Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 06:01 PM
  #1  
EG6sir2seb's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Southampton, Hampshire, England
Default Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one?

Hey guy's, I drive a JDM import EG6 SIR2 with the B16a engine (obviously)

Couldn't find a post related to this topic, so can you guys please give me the low down on the pro's and cons of each header? And can you tell us where to look for such headers? I plan on running mostly Skunk2 everything!
Might be good to see some comparison charts if anyone has any!

Also as the engine becomes futher tuned (i.e. stage 4/5 cams) will that require a change of header type?

thanks
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 06:03 PM
  #2  
dadsvtechonda's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, PA, u.s.a.
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (EG6sir2seb)

the 4-2-1 are good for low to mid power i like the 4-1 thats more of a high end power like VTEC ahhhhh the sweet power of VTEC
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 06:08 PM
  #3  
forcefedferio's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,612
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (EG6sir2seb)

i would honestly do a little more research before you start buying parts based on brand names, you will find certain parts just work better and are better quality and could be $100 cheaper anyway in some cases....

this doesn't mean open up another window and go to http://www.ebay.com as you're reading this

but back to your question, before i turbo'd my 4door i was using a 4-2-1 mostly because of ground clearance issues, but i believe the 4-1 has better flow charachteristics though, i think the Hi-Tec header provides the most substantial gains i've seen so far.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 06:26 PM
  #4  
em1_racer's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: somewhere in, mn, united states
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (EG6sir2seb)

4-1 is better for high end
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 08:00 PM
  #5  
SOHC_2_DOHC's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,466
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, Illinois, usa
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (em1_racer)

4-1 is good for high rpm when your in Vtec and the 4-2-1 is good for mid-range power. I would go with the Type-R header which is a 4-1 design and has a 2.5inch collector, but you would need to get a cat or test-pipe with a 2.5 inch inlet. That header would be the best for NA.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 08:09 PM
  #6  
Libertariat's Avatar
Ek Forever y0!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 16,712
Likes: 9
From: Beating people with a stick, GA
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (SOHC_2_DOHC)

If you're getting a header, spend the extra money and get a GOOD one.

What are your goals? If turbo is in your future then leave the bolt ons alone. If you have some kind of n/a goal, you picked a handicapped motor.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 08:09 PM
  #7  
B serious's Avatar
Cool Cool Island Breezes. BOY-EE
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 9
From: TRILLINOIS....WAY downtown, jerky.
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (SOHC_2_DOHC)

yeah im gonna agree with what most people have been saying. The B16A has no low end, or midrange..and it never will unless you boost it. Giving up top end would be nothing but a downgrade. The 4-1 will make top end power. You're wasting your time with anything that doesnt make top end power if you're planning on stage 4 or 5 cams.

If those are your plans, get a 4-1 with giant tubing and a big (atleast 2.5'') collector. Toda makes some AWESOME all motor products...but they're very expensive. There's this header....i cant remember the name....a lot of ITB guys were using it around here. It comes out, then goes sideways and snakes around. looks almost like a turbo manifold.

I gotta ask, though. Why do you want such big *** cams?
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 09:08 PM
  #8  
Sick EM1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: riverside, CA, usa
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (dadsvtechonda)

i 'd go for 4-1
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 09:14 PM
  #9  
VTECth1s's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,426
Likes: 0
From: 310/323 California
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (ek forever guy)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ek forever guy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you're getting a header, spend the extra money and get a GOOD one.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Like rage, hytech tri-y header, smsp, etc, all in the $600+ range for sure.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 10:06 PM
  #10  
Capt. Jimbo McSubipants's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 0
From: Indiana, united states
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (VTECth1s)

ANR makes some nice headers for around 500 and pro fab makes a really nice one for 500 as well...

smsp wins in my land tho...just a 1,000 bux for one is a lil pricey....
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 10:42 PM
  #11  
95jdmcivic's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Brandon, FL, USA
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (CW-R hatchback)

I have a Tom Motorsport 4-2-1 Header, anyone ever heard of it before, seems to be welded very good, I got it for free, didn't install it yet, but im sure it would be better then the stock header right?

btw, heres the link http://www.tommotorsport.com/

Reply
Old Jul 3, 2007 | 11:04 PM
  #12  
ev13lf's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: akron, oh, usa
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (95jdmcivic)

i don't know, i kind of like my 40$ summit special airmasss cheapasss header.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 06:18 AM
  #13  
EG6sir2seb's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Southampton, Hampshire, England
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (EG6sir2seb)

I'm going to be using such big cams because I'm only 19 and I live in England! The insurance here, if i were to turbo my car, would eat me alive!
So I have to stick with N/A for a few years, but still want big power returns!
And the B16a is perfect for what i want. I'm not much of a strip racer type of guy, I prefer the circuit, but I do turn up on the strip now and again!

I have ideas to give me low end punch, but that's all in development at the mo!

An-R are no longer producing their compact series headers, and their race headers are A. ugly, and B. take up too much room to fit the oversized radiator!

