I was looking at getting some DC headers and a full Apexi exhaust. Is it at all difficult to replace the stock headers and exhaust with the aftermarket headers and exhaust? I don't feel like paying for labor if I can do it myself.

 

not really. you just need jacks, wheel chocks, and a good ratchet set. you may also need a extension socket. about 10-12". the stock bolts are probably pretty tight due to heat and age, once they are broken loose, you cool. only other thing to worry about is if everything is compatible without mods. meaning welding. if the dc will bolt up to the cat and if the cat will bolt up to the exhaust perfectly its all feasible. chances are the flanges might not line up if there are any. also the diameter of the whole system could be different. all in all a little assistance from a muffler shop might be required.

 

Ill give it a shot once i get both and see what happens. The bolts on the stock exhaust shouldnt be that tight seeing as i just got the whole stock exhaust replaces with a brand new stock exhaust because of a hole in the muffler. But, I'll deffinitely give it a shot.

 

you can definitely do it yourself. Jack stands will get you high enough to get the job done, may feel cramped in some spots but it's not that bad.

Many say though that the EX exhaust manifold and downpipe is very comparable to the DC sports header and that it's not worth it to switch to the DC unless your stock manifold or downpipe is damaged in some way that requires replacing it.

 

Thanks.

Yeah my stock headers should probably be replaced. They're a bit rusty and once spot has major rust, almost like the rust is going to eat through the pipe.

 

I'd replace the cat too if it's in that bad of condition. Then the only bolts you have to work with are from the manifold. The rest would be rubber hangers. All teh other bolts could be cut if you wanted to.

 

I have new headers and a whole new catback exhaust comming in within a week or two. So basiaclly the whole exhaust system will be replaced with brand new aftermarket stuff.

 

like i said the only problem would be if the new stuff is exactly or pretty close to the same length. the trouble area would be the cat. depends on how long the pipes are compared to stock. other wise its all easy. oh and one other thing. get yourself a can of liquid wrench or some type of lub. the rubber hangers where a bitch trying to rehang my exhaust. with tight spacing under the car with using jacks, it leaves little room for leverage. i found it a hell of alot easier if you spay your exhaust hanger and the rubber hanger. put the rubber hanger on the exhaust first and then pull up to the car. you may also need a third jack or something else to take a lil pressure of the hanging exhaust to push closer to the car. makes it all easier.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by flight50 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> get yourself a can of liquid wrench or some type of lub. the rubber hangers where a bitch trying to rehang my exhaust.</TD></TR></TABLE>

soapy water works well too

 

I never thought of using WD-40 or something to lube the hangers... I always used a larger flathead screwdriver to get it lined up and then just pushed it on, has worked good for me so far.

 

i would recommend some PB rust removal or something like that, but that PB comes in a can and you should find it a o'reillys or autozone, napa, etc. but i works wonders spray that stuff over all the bolts your about ready to take off and let it sit for a good 2-5 minutes and i works wonders believe me you will be satisfied, you can never put too much on there, works great

 

x2

I always use PB Blaster on rusted bolts

 

yea the only problem is probably the bolts are gonna be hard to get off. and i think you need a new gasket. and i dunno bout accords but in preludes, the fitment is tight because of the radiator hoses. Good luck thiugh

 

Thanks for all the advice guys. It doesn't seem that hard like i thought it would be. So, hopefully I'll have it done in no time. Just have to go out and get 2 more jack stands and PB Blaster. And the headers I ordered comes with all the gaskets I need.

 

Just put the new headers and exhaust on today and somehow me and a couple friends managed to only use basic wrenches and tools to get it off. Towards the end we ended up getting an impact wrench to get a couple tight bolts off anf to tighten the bolts back up so they wouldn't come off for sure. But, overall, the headers and exhaust turned out great and sounds decent. I'm satisfied with everything.

 

Be carefull not to back the studs out of the head when you remove the exhaust mani. This happened to me on my friends CD5 & is was hell getting it back in. Also make sure you attatch the collector flange to the B-pipe 1st, then bolt the header to the head. This will ensure that you get a good seal & you won't have any leaks.

 

what are your end goals with your car are you gonna do a H22 swap or stick with the F22 and boost it later?? I bring this up beecause I wasted alot of money putting on 2 1/2 pipes and then having to replace them with 3 inch later...1st for the H22 and then lucky to still have for turboing the f that is currently in my car....just trying to save ya some cash...and yes the ex mainfold is very comparable to the DC header...save your money you can get them from junkyards for 40-60 bucks if you still think that you need to replace it?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by carracr625 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Be carefull not to back the studs out of the head when you remove the exhaust mani. This happened to me on my friends CD5 & is was hell getting it back in. Also make sure you attatch the collector flange to the B-pipe 1st, then bolt the header to the head. This will ensure that you get a good seal & you won't have any leaks.</TD></TR></TABLE>

he already got the system installed. so whatever your telling him, is obsolete. as far as your intents, that is a very good point. try to do your upgrades only once. otherwise, you would be wasting money. you can always try to sell them, but you won't get what you paid for.

 

I like the sound of the header over the stock ex manifold under wot.