Hello guys. I will soon be getting a 97 4door Accord, special addition. and i don't want to do an exhaust upgrade because I want it to be a quiet.
My question is, if i put headers on the the car WITHOUT upgrading the exhaust or catalytic converter, will it increase the noise level? will i still get power gains?

Thanks in advance for the help guys.

 

Yes, .... and maybe.
Yes, to the increased noise level. Not out the pipe, but engine compartment noise from those sadly thinwall tubes they commonly use in headers.
Maybe, to the power increase. But with no other additional improvements to breathing, you probably won't notice it.

P

 

yeah i'm just tired of cops always staring at me cause they can hear my exhaust. plus since i dj a night time on the weekends, i don't need the added stress of a loud car. I was hoping to have no noise level increase, but I may be dreaming....

 

You'd probably gain more (and enjoy it too) by having a local custom exhaust shop knock out a set of 2 1/4" pipes from the cat back for you and hang an oem style 2 1/4" in / out muffler on it. That size was sufficient for small block Chevys', it will be more than sufficient for any improvements you may entertain later. (and you'll still hear your radio )

P

 

I second what P_Adams said...I did exactly what he is talking about and love the sound...not loud at all <3500 RPM, but at Wide open throttle it has a nice growl!