I like the look and performance of the Bisimoto headers. Never heard of them though. Do they have a good reputation?
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 06:56 AM
  #14  
Syndacate's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,443
Likes: 2
From: Rochester, New York -> Santa Clara, CA
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (EG6sir2seb)

4-2-1 is better for daily driven power - 4-1 is more of a racing header .
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 07:10 AM
  #15  
Bense's Avatar
B*a*n*n*e*d
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,783
Likes: 47
From: Greenville, South Carolina
Default

get the 4-2-1
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 09:37 AM
  #16  
BuiltforSin's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 1
From: VA
Default

SMSP 4-1

I love mine!
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 10:07 AM
  #17  
B serious's Avatar
Cool Cool Island Breezes. BOY-EE
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 9
From: TRILLINOIS....WAY downtown, jerky.
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (Syndacate)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Syndacate &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">4-2-1 is better for daily driven power - 4-1 is more of a racing header .</TD></TR></TABLE>


??? reasoning?
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 10:46 AM
  #18  
Libertariat's Avatar
Ek Forever y0!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 16,712
Likes: 9
From: Beating people with a stick, GA
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (B serious)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B serious &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
??? reasoning?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Because in a race you stay in the higher rpms a lot. Thus why you'd want more power at the top end.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 11:30 AM
  #19  
B serious's Avatar
Cool Cool Island Breezes. BOY-EE
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 9
From: TRILLINOIS....WAY downtown, jerky.
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (ek forever guy)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ek forever guy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Because in a race you stay in the higher rpms a lot. Thus why you'd want more power at the top end.</TD></TR></TABLE>

well yeah. i know that. But let's say that the 4-2-1 makes like 3-5 more hp in the mid range. The B16 makes like .000005hp midrange. Then there's a giant horsepower spike in the top end lol...i'm exxagerating. but you get the point.

What's the point of adding close to nothing(3-5hp) plus nothing(B16A midrange) while sacrificing the engine's area of strength?

Like i said before....NA b16s are never going to make power in the mid range. They start making power at the lowest point being 6k-6500rpm. Why give up top end with the 4-2-1??

When you care about power, you're shifting at redline. Meaning, with the B16 trans, you're putting your self back at 6k in the next gear. Top end. thats all there is to that motor. Honda knew it....and I think everyone should just accept that fact lol.


It's not like the 4-1 saps 10 hp from the low and midrange and you're going to stall at every light when you try to take off. My B16 was still very driveable....it didnt have any low-mid power with the stock manifold....and it never had low-mid power with the 4-1. But i did make up for it with a nice top end.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 12:42 PM
  #20  
EG6sir2seb's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Southampton, Hampshire, England
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (B serious)

I wanted 4-1, only knew that they were better with the vtec, just didn't know why!
just thought i'd check on here!

So anyone want to point me in the best direction for 4-1 race headers? Money's not an object, I'll save up to get it! Just want the best for my car!

I really like the Bisimoto headers, good ground clearance (i'm lowered 4-5inches), unusual design/shape, good reputation. So anything along those lines please!
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 01:25 PM
  #21  
spinksy's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: norwich, england
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (EG6sir2seb)

i have a DC sports 4-1 and i love it (as said high rpm is way better now)

my mate has a spoon 4-2-1 an when i took him out in my car he couldnt beleave how much better mine pulled at high rpm(in vtec)
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2007 | 06:21 PM
  #22  
doood's Avatar
been there done that
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 3
From: earth
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (spinksy)

what's been said in this thread is mostly true for the vast majority of mass produced OTS headers available. 4-1 = highend, 4-2-1 = midrange, yes we all know that by now.

but, a properly designed tri-y 4-2-1 has the advantages of both designs. nice midrange without sacrificing top end.

without shelling out for a custom one off header, i'd say the toda is the best OTS header for b16's.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2007 | 12:33 AM
  #23  
EG6sir2seb's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Southampton, Hampshire, England
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (doood)

The Tri-Y, who makes them?

how do they match up to the bisimoto headers?

I think what I heard about where i'll be circuit racing when I hit the vtec it's rare that i'll drop out of the vtec range! SO absolute top end power is what I need.
thanks
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2007 | 12:49 AM
  #24  
B serious's Avatar
Cool Cool Island Breezes. BOY-EE
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 9
From: TRILLINOIS....WAY downtown, jerky.
Default Re: Headers: 4-1 vs 4-2-1, Which one? (EG6sir2seb)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EG6sir2seb &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The Tri-Y, who makes them?

how do they match up to the bisimoto headers?

I think what I heard about where i'll be circuit racing when I hit the vtec it's rare that i'll drop out of the vtec range! SO absolute top end power is what I need.
thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>

well there's really no other way on B16. However, with cams that chunky, you might be putting the powerband to the extreme even if it is a B16A. Unless you're a good enough driver to NEVER let the powerband step below 6-7k, you might be slower around a track. You need your car to be as forgiving as possible. If you over-brake or if you fall out of line and have to slow down....you dont want your car to bog so damn much that it takes you an hour and a half (or a straight away) to get back up to speed.

I can usually keep my S2000 in vtec thru multiple laps, but the one time i screw up or there's a slower car in front of me and I drop to 4k or something in 2nd (i dont like downshifting into 1st at 30something miles an hour lol. I dont care about lap times THAT much. I usually roadrace for fun).....my car doesn't feel like crap. It would if i had giant cams.

But then again, i have no clue what your driving skill level is.

As for header choice, I've said it and "dood" has said it. Toda is gold. The HYTECH is also a nice header. Bisimoto is a good name in drag racing. They make sick NA horsepower numbers.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
maxogsr
Acura Integra
17
Apr 26, 2005 08:45 AM
Fidelio25
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
4
Jul 27, 2004 10:15 AM
CaMiKaZi
Honda Accord (1990 - 2002)
12
Jun 14, 2003 05:23 PM
jonoknut
Acura Integra
8
Sep 24, 2002 02:27 AM
slimbo
Acura Integra
11
Mar 7, 2002 12:50 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:37 AM.