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My exhaust manifold has a crack in it so I will be replacing it with a performance header and I figured while I was down there I might as well install a new exhaust system. My problem is that I hate the high pitch whiny (rice burner) exhausts and would like a real noise deep rumble. Any suggestions on what brand/ model I should go with for both the header and Exhaust?

 
Rep Power: 181

I've never purchased any headers for my car yet, but I hear great things about the DC Sports and Yonaka headers. Megan is a cheaper brand, but also fairly good. Stay away from Spyder brand... unless you like corroded pipes in less than a year.

As for exhaust, the best suggestion I can give you is to search youtube until you find one you like. Personally, I like the sound of the Apexi N1. It's a big "fart can" style muffler, but it sounds very deep and throaty. You can also go with a cheaper option like me and get aa N1 catback replica from ebay for only $120. Same sound, same look, only it's slightly lower quality steel.

A lot of people rave about the Apexi WS2 and Yonaka catback, which are really good if you want your car to be quiet most of the time and not stand out.

 
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Based on the You Tube videos I found the Apexi N1 sounds great but they only come to fit Si and EX trim style. If I got that I would just order an EX header since I need to replace that anyways but then I would have to buy a new Cat. as well right? You said you bought a knock off. How is that working for you? and what brand knockoff did you get?

Also Just realized that the Cat. on the stock exhaust manifold is attached so I will have to purchase a new one anyways. Anyone have any experience with replacing headers know if this is a seamless process when installing header, Cat. and exhaust or do mods need to be made to the exhaust to get it to fit together.

 
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I had a Magnafow cat back on my old LX. Sounded great IMO.

 
Rep Power: 181

Ahhh, I almost forgot there are some compatibility issues. Some Civics have the cat built into the manifold. I'm not entirely sure how to work around that, but I'm sure it can't be that difficult. Probably just involves swapping the header and cat with an EX version.
My exhaust is a Spec-D catback. The build quality and fit is very impressive for the price. It's too early to tell about rust-resistance because I haven't taken it through a winter yet, but so far it's holding up great.

 
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Well, i ordered a stainless ebay header for my 04 civic ex... needless to say ive had it on for about 3 months now... already showing rust spots... not too bad but oh well, i knew it would happen as cheap as it was but oh well, had the money to blow, my 3 inch stainless catback i just ordered off ebay the other day should be here tuesday, ill probably just spray the entire system besides the muffler and tip with black heat paint, should keep it from rusting for a while
when in doubt, spray it out haha

 
Rep Power: 181

Haha, that's what I plan to do when mine starts rusting. Either spray it black or maybe find a heat-resistant silver paint so you can get a cool brushed aluminum look

 
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Sounds like a good idea, kinda like the ceramic coating on a dc sports header lol
i was going to buy one, but if im not going FULL OUT with my car, i didnt see the point of spending all because truthfully, i couldve had my entire exhaust completely re-done for probably 400 and i mean cut the welds on the header and put bigger pipe on it and all, and couldve pretty much had a custom made header that was like a dc sports plus pipe all the way out the back, just too much trouble for a daily driver if you ask me