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I have an 01 LX, and I got my Kamikaze header about 6 months ago (if memory serves me correctly). I have seen countless threads concerning the Kamikaze header, with many asking the same questions repeatedly (of course, there are lots of threads like this). However, due to the recent groupbuy being put together by FlyRiceRacer, I am making this post. Hopefully, it will answer questions that many of you may have.

1. Will my car pass inspections or be CARB exempt?

The answer is almost a definitive no. The Kamikaze header comes with a downpipe (racing pipe, straight pipe, whatever you may call it) already welded to the header. This requires the removal of your catalytic converter. Without your cat, I seriously doubt you will pass inspections. If this is of concern to you, you have two options: a) don't get this header or b) take it off and replace with oem equipment whenever you go for inspections.

2. Will I get a check engine light?

Yes. The check engine light will come on because your cat is gone. I had my car hooked up to the computer after the install, and it was getting a poor reading from the cat (because there wasn't one there). However, this can easily be taken care of. All you need is an O2 simulator. You can order them from
here.

3. Will my car sound loud?

Well, it depends on what your definition of loud is? If you're thinking of a chainsaw sound, then the answer is no. The sound will also be affected by other mods on your car, such as a CAI or what type of exhaust you may have. On my car, it didn't necessarily make it any louder, but gave it more of a deeper tone, sort of like the sound of a V8. I have seen lots of people say, don't remove your cat, or your car will sound like crap. This may be true on other cars, but not the 7th gen civic. The sound is not loud or annoying.

4. Will the downpipe hook up directly to my aftermarket exhaust?

Could depend on what type of exhaust you have. I only have a rear section aftermarket exhaust, so my midpipe is still stock. The downpipe does not reach all the way to the midpipe. There is a slight gap, no more than an inch. The shop that I went to made a small piece of custom pipe to fill the gap on my car. I also remember another member who said he went and bought a donut gasket, which he said filled the gap perfectly (sorry, can't remember who the member was that did this).

5. Does the header come with installation hardware?

No, at least not when I bought mine. I talked to Kamikaze directly, and they said that the existing hardware should be re-used. If you prefer brand new gaskets and such, then I'm sure you can go and buy these parts, but they do not come with the header.

6. Will I notice any odor associated with the installation of this header?

Yes, but not much. Since your cat is gone, it's not there to filter out all the crap that it filters. However, the smell is not that bad. Have you ever stood next to a domestic muscle car with straight pipes? You smell that lovely exhaust smell. Well, it's like that, but not as bad. It's hardly noticeable.

7. What about the O2 sensors?

The header comes with holes for the sensors (yes, both of them). However, you will need to lengthen the wires of the sensors, or they will not reach. Soldering of the wires is recommended when lengthening them.

8. Are you pleased with this product?

Absolutely. For the performance mods that I have, this is the best bang-for-the-buck. Did I honestly notice an increase in power with my SRI or exhaust? Not really. Did I notice an increase in power with my AEM pulleys? Not really, but definitely better throttle response. However, I can honestly say that I did notice an increase in power with this header. The car definitely pulls much better, especially beyond 4000 rpms. You will probably also benefit more from this product if you have an intake and exhaust as well.

Hopefully this answers most questions that people may have. If you have questions such as price, or just the basic purpose of a header, then a simple search on the net will do. If I left something out, feel free to add on. If I can think of anything else, I will edit this post.

 
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From my research on replacing the OEM exhaust components for an aftermarket ones i find its better not to reuse the old hardware such as gaskets and things but replace with new(they arent expensive). This is just what i came up with from numerous searches and researching f different products. I would get this exaust if not for the strict emissions laws here.

 
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thanks for taking the time to write this one out, I enjoyed it

 
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That is disappointing. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/IMG] I was looking forward to that header since it's the only bolt-on header for the LX. I do know that Kamikaze and Magnaflow have cats for our cars (100% sure with Magnaflow, not too sure with Kamikaze) Does anyone know if those cats can be used with the header? I want to pass emissions... I know, I know...but I have hundreds of dollars of fines already...

 
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search

 
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A platinum post.

 
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[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/IMG]

 
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I'm assuming by your confused emoticon post that you were telling me to search. That would then in turn mean you posted without even reading the thread. I didn't ask questions about the header. I was answering FAQ questions about the header. You should read through a thread before posting stupid remarks.

 
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Seriously iluvbritney, did you even read the post before typing a reply?