What is a race header, whats the difference, and why aren't they street legal?
Is there any major advantages.. ( i know if you have too big of pipes it could actually decrease your power)

If i got one would i see problems with the O2 sensor or anything like that? Any help would be appreciated

 

Does anyone know what im talking about?.. I've searched and haven't found much except info about brands of racing headers. Anyone have experience with any types at all?

 

Race headers are exspensive. But it's always worth the power it gain. You may loose TQ if you have too big of a piping for your hole exhaust system, but with the lost of TQ there's a gain of HP. Comptech, toda, ANR, DNR are just a couple of them...Hytect is one...I think that's not how to spell it tho...correct me if i'm wrong guys.

 

usually the 'race' headers (e.g. comptech & dc) are longer than normal headers because they eliminate the use of a cat. this obviously is not street legal due to emissions laws. comptech's race header has an O2 bung (i'm not sure about dc's), but you'll still get a CEL since the exhaust isn't being catalyzed.

 

Thanks - exactally what i wanted to know... i have another question..
If it eliminates the need for a cat.. could you put a cat-back system just straight from the race header and have a good fitment?

 

obd2 is different because obd1 only has one o2 sensor, which is before the cat. so an obd1 car with a race header will not throw a code.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by VtecAdvantage &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks - exactally what i wanted to know... i have another question..
If it eliminates the need for a cat.. could you put a cat-back system just straight from the race header and have a good fitment?</TD></TR></TABLE>yes you could. keep in mind 2 things: most 'race' headers have 2.5" collectors, so if you have a smaller exhaust a bottleneck will be created. also, if your state has emissions tests are part of your state inspections, you will not pass without a cat.

in all honesty, there is no need for a race header unless your engine is really built. if you're trying to get the maximum benefit from bolting on a header, consider the jdm itr 4-1 or jdm dc 4-1 so you can stay carb legal.

 

Well, i live in florida and we have absolutly no form of any emission testing at all, i've never herd of anyone even getting busted by cops here. What is the size of most aftermarket cat-back systems?

do the jdm itr 4-1 and the jdm dc 4-1 have the 2 ports for the 02 sensor?.. i'd like to avoid the CEL as much as possible.. or could i get rid of that by switching to obd1?


Modified by VtecAdvantage at 5:14 AM 4/4/2005

 

You coudl always switch the header a day or so before smogging the car. I think a half hour to an hour of labor is worth passing smog in SoCal.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by VtecAdvantage &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well, i live in florida and we have absolutly no form of any emission testing at all, i've never herd of anyone even getting busted by cops here. What is the size of most aftermarket cat-back systems?

do the jdm itr 4-1 and the jdm dc 4-1 have the 2 ports for the 02 sensor?.. i'd like to avoid the CEL as much as possible.. or could i get rid of that by switching to obd1?


Modified by VtecAdvantage at 5:14 AM 4/4/2005</TD></TR></TABLE>the jdm dc & itr 4-1's both have an 02 bung near the collector.
most standard catback exhausts are either 2.25" or 2.38"

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dFreezy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">usually the 'race' headers (e.g. comptech & dc) are longer than normal headers because they eliminate the use of a cat.</TD></TR></TABLE>

so then the 4-2-1 setups are most likely all race headers, right? it's long because of the time it takes to come to the collector.

is that why everybody says that you'll get most gains from a 4-2-1?

 

yes, most have a 4-2-1 design. the gains you get from a 4-2-1 are different from that of a 4-1 header. the 4-2-1 helps on the lower end, while the 4-1 helps out the upper end of the rpm range.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dFreezy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">usually the 'race' headers (e.g. comptech & dc) are longer than normal headers because they eliminate the use of a cat. this obviously is not street legal due to emissions laws. comptech's race header has an O2 bung (i'm not sure about dc's), but you'll still get a CEL since the exhaust isn't being catalyzed.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This is making the assumption that you're getting a header from a company that sells at least two different models of headers. Many of the headers that easily outdo the Comptech and DC race models will leave stock rooom for a cat (assuming you have one to match the collector).

 

so then the 4-2-1 does still have room for the catback, or not? or is different with all header setups? some fit, some don't?

especially with civics, i need the low end power gain. so if i can fit a 4-2-1 on my car and still pass inspection from the emissions...i will.