AEM's website: "DC Sports 4-2-1 one-piece header systems deliver incredible low- to mid-range power gains,"

I know that's probably just advertising BS, but is there any validity behind it? If anything is lacking in my GSR I feel that it's low end power (especially in 1st gear). Would a 4-2-1 be a good choice as opposed to a 4-1 header?

 

the 4-2-1 supposidly helps it but find a graph to prove it. im on a dc 4-1 header and would love to sell it actually. gsrs make more power up top anyway doubt ull feel what 1-2whp or something diff mid range but alotta people use the 4-1, im happy with it so id say go that way and research whos got the best 4-1

 

4-1 headers are the way to go. Im going that way when i get the money

 

I will always enphasize this point, 4-1 headers greatly reduce ground clearance. They can easily be damaged on the street, especially on a lowered vehicle.

The ITR FAQ has some input.
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread/766629

 

4-1 headers increase the top end peak power more.

4-2-1 headers increase the low to mid range power more.

You need to ask yourself how you use your car and wether you spend more time above 6,000 RPM or more time between 2,000 and 6,000 RPM.

If it is a street car and you are looking for better response at lower RPM, definately go with a 4-2-1.

If it is a race car and peak HP at high RPM is important to you, go with the 4-1.

 

http://tprmag.com/issue/10/10_b16_headers.shtml

Albeit those were taken on a B16, the gains should be quite similar to a B18. Good luck, hope you find what you were looking for

 

nice link, a good read in between boring accounting classes...*sigh*

 

You honestly can't decide on a header, can you?

If you don't need to worry about being C.A.R.B compliant, I'd pass on the DC 4-2-1.

What you need to do is set a budget for the header, and then select the best one that fits within that budget. I'll gladly provide suggestions, but I can tell you in advance that the DC 4-2-1 won't be one of them.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Padawan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You honestly can't decide on a header, can you?

If you don't need to worry about being C.A.R.B compliant, I'd pass on the DC 4-2-1.

What you need to do is set a budget for the header, and then select the best one that fits within that budget. I'll gladly provide suggestions, but I can tell you in advance that the DC 4-2-1 won't be one of them. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Why not, after reading that article i thought it looked like it made good gains. Is it because it so expensive. I just bought a megan header 4-1 and im thinking i should have gotten a 4-2-1. Car is a daily driver for now, and i'm a little worried about ground clearance. I searched alot on here before i got it though and it seemed like was the best, especially cuz that's what the type-r has. Now i'm thinking that unless it's a race car, 4-2-1 is better cuz you will wind up with more torque. I guess that is also depending on other mods to the car tho also, so who knows...lol

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SleeperGSR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why not, after reading that article i thought it looked like it made good gains. Is it because it so expensive.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, it's because there are better performing options for around the same price, or perhaps a bit more. I'd rather spend more money on a good header the first time around, rather than spend even more by deciding that I want a better header after first purchasing something like the DC 4-2-1.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SleeperGSR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Now i'm thinking that unless it's a race car, 4-2-1 is better cuz you will wind up with more torque. I guess that is also depending on other mods to the car tho also, so who knows...lol</TD></TR></TABLE>

Much depends upon the quality and design of the header, not just the tubing configuration. Your Megan 4-1 should be a decent performer (assuming it has the 2.5" collector), though ground clearance will obviously be less than with a 4-2-1.

 

jdm itr 4-1 header. I own one personally and i love it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Padawan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Much depends upon the quality and design of the header, not just the tubing configuration. Your Megan 4-1 should be a decent performer (assuming it has the 2.5" collector), though ground clearance will obviously be less than with a 4-2-1. </TD></TR></TABLE>

it does have a 2.5 collector. But looking at the dyno graphs, it seems like i would be gaining more torque with a 4-2-1.? does that sound right? I'm would rather more midrange power than peak hp. I should probably put my car on a dyno to get a baseline.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Type_RS_59 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If it is a street car and you are looking for better response at lower RPM, definately go with a 4-2-1.

If it is a race car and peak HP at high RPM is important to you, go with the 4-1.</TD></TR></TABLE>

agree

 

Thanks for adding all your input everyone, I really can't decide.

Tonight I was talking to my buddy who works at a brake/muffler/etc shop, he went to UTI and definitely knows his stuff. He said that in reality, no matter how much flow your header allows, the engine is still sending the same amount of exhaust through it. So at a certain point, there is no longer a need for more flow. He said he would be suprised if I notice the difference between a DC 4-2-1, and any 4-1, or tri-Y header.

Obvioulsy if you are going to upgrade your bottom end, this would be a different story, but I'm not planning on doing that anytime soon. So I'm still undecided.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by beastman@ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">He said he would be suprised if I notice the difference between a DC 4-2-1, and any 4-1, or tri-Y header.</TD></TR></TABLE>

He may be knowledgeable, but he's incorrect in telling you that there will not be a performance difference between a bolt-on DC 4-2-1, and a quality long-tube "tri-Y" header.

I think in this situation and the price range you appear to be shopping in, I'd select the replica Tri-Y being sold in the Sponsors Marketplace.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Type_RS_59 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">4-1 headers increase the top end peak power more.

4-2-1 headers increase the low to mid range power more.

You need to ask yourself how you use your car and wether you spend more time above 6,000 RPM or more time between 2,000 and 6,000 RPM.

If it is a street car and you are looking for better response at lower RPM, definately go with a 4-2-1.

If it is a race car and peak HP at high RPM is important to you, go with the 4-1.</TD></TR></TABLE>