Which is better? Is it worth getting the stock jdm just to use heatshields? Or should I get the better looking (more hp on header test) dc sports???? Let me know about issues I will be faced with if I buy either one of these headers.
Any info appreciated, even though I know everyone hates header and exhaust questions.

 

jdm 4-1 for the heat shields, quality, durability, price, and smooth power.

i sound like a broken record... but i own a jdm 4-1 so i am kinda biased. good power gains from 3up, and you can really feel it kick hard in vtec.

 

The DC JDM 4-1 (stainless steel) is cheaper, lighter, shinier, won't look like **** after a few months, and yields better power.

 

I would go for the SS DC JDM as well.

 

DC JDM 4-1

 

This question always divides us...but has anyone had both? What about the more expensive spoon, mugen..how much better are they? Worth the $$$, or should I save it for cheap women?

 

depends on how much you are building your engine up. A mugen or spoon isnt worth the money IMHO but sms definitly is, toda as well, and hytech

 

Haha, get the JDM DC 4-1 and spend the rest on cheap women! Thats the funniest.

I honestly CANT imagine any high dollar header to perform that well. Kind of like the whole Desmond/Spoon VS Rota debate. Can you justify spending 500+ more which only provide MARGINAL gains?

I have a JDM DC 4-1 right now, I will probably be going with the actual JDM manifold sometime and get the shield along with the "scrape" shield (?). I like things that look stock appearing.

 

What will I need to install the jdm 4-1 besides carsound cat? Who sells all the parts (gaskets, brackets???)

 

I sourced my Carsound cat from Mike @ IPS. His cats had literally 15-20 welds to hold the heat shield. Ive heard of other testimonials where people's heat shields would rattle off and make a "ting" sound because it was loose.

http://www.randdmotorsports.com
http://www.ipsracing.com

 

I have not owned any of them, but I have asked lots of questions, and talked to very knowledgable people about this stuff. In short, you get what you pay for. The Spoon/Mugen/Toda may give similar gains on a stock engine when compared to the cheaper headers, but they will give more gains on a modded engine. Also, I've heard that the welds on the DC aren't very good, and it's prone to denting because it is so thin (that being said, I personally would get the DC because money is an issue for me). Honda JDM is good quality (and will give you gains, w/o trouble from police), although it's not so pretty.

Remember though, this is just what I've learned by talking to people and research, I don't have any first hand experience.


[Modified by SoCal ITR, 3:06 AM 7/17/2002]

 

Name Brand sucks, go with DC.

 

So true

 

Lighter? Not heard that, how much does it weigh?

look like **** after a few months? THe JDM come in looking shitty it's the SS DC that will go to **** after the EGT's get to high

more power? how much? 1 whp?

I have a JDM 4-1 and I bought it for a couple of reasons. I coudln't afford toda at the time and will upgrade soon. I have had DC and the quality was questionable. THe JDM DC hangs too low and is in danger of being dented on a lowered car (which mine is) and finnally I love having a heatshield on my header.

Just my reasoning.

 

your telling me that most of you would spend 300 on a DC and would not spend 400 on a OEM JDM ?

when you have heard that the OEM JDM will be better in the long run. (also cop proof w/ sheilds on)

Just strikes me as weird, thats all.

 

I would not spend 400 on a oem jdm.