Another DC header install... [Archive]

myeverlovinsir

10-16-2002, 05:19 PM

Here are some pics...

First the new one installed...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid35/p38d5875cefc7f031e6fff7ac4e69b118/fd28d134.jpg

and the old one...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid35/p99dd5f795c58e50f2185b2b7a35ab5c9/fd28d138.jpg

With heat shield....

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid35/p7864c43f7b6f04d337ea3ddd541b63c5/fd28b1da.jpg

Here is view of the lower baffle insert...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid35/pff9956e1ca5e5c3bfdb6b973125a67e5/fd28d136.jpg

The new one is much larger and not a polymer insert, you could probably rip this one out and fashion your own. (imagine there would be gains to be had in just doing that)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid35/pd48c1d7371b22ff9488bedf018727130/fd28c978.jpg

The middle bolt is probably the most difficult part of the job. As far as locating with an air gun. Requires an extension and universal joint. One thing to remember after you install them is to go back again in a couple of weeks and retighten the head bolts/nuts, and check for leaks arround the gasket seals. You can hear exhuast leaks if they are a problem before hand.

Probably the easiest best jump in gain yet, am still building, more to come.

Ok wanna hear it?click me (http://www.imagestation.com/video/play.html?id=4247116793)

I just got the new heatshield from hondata today! and will be going in tommorow.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid36/p51fd75a9c4ab7e5239fb208c8ce7ece0/fd1fcd16.jpg

My Ever Lovin SIR...:p

02blksi

10-16-2002, 05:24 PM

Great job, do you have any pics of the 2 collectors side by side inside?? or the DC collector alone? The OEM piece actually looks pretty damn good compared to the old school cast iron pieces of the past! nice. --joe

BTW: im going to sticky threads like this to help people out with install questions --- ok?

myeverlovinsir

10-16-2002, 05:42 PM

Thks O2blksi, will have to wait till I get my midpipe done this weekend. Will be on a lift and can take some underneath shots. Cheers.

JSIR

10-16-2002, 05:47 PM

any idea what size piping they (DC) use on the primaries ? , they look larger than I expected from DC, they look nice.

myeverlovinsir

10-16-2002, 06:01 PM

Best guess, 1/4" ID increase on the primaries, you can still hone those out more) but the collector is near 1/2" ID increase, along with longer tubes in 2 and 3. Tuning must be done on a dyno in order to achive the best setup and it seems that DC got it right for this engine. I would not be far off to think 10-15hp gains are easily attained. My thoughts are that when I get the resonator out of the way, things will get alot clearer. (at least 10whp being drained along the exhaust.)

One mechanic at my local honda dealer has built a protype mid section that has solenoid valves(3 way) that can control exhaust flow under various pressures. The goal is to have a 3 stage midsection, and automate it into hondata specs. This should be very interesting, as I work in automation everyday, yet have not integrated to the honda chip yet. (Just need three outputs from the honda chip to control the stages, based on engine load and rpm) Otherwise, will have a 3 stage switch in the head. I think a guage pod is in order here.

2k2civicSi

10-16-2002, 06:23 PM

did it come with a gaskit or did you buy one or is it the liquid gaskit ???

JSIR

10-16-2002, 06:33 PM

that is a nice design, I like the shape of the piping. Ive got the HP header but I might swap it out to test the DC header. The HP header primary piping is approx. 1/4 inch increase over stock as well. I like the ceramic coating too.

Your estimates of power seem a little high. I wouldn't expect much more than 6 whp gains from just the header, and probably not more than 2 whp from removal of the resonator. Removing the resonator didn't seem to add as much power as I thought it would, especially since the damn thing was 1.5" diameter max. , I was surprised.

myeverlovinsir

10-16-2002, 08:29 PM

JSIR, I think my gains are very reasonable, and also the colder weather has helped, on a 10deg Celcius day like today, my car rocks. 15 hp gain is conservative, the gain is more in torque at mid to low end. High end just feels quicker. I was really more impressed with the mid range smoothness and sounds. My car reacts more smoothly but much more quickly. Don't know if you are running the DC header, I think I was one of the first in Canada, and highly recommend it.

