have a DC Sports 4-1 CC header in my 00 Civic Si. I've been thinking about switching to a 4-2-1 instead. Anything to gain or lose by doing this?
I don't drag race, just auto-x and hopefully one day....a bit of track aswell.

I have AEM CAI and GReddy EVO cat-back.

Any advice would be helpful. THANKS!!

 

4-2-1 gives better gains dispite the rumor about 4-1 giving more top-end... And from what I have heard, the exhaust runners on DC headers were designed for peak performance at 6-7k RPM's, as they were originally designed for an Integra LS motor, but ended up using the same runners for all B-Series motors. IMO DC = hype... try and get into a comptech if you can.

 

4-1 Top end power
4-2-1 mid range power

 

I agree, DC=hype. The only reason I bought my DC 4-2-1 ceramic headers was that they were on sale for only $225. The 4-1 are supposed to give more high end power, but the difference between the two are so incredibly minscule it wont make much of a difference at all.

 

1. Does a 4-1 bring down the low end or mid range power?
2. When you say "high-end" , what rpm does that start?
3. How much price difference is there between a dc and a comptech?

thanks

 

Autocrossing you are going to be more into midrange power than upper rpms. You'll be better off with the 4-2-1 in the that type of driving. 4-1 is all upper RPM range increaces. how much time do you spend at 6,000 + rpm and how much do you spend between 3,000-6,000. I venture to guess much, much more in the mid-range. Both are better than the factory manifold, but unless you are at the strip where you will spend a good portion of the run in the uper RPM range you will get better results with the 4-2-1.


[Modified by virginia_dude, 8:41 AM 8/2/2002]

 

When people say high-end they usually mean the power that is made at about 6,500-7k rpm and on up.

Now if you guys get a chance to look at the great header test you will see what works best. Look at the comtech header...it makes just as much top end as any of the 4-1 designs but has a well designed 4-2-1 style. Toda also is a 4-2-1 design with a 2.5" collector. I honestly thing that the Comptech is teh best header for the money. That or the JDM ITR header, but the midrange will be there with the comptech as well as the top end.


A well made and designed header will make power throughout the power band, not just top end or mid range only.


[Modified by WAFFLES, 1:36 PM 8/1/2002]

 

Here you go...the great header test results!

http://www.automotiveperformanceengi...om/header.html

 

Also, 4-2-1 gives you better ground clearance. You are less likely to bash your header and dent the tubing on speed bumps, potholes, etc. with a 4-2-1.

 

Well a good header will also maximise power at a particular point, but what is obvious there is no 1 best point for all drivers. It all depends on what you need. But it is agreed, a good header WILL make nore power than a poorly designed one. Just look at pacesetter as a prime example of what not to do.

 

If you are that concenered, you could always just spend the extra cash for a hybrid header. The advantages of 4-2-1 and 4-1 rolled into one header

 

I did a compare between the comptech and the JDM DC header, on the link above, they are substatialy equal on the dyno charts, print them out line them up and hold to a bright light exect for a few small bumps the are essentially equal.

 

I have a DC sport 4-2-1 header. It's starting to show bits of rust on it. I'm thinking of breaking it down and doing some restorative care. What should I do? I was thinking spray it with some WD40, let it sit, then sand the rusted spots.

Is this bad to do?
Are there any parts that I have to change out (gaskets, bolts, etc)?

thanks...

 

You should change the gaskets for sure. But I don't know about refinishing your header...I mean I don't have any experience with doing that, but I just wouldn't do it at all. Just buy yourself a new one.