hey guys. new to this site. im just trying to find a complete exhaust system (headers all the way back) for my 2000 5th gen prelude (non-SH. not like it matters though). im wanting to know which companies i can trust and what to avoid. i dont make a whole lot of money so im trying to get by with as cheap as possible, but at the same time i know i get what i pay for. also, where can i find a shop that can custom make an exhaust with mandrel bends (without kinks in the bends as this causes a small amount of back pressure)? i know this would be cheaper and i want to run my exhaust out the side rather than all the way back. thanks.

 

You have (1) header.

SH or Base DOES matter - the header and exhaust lengths are different between the two.

So you want to know what companies you can trust to purchase a complete exhaust? (as in cat-back exhaust)

Or do you want to know where you can purchase exhaust piping?

Any local muffler shop can make you a custom exhaust out of whatever diameter pipe and muffler style of your choice.

Yes, mandrel bends are more ideal vs crush bends.


You want a cheap header... you're only options are to go with a hytech replica or Logic header. Because you want cheap and now - just save yourself the trouble and go for a Logic, they are a sponsor here on this forum and at least more reputable than most hytech replicas. DC and Megan are junk. Other than that - you don't sound to be willing to pay 600+ for a Mugen/Hytech/SMSP/Vibrant.

Having a side exit exhaust won't sound very good... there isn't much clearance down there as is - so I hope you don't plan on lowering the car lol. - it'll also be pretty loud and obnoxious (cops will love you)

If you want power - a full 3" is ideal. Vibrant and Kteller sell resonators,pipe,mufflers etc.


You already understand "you get what you pay for" - honestly, I suggest just saving until you can get everything done the exact way you want it vs going for the quicker cheaper route.

 

I have a 4th gen prelude, but if you are going a custom exhaust route, Private Label Mfg makes a good header for H series cars. I have the TRI-Y header. Only problem is it sits a bit lower than stock, so you may want to make a skid plate of some sort. I am making descent power with this header in CO.

 

There is no point in putting a full exhaust on your car if you are doing it with the cheapest components. You wont end up with much, if any, performance gains from it. Just get a cheap cat back, in the end it will save you money and give you the impression that your car is faster and give you a nice exhaust note.

3" on a non-turbo car IS NOT a good idea. The H22 does not create enough back pressure to make any kind of decent power with a 3". 2.5" is the largest that is worth going on a stock H22.

Spend the money now rather than later, because if you build cheap you will pay for it later.

 

despite it's not on the low end - it's still a gain. If starting with an exhaust, and looking for power- why not go all the way vs doing it twice? (although we don't know if OP is looking for power or not, just saying)

https://honda-tech.com/forums/all-motor-naturally-aspirated-44/3%22-catback-exhaust-stock-jdm-h22a-dyno-2197695/