And, my midpipe will be 2-1/2" mandrel bent, I don't care what the resonator was, all I want to do is free up the bottlenecks, then worry about the noise. If I want the resonator on, it is a quick change. The best thermal can get is 2 to 3 horses on the existing exhaust, so am gonna hang with that till last. I think I can get simple gains by going to the 2-1/2" midpipe vs. the stock 1-5/8" mid pipe and resonator. Your probably thinking, hey, what about the cat? That will have to wait.

2k2civicsi, no I used the existing gasket, none were supplied, but none were needed. Will install the heatsheild intake gasket soon, its on order.

JSIR

10-17-2002, 05:44 PM

I'm running the HP header, but I may test out the DC Header , it looks good, I'm willing to try it out. I am running 2.25" mid-pipe , no resonator and stock muffler now. Up till last week I had a 2.5" midpipe but all it did was lose bottom end without any top end gains over the 2.25", so I've gone back to the 2.25". I even ran without a muffler on the 2.5" midpipe and found nothing more to gain, so I think the current system I have is as efficient as it gets. I've made 12 whp with header, midpipe and an intake, so I am kind of skeptical about claims of 10-15 whp from just a header. I wish that was possible. good luck with further mods.

Surprise

10-17-2002, 06:01 PM

Yes I find the 10 to 15 whp is a bit too much, look at Competch's header and exhaust gains; only 11 peak whp. But then again Comptech never goes for the highest peak HP they go for the most usable change.

Comptech numbers (http://www.comptechusa.com/images/dyno/03si-h-e.pdf)

Their numbers compares to JSIR pretty well.

myeverlovinsir

10-17-2002, 07:48 PM

Originally posted by Surprise
Yes I find the 10 to 15 whp is a bit too much, look at Competch's header and exhaust gains; only 11 peak whp. But then again Comptech never goes for the highest peak HP they go for the most usable change.

Comptech numbers (http://www.comptechusa.com/images/dyno/03si-h-e.pdf)

Their numbers compares to JSIR pretty well.

This will all be decided this weekend guys. will have the dyno and 1/4 mile time slips. with pics. JSIR, humbling response, just go get it, to be honest I have not seen the HP header pics, but I DO like the look of DC! Hope you will all be as pleasently surpised. tks.

myeverlovinsir

10-17-2002, 08:52 PM

Originally posted by JSIR
I'm running the HP header, but I may test out the DC Header , it looks good, I'm willing to try it out. I am running 2.25" mid-pipe , no resonator and stock muffler now. Up till last week I had a 2.5" midpipe but all it did was lose bottom end without any top end gains over the 2.25", so I've gone back to the 2.25". I even ran without a muffler on the 2.5" midpipe and found nothing more to gain, so I think the current system I have is as efficient as it gets. I've made 12 whp with header, midpipe and an intake, so I am kind of skeptical about claims of 10-15 whp from just a header. I wish that was possible. good luck with further mods.

I think your post has alot of merit, I just want it wider when I open the cat, don't forget you have almost 3" coming from the header. Backpressure is key...if you stage it correctly. tks

My Ever Lovin SIR...:)

02SilverSiHB

10-17-2002, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by 02blksi
Great job, do you have any pics of the 2 collectors side by side inside?? or the DC collector alone? The OEM piece actually looks pretty damn good compared to the old school cast iron pieces of the past! nice. --joe

BTW: im going to sticky threads like this to help people out with install questions --- ok?
http://www.inlinefour.com/lib/twincamtech/01rsxhed2.jpg

myeverlovinsir

10-17-2002, 09:47 PM

Great now a comparison...

http://www.inlinefour.com/lib/twincamtech/01rsxhed2.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid36/p344eccaaa329540e8d2f8a409fe4b3a5/fd276f24.jpg

I am inclined to say that the top pic is not of my DC header, bolt pattern remained the same on mine. Top pic is Not the DC header for the EP anyway...02silversihb, you got the wrong header dude, I take it that you were not doing this install yourself. But it is close to the same design. Fair enough.

