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4-2-1
4-1
4-2-1w/ cat im confused [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/IMG]
im leaning toward the hp header but wich one and something about rocking the engine back or cutting? some one with knowledge please help clear it up
im not tryn to copy but which one do most people use? 2002 civic ex 5 speed

 
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dude, prepare to be flamed on this one by some people because this topic has been done dozens of times. I suggest searching for you answer.

4-1 header provides high end gains

4-2-1 header provides mid range gains.

Headers (listed best to worse)

1. Kamikaze (dynoed to show a 5 hp gain over the dc header and no cutting of engine mount)
2. HP Racing Header (downside is have to cut engine mount)
3. DC Header
4. Chikara Header (not seen anyone get it yet. I know another 7thgen owner who lives next to me said he was getting one but I haven't talked to him to see what gains he got)

 
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search.

make sure u use a simple word and make sure u click on "Recent" to "Archieved" threads... so u can look up old threads...

I wouldn't consider that list mentioned above much since its not exactly detailed and it looks pretty biased too.. and I still dont know how he bases this "best to worse" deal...

some quick info, there are NO 4-2-1 header to my knowledge out for our car... if any is represented as such, they may have listed it incorrectly. the stock is 4-1, btw. a very short 4-1 for DX, LX, HX... and a better longer, smoother flowing 4-1 for ex.

HP's 4-1 race header with "highflow" cat will probably yield the best gain.. especially the 1 piece header. installation is a hassle sine the engine mount gets in the way.. so u either gotta get the engine out (pull it up or rock it back), or cut the engine mount. it removes the restrictive stock cat convertor with a "highflow cat" (its actually just a pipe)...

search around, there are many many issues involving swaping out ur header, and there are actually quite an amount of options.

 
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I'm happy with my kamikaze

 
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we'll as you people know we live in the world of fast information I mean why search when there are people out there who will spend the time to type out info for me( but im not ungreatful) my delemia is i dont wanna botch my warrenty by messing up the engine so anyway i have heard good things about hp's from revious SEARCHES

 
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I see at least on or two cases of lack of search a day. Oh well, not flaming man, you're just keeping a statistic to me.

 
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Searches are good but time passes and new member's join. If you always search you loose the opinions and experiences of those that have recently joined. Although, the search feature is wonderful for finding answers very quickly. I have used it a lot for light-bulbs, torque ratings, finding websites, etc...

I don't think there is really any way to say (for sure) which one is better. IMO, common sense would tell you that the hp w/high-flow cat and kamikaze w/ catless downpipe produce the most power. The kam and hp have different designs as well. I'd go with the hp w/cat for the most hp gains and if you don't mind cutting the engine mount. Go with the Kam if cutting your engine mount isn't your thing. I am not sure whether the Kam is out for the ex and what not as I haven't really payed any attention to that brand.

If you don't want to replace your cat with a staight-pipe, I'd go with the hp "shorty" or maybe the obx "shorty" style headers. DC is good but overpriced imo. Plus, I know the DC's tubes diameters are smaller than the hp and most likely smaller than the obx. All the "shorty" style headers are completely bolt-in and almost anyone can install them in about 45mins or so.

Oh, I agree with CapYoda. I have never seen anything but 4-1 headers for our civics.

 
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Mbow, the Kamikaze has been released now for the EX model. It comes in Ceramic, Polished Chrome, and Black.

 
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I heard Mugen headers were the best ... then again, I've also heard KamiKazi headers were the best ... ;x

 
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Actually, HP does make a 4-2-1 header for our cars.....but it's a 2-piece header...


I did alot of reading and research before I spent any money on a header. From what I found, the HP Racing 4-1 header (one piece) and the high flow cat produced the best gains. The only reason people are heasitant about spending their money on this header is because you have to shave a little bit off of one of the engine mounts if you're installing it on an 5-speed EX. There is a rumor that HP has stopped production on the 4-1 Race header so that they can make a new and improved one that wouldn't require shaving of the motor mount. As for Kamikaze, it's right up there with the HP Racing header. What model car do you have? Auto or 5-speed? HX, LX, DX, or EX? I have a 5-spd EX, and I just got the HP Racing 4-1 w/ cat so I'll be installin that on saturday. Hopefully it'll give me some decent gains like I hope it will. And like I said, I have no idea if HP is really going to come out with a re-designed header.....that's just what I heard from one or two other people.

 
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I don't believe anyone makes a tri-y (4-2-1) header for our car. All the companies that state they have a 4-2-1, ends up being the top portion only. I don't know why they are calling that a 4-2-1 design. Cuz it's not.

 
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you're right about that. but you might also not get anyone typing up info for you...

if u dont want to mess with ur engine's warranty.. then the HP may not be a good option.. unless u can find a reputable shop that will do the install (lifting engine) for you and charge u a reasonable price for the install... other than that, u may want to consider other easier bolt-on headers.

AEMcivic: that header you have there pictured WILL NOT fit. You gotta realize that our downpipe is welded to the cat (for the EX) and the LX,DX,HX has a long downpipe with the cat on the top with the very short 4-1 header... like the post above suggested, everytime a merchant/manufacture/ liste 4-2-1, they send out a 4-1 product. To make a 4-2-1 setup, you gotta extend the pippings long enough, and that means removing the downpipe and cat convertor.

I duno, maybe they do have a 4-2-1 setup, but I doubt it.

 
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Oops, sorry about that. I never really checked out any 4-2-1 headers for my car. I just figured those were for our car since it said 4-2-1 and was listed for our cars. But I forgot about the cat being welded to the downpipe.