I have a friend of mine with a 1998 Civic LX (non-VTEC), not sure on exact engine code but I can find out. She happens to have a cracked exhaust manifold. She was told that it was attached from the factory to something else emissions based (cat?) and would be $$$ to replace it since she'd have to buy both new. Anyone know where I might be able to pick it up used or separate somehow?

Normally I'd just hit a junkyard but LEGALLY they can't sell CARB related items like that used. At least not in California. I might be persuaded to post pics of said chick if I get some useful help. Thanks in advance guys!

 

This is a common problem with those cars. If she has under 80,000 miles she can go to the dealer and they will repair it under the emissions warranty. If not the part is several hundred... Lets see some pics!

 

If cost is the main issue and you have no luck finding a used one, it might be cheaper to buy a used dc header (or even a new one) for the car along with an aftermarket cat. This way it will technically be emissions legal. Good luck.

 

This is an extremely common probelm with the LX, DX Civics. The cast manifold always cracks in the center between cyl. 2&3, and it is covered under the 80k emissions warranty. Thats a Federal warranty, not a dealer warranty. The manifold and cat converter are a one piece, so yes it is expensive to purchase out right. If you do go with an aftermarket setup, you may have to lenghten the O2 sensor wires, unless the header comes with the wire connector. It will be cheaper and better for you to change to an aftermarket setup, but its probably best to try to get the manifold warrantied.

 

Good info guys. I left her a message asking her mileage. It is possible it's under 80K and that'd be awesome! I started looking for DC Headers and I can't seem to find any for the 1998 LX. Everything is 1992-1995 EX/LX/DX but everything post 1995 doesn't seem to include the LX.

It was the lowest model, that much I know...any other aftermarket companies I can look at and/or try to find a used one of?

Thanks again!

 

P.S., it is NOT legal to change the location of the catalytic convertor. That is considered tampering. That is probably the reason you can't find a header for it. But I can't really talk considering I don't have a cat...

 

Well I finally got a hold of her and she has 150,000 miles already! Jeez...so that option is out. I just can't find headers for a 1998 LX.....there HAS to be someone that makes them

 

Hi All,

I have the exact! same problem with my 1998 3DR Civic DX.

I have 156k miles on the car and this is what the dealer is quoting me!

Manifold Cracked - $725
Catalytic Heatshield - $165

Do you have any recommendation on how to replace with aftermarket? I have a Tanabe GPower Medallion Catback system as well.

Any help would be appreciated.

By the way, is the manifold supposed to be replaced at 150k+ miles!?

Thanks.

 

any d series header will bolt on.

I would recommend a 96-00 EX D16Y8 header.

 

so any D series header will work... do I need to worry about the connection to the existing cat fitting properly?

also, do I need the cat heatshield?

thanks in advance for your reply

 

If you use another D series header you won't have to worry about the cat, you won't have one. You'll probably have to get one from another civic, as the new manifold and down pipe won't reach the rest of the exhaust, if the rest of the piping is the same as the civics with the under car cats.