midpipe directly to the rear of the catalytic converter.


Installed.

97emsedan

Looks great. Good luck and let us know if it works out.

tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

I have already talked with a guy that did this to his FG2 here in Cali. But he didn't really take notes or measurements.
It will work out, just need to find myself a welder to make needed adjustments to OEM catalytic converter and midpipe.

97emsedan

Good work. I am collecting the OEM parts for a FD2 brake installation on my FA5. I have the calipers, the necessary wheel spacers to ensure I can run my OE rims as well as my HFP rims. I just need rotors, and a good dry weekend to do the work.

tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

I looked into the FD2 brakes, but have decided when I'm ready to do the TSX caliper/rotor upgrade instead, which also clear OEM 17" wheels.

Should have my hands on a welder next week, so I will get all the parts, measurements of cuts and modifications needed.

97emsedan

That's the beauty of the FD2 calipers, with two small bends of the backing shield, the calipers bolt on and fit perfectly.

DaveSi677

DC5R Brembo upgrade is plug and play swap with no need for any mods except the heat shield.

If you are going to upgrade I would go with the TL-S brembo package a lot cheaper and way better!

tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

TSX rotors and calipers are bolt on as well and have great reviews from the track guys, thicker rotor(same diameter), larger caliper piston and larger pad surface area

DaveSi677

I agree they are better then the Si but it's still a single piston caliper compared to a 4 piston caliper... Rotor is bigger on the TL-S also.

Most track guys do say the TSX are good but they do complain that they aren't enough that is why most are going with the TL-S instead.

Btw on all setups you will need to upgrade the MC or else the pedals won't feel stiff and you will be having to go further down to brake (pedal travel).

tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

Since I won't be tracking this car for quite a while still, the TSX brakes are in my budget, I do go on spirited mountain drives and have experienced stock brake fade already, so it is on my to do list.

Thanks for the reminder on the MC, My brake upgrade won't be done for about 6 months, so it gives me time to research and parts gather. Finding the FD2 exhaust manifold was a long search, when this one fell in my lap for $80+shipping.

m_shake

Damn dude, nice price on the manifold!!

tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

7/16/2014 Updated first post

tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

Updated and installed

m_shake

Well done!

tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

Thanks, It's a noticeable difference down low in the RPM range, well worth it to me and stay "legal" in Cali.

97emsedan

I am confused though. Why didn't you just cut back the mid-pipe to accept the longer distance needed for the cat? It would have been much easier to cut and re-weld the flange on the mid-pipe rather than unitize the whole exhaust from the header back to the muffler, don't you think?

tlarimer

iTrader: (3)

That was the original plan, but the fixed 10-12* angle of the cat inlet and angle of the mid pipe at that measurement, it could have worked, but looked like complete ***. The front of the cat would have been 2" lower than the back of the cat. The OEM FA5/FG2 mid pipe has a curve up of 2" before it meets the cat, the FD2 exhaust does not have this upward curve and is 4" shorter than out USDM counter parts.

When I decide on which FD2 exhaust to get, the B pipe will get separated from the cat and the cat flange welded back on. So only the FD2 downpipe and FA5 cat will be one piece.

97emsedan

Ok, that makes sense.

And good job on the build.

DaveSi677

wow nice work!

K5^

Subscribed!

CTRFD2

Hello, I live in Cali too, wondering where to pick up one of these OEM FD2 exhaust manifold? Any help?