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Hi, I'm new to the Civic modification world. So for give me if my terms are incorrect, or I sound like a complete moron.

My 2002 Honda Civic LX (1.7L) has a busted Exhaust Manifold. It was suggested to look into a Aftermarket replacement for a lower cost compared to the OEM replacement. While researching just that, I found that it much cheaper for an "Exhaust Header" - But this does away with the Catalytic Converter. Further research opened up question upon question - which trying to research those questions has landed me on this forum. Unable to find a direct answer to my current dilemma, I figured it best to just post/ask..

So here goes: I want to replace the Exhaust Manifold with an Exhaust Header. Only issue is I do not know what will work - or what to buy.. I'm working with a very tight budget. I don't have the money to replace the entire Exhaust all at once, so I need to replace it in parts - Starting with the Exhaust Header, since my Manifold is busted.

It seems the ones available on ebay are priced low, but not the best value. At least from reading the many post on this forum and a couple others.

My question is: Is there an inexpensive Exhaust Header that will last more than a couple months (preferably years) yet will work with the stock exhaust system (until replaced.)

Oh, and I do not want to have to weld anything.. Because I want to be able to go back in and replace the rest of the exhaust when the money is available.

Also, I know replacing the Exhaust Manifold with a Header will leave the car with no Catalytic Converter.. Will this cause the car to sound really really loud? (Trying to avoid this since the police in my area are harsh against it)

Thank you for your time and help!

 
Rep Power: 517

The cat is part of the manifold on an LX, right?

You got a cat code, or are you trying to fix cracks?
Someone here swears you can weld the cracks up.

 
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Yeah the 2002 LX has the cat in the manifold.. Which is way an OEM replacement is $700

The manifold is cracked yes, but The cat inside the manifold has is busted as well.. when the engine is pushing exhaust the pieces are rattling around inside. Its a really loud rattle noise when I press the gas. Would have certainly attempted the welding if it was just a crack. Thnx for the suggestion though.

I eventually want to add a catback exhaust system, which is why I would like to find a header that will fit with the Stock Exhaust, until I can get the funds for the rest of the Exhaust. If the header has to be welded to the Test Pipe, then I'm going to have to by another header when I get the catback exhaust.

 
Rep Power: 233

Get a header, get the muffler shop to weld on a bung for the primary O2 sensor- if it needs it, then do the O2 sensor bypass on the secondary sensor: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/2...on-w-pics.html

 
Rep Power: 252

Need to replace the whole thing then. Your choice OEM or aftermarket. I find quality aftermarket are just as expensive as OEM.

My father changed a exhaust twice on his mini van using low quality chinese exhaust.

However he has not came close to the price of an OEM.

Personally I would go OEM if you are keeping the car in the long run.

 
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So far, I haven't found any quality aftermarket that are near the price of the OEM Exhaust Manifold (= $750 from local Honda service center)

And there is nothing wrong with the stock exhaust that is on it, just the manifold is busted. I had it on the lift, and the Exhaust system is in rather good shape... I'm originally from Arizona, so the undercarriage stays pretty clean (There is no snow, so roads are not salted which causes a lot of cars to rust quickly underneath) The exhaust system looks almost new. Plus I spread some RustStop (Pretty much just black spray paint) before I moved from AZ.

So I'm in no hurry to replace it all at once... part by part works, as long as I can find a header to match up to the stock exhaust...

Which I think I have, its made by Megan Racing - trying to find some reviews on the header now to see how its worked for others, before I put out the $200.

 
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No welding... it voids the warranty on the header and if it doesn't connect properly to the stock exhaust I won't be able to return it if I weld a "bung" on it.

I found a Megan Racing Header for $200 (tax/shipping included) which has two of those bungs for the O2 sensor.

 
Rep Power: 233

Perfect if you want no welding. Just remember to do the sensor bypass or you'll run very lean and burn out something.

 
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Got the Megan Racing Header installed last night...

The local auto store did not have any of those Non-Fouler in stock.. Should be alright driving around for a couple days, until they get them, right?

I was expecting the Header + No Cat + Peashooter Exhaust to sound much louder... There is hardly a noticeable sound when vehicle is idling

 
Rep Power: 252

I believe you run rich when it is like that..

 
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What do you mean by "run rich" ?

 
Rep Power: 511

more fuel than air going through your engine

 
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Its the First O2 sensor (the one normally before the cat) that is related to fuel correct?

I notice the highly increased fuel consumption today.. Before header install, car used 1/4 of a tank to get to work, today I used almost half.

The first O2 Sensor is not connect to the wire harness. The wire is 2-3" short of reaching from header to harness.

 
Rep Power: 511

You may wanna alleviate that problem..

 
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And how would you suggested I lessen the problem..

Is the O2 Sensor wire safe to splice (cut and extend)? Will it still function normally, or will the solder/different wire effect the reading taken by the O2 Sensor?

I found some O2 Sensor wire extensions made by DC Sport, but they are 3ft long. That is way to long. I need like 5in max.

 
Rep Power: 252

Not necessary to buy "O2 sensor extensions"

Cut, splice, solder, heatshrink. Best bet is to heatshrink and not use electrical tape since it is exposed to the elements.