I have a bone stock type-r at the moment and am starting to do the basic uprades such as a CAI and header. I am planning on getting the spoon header and test pipe for it. I plan on getting a mild cam setup in the distant future, but not any time soon. If price is not a concern will the header give good performance without the cam? I have heard that some race type headers can really decrease low end power. I am not to concerned about that but I do want power from at least 3,000rpms on up.

 

I installed a Spoon Header, Test Pipe and a Tanabe Racing Medallion all at the same time. The difference was pretty significant. The car pulled harder and the power increase was noticable.

Good choice.

 

You are definately off to a very good start if you choose to go with this header.

IHMO, the stock header especially off the USDM R is something that should hit the garbage can 1st.

I'd like to hear anybody who has done well with the stock header on a lightly to moderately modded R though....it's also a very damned heavy piece!

 

Well, your plan is very similar to mine.

I already have a Comptech "icebox" and as we speak my Spoon header and high flow cat should be making it's way to me.

I had the same reasonable questions initially. I have already modded my old Ls and first looked at I/H/E for my R. Hands down all that I've seen posted and learned about say that the header is one of the first things to do that will actually make a noticeable difference in your R's performance HP wise. The OEM intake is already of CAI design and the exhaust is a 30% higher flowing system than the GSR that needs to be upped only when doing some more SERIOUS mods or if you want a louder sound.

There are a good handful of headers that draw attention to their gains; Spoon's 4-2-1. Mugen's 4-1, SMSP's header and the Hytech model. these seem to the best performing gainers and are spoken of highly here and on other sites.

I chose the Spoon for it's gains, because I knew little about SMSP's stuff at the time, cause I want just one thing on my R that IS real JDM but doesn't scream NEW FRONT END!!! and just for personal choice...

My stuff will be here next week and installed soon after that. I'll keep you posted for my results. BTW I'd go HF cat instead of testpipe unless you are just a track car. If you don't need a cat now, you might need one in the future but to each his own...

I am also plainning on cams, gears, VAFC and maybe a few other goodies but my plan is a long term one based on a few years and lots more learning/test and of course DYNO TUNING!!! I have almost narrowed it all down but am not deciding on all of now since I have some time to play and Hey, isn't this supposed to be a fun relaxing sport?

Why is everyone always in such a rush to get everything and put it on? This is my second R and again I have just begun to feel comfortable with it. I know I want more but my plan is progressive.

IMHO,

A.

 

My experience was very positive with the spoon header!

I currently am using a dynomax 2-1/2" CAT with the B-Pipe modified to eliminate the first restriction and the car is liking it Also using a K&N 2710 in the stock box.

Currently the biggest gains are felt down low with this set-up. I know with some tuning, VAFC on the way, the top end will come alive.

Have fun! You'll love it.
Regards,

 

Very True

 

I just put my spoon header and carsound high cat on last week and I likes alot but I think I need an exhaust to finish it off. I have AEM cai with the header and I will be getting the APex N1 soon.
The header gives more power for me on the mid to top end and VTEC is LOUUUD!
My power seems more responsive and pulls alot more than b4.

TypeRMsm- Is is supposed to sound like alot of air is flowing or leaking, kinda like a mini blow off valve? I hear alot of air flow and I'm wondering if its leaking or its just normal? Everything seems to be on tightly.

 

I have the Spoon 4-2-1 header, carsound cat, Apex n1, and Comptech ice box on my R. My high flow cat sounds like it has a leak also but it is not leaking...It is the sound of a larger displacement of exhaust moving through your cat and header....If you think the header and cat made your car alot louder with the stock exhaust wait until you get a N1

 

More then likely the sound you are hearing is coming from the cat....

Bryan

 

Shouldnt be leaking I have never had any problems with them before.

 

I have the Spoon header and feel it is better than the JDM Mugen 4-1 now that I've had both on the car for a few months each.

My mods are: Toda Spec Bs, Jun valvetrain, Mugen CAI, taper-bored TB, 81.5 Endyn rollerwaves, built bottom end, headwork, custom ECU, Spoon cat-jack, Mugen B-pipe and twin-loop exhaust.

The Spoon header is torquier and buzzes less than the Mugen did. The primaries are nicer on the Mugen header though - they are oval shaped which matches the output of the exhaust ports better. I had to port/polish the openings into the primaries a bit. But otherwise it's a great header.

 

If the Spoon header feels torquier, that is likely due to the 4-2-1 design. I think that the Mugen 4-2-1 would be a better comparison piece for the Spoon since they are both of the same design (but have different implementations). Anyone on here have experience with both a Spoon 4-2-1 and Mugen 4-2-1??

 

hey 1greyteg, your post sounds like what i heard for an hour last night.........

 

Hey R-Rated have you run the 1/4 with the current setup, just curious because I am am planning a similar setup.

 

TypeRmSm- I think its just the large amount of air flowing though. No problems though, thanks for the header, very nice

TypeR 1159- No I have not been on the track yet. But as soon as I get my Apex n1 exhaust I will let you know.

 

Cool sounds good ...I am dying to know what you run.

 

Well I have Mugen 4-2-1 header in stock..as well as the Spoon headers. So if someone is looking for Mugen header give me a call or email. I will also have Toda header for the B18C as well in the next shippment.

 

I dont know, they say that the spoon header is for more midrange and highend,
however, I dont feel that the top end is that great. I feel most of the pull provided via the spoon header in the mid range, and then eventually fades out towards the top end. but.....whatever.