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I was planning on getting a complete after market exhaust for my 1998 LX from Sparktec Motorsports of eBay
I'm going with the OBX cat, catback and headers
Does anyone have any experience with OBX, are they any good?

Also, they have two cats that they sell:

this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBX-H...1188QQtcZphoto

and this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBX-H...5503QQtcZphoto


The cheaper one worries me because I'm pretty sure it's a 45 dollar hollow pipe...
BUT it says it includes a factory O2 sensor position, unlike the second, more expensive one

Does anyone know the location of the O2 sensors on the 1998 LX?
Are they on the actual catalytic converter?
Do I need the more expensive one or the cheaper one that includes factory O2 sensor position?

Thanks

 
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Well, did some poking around and apparently on the LX the cat is attached to the manifold?

 
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Ok, first off yes, the LX cat is attached to the manifold directly. As far as the OBX descriptions of both cats they fit all Civics. That would be incorrect as the US DX/CX/LX have the cat mounted directly to the manifold and also, the one shows it does not have the bung for the secondary O2 sensor. The descriptions are too generic and they don't appear to fit the aforementioned models with cat attached to manifold. Basically beware of generic 'fits all' statements.

Next-they say 10-15HP gain. That is completely untrue as a test pipe (cat removed) only yields 1-2HP gain. That is NOT NEARLY enough of a gain to warrant spewing pollutants into the air!

Stick with the factory cat-OR buy an EX cat (or high performance model #1) and lengthen the 2ndry O2 wires back to behind the new cat (as it places it in the more traditional place just behind the engine). That way you have options for what exhaust/header to buy for your car.

 
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yeah, Triz helped me a ton with this project
I am just going to get the OBX headers and catback, the only problem being that the headers might bolt directly to the catback, so no room for a cat...
If there is room for a cat I am probably going to get the Random Technology hi flow cat

thanks for the comment though

 
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Let me express to you that if you go with a racing exhaust with headers that do not have 02 connectors you will be spitting out high levels of nitrogen so you will not pass emissions inspection. The truth is, i know you hate to hear this, An LX will not gain much horsepower. If you want to tinker with it then you should probably put an intake system, set of racing wires and suspension bars instead - like 300$. Or you could get an older SI model, which will be a better match for you. Trust me I did it all to my civic years ago - no big results. Wasted like 3K! The only way to make an LX move is to put an Integra motor in it :^)

 
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Yeah, I am not really concerned with horsepower as much as I am concerned with fuel economy. I already have an AEM short ram intake on my Civic.

I live in Michigan and as far as I know there are no emissions tests here

I was thinking about suspension, but thats a whole other can of worms

I was also considering a front strut bar, though i've read they don't accomplish a whole lot

 
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Place suspension bars on front and rear suspension points. It'll feel tighter and give you the impression of a sports-like suspension. It does make a difference - it did with my 96 lx. It's good for a tight budget and feels better on highway exits.

If you want sport then save some cash and get an SI. It'll probaby be worth it to you in the long run. They are fun hondas. Remember, unless you going to spend big dough on your civic it's designed to go to school and get the groceries.A couple of mods just gives you the perception of street racer but it doesn't do much in performance. I do not like to burst bubbles because I was a young guy who liked auto tuning as a hobby, too. Just have fun with it, but don't spend you cash on something that will not yield results.

 
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Appreciate the advice.
I got the cat back and header and 02 sensor extender cable and the Random Tech catalytic converter, hopefully installation will go smoothly...

So you suggest sway bars then?

Also, I know everyone has one, so what's your opinion on strut tower braces?

 
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The rear disc swap also sounds enticing (and extremely practical!)...yet kinda intimidating to someone like me who is a mega car n00b