JSIR

10-17-2002, 11:20 PM

Originally posted by myeverlovinsir

This will all be decided this weekend guys. will have the dyno and 1/4 mile time slips. with pics. JSIR, humbling response, just go get it, to be honest I have not seen the HP header pics, but I DO like the look of DC! Hope your will all be as pleasently surpised. tks.

that would be cool, if you could post your results I'm anxious to see how things work out. I had plans to get back on the dyno this weekend but the shop I frequent are closed for the weekend, so I'll have to wait another week. Also planning to hit the 1/4 mile track in two weeks, should be fun.

Did you buy the header in Ontario ? , recommend any good places that sell it and stock it quickly ?. thanks.

02SilverSiHB

10-18-2002, 04:06 AM

Originally posted by myeverlovinsir
Great now a comparison...

http://www.inlinefour.com/lib/twincamtech/01rsxhed2.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid36/p344eccaaa329540e8d2f8a409fe4b3a5/fd276f24.jpg

I am inclined to say that the top pic is not of my DC header, bolt pattern remained the same on mine. Top pic is Not the DC header for the EP anyway...02silversihb, you got the wrong header dude, I take it that you were not doing this install yourself. But it is close to the same design. Fair enough.
actually it's from www.inlinefour.com I think the diameter is the same (for the DC header you have). yeah, now I see the difference in the bolt pattern. Strange, I wonder what inlinefour was thinking

02SilverSiHB

10-18-2002, 04:08 AM

Originally posted by myeverlovinsir
Great now a comparison...

http://www.inlinefour.com/lib/twincamtech/01rsxhed2.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid36/p344eccaaa329540e8d2f8a409fe4b3a5/fd276f24.jpg

I am inclined to say that the top pic is not of my DC header, bolt pattern remained the same on mine. Top pic is Not the DC header for the EP anyway...02silversihb, you got the wrong header dude, I take it that you were not doing this install yourself. But it is close to the same design. Fair enough.
I think we both need to learn how to read :D it says RSX type s :D I could have sworn it said RSX and Civic. Damn, need to get my eyes checked. But anyway, I'm sure the diameter is the same for yours, that's the main point

2k2SiGuy

10-18-2002, 09:34 AM

Where did you by the Header??? How much did you pay????

02SilverSiHB

10-18-2002, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by 2k2SiGuy
Where did you by the Header??? How much did you pay????
www.optauto.com has the best price so far.
there's one on ebay about to end in 5 hours

myeverlovinsir

10-19-2002, 03:53 PM

I nagged for weeks to get my DC header from JRP in Mississauga, they
finally caved and ordered it overnight at their cost.
They were at least a month late on me. Now you can get them anywhere I imagine.
I paid $575 canadian for em. good deal imho.JRP online (http://www.jrponline.com/)
I know that they are available to you guys in the States,
they have a new location that opened in march in Baltimore.
If you want to make your header even meaner, get a dremel bit and hone out the primaries, just a performance hint for those that care.

MugenR

10-28-2002, 09:55 PM

I orderd mine on Thursday from Options.

Should be here tomarrow. I am going to put it in the day I get it. I will let you guys know how it turns out.
Drew

myeverlovinsir

11-05-2002, 11:12 AM

Here are some pics of the DC header.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid38/pfdb67648364fe2717668286ccd9d273f/fd140a4e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid38/pc753eefc78cf4acd297ea778f8bdd186/fd140a51.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid38/p29321efc579751f9585b78d3d103b3e4/fd140a53.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid38/p1c5570b635f0029576d36119644096dd/fd140a55.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid38/pe8386c4c973f1428b27e6ad54d857759/fd140a56.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid38/p86626c5f1ce6ac5aa7dcbf3c190c0b46/fd140a5a.jpg

nikkotyper

11-06-2002, 05:32 PM

How much does it weigh? Is it lighter than stock?

myeverlovinsir

11-06-2002, 05:43 PM

My best guess is they weigh almost the same, but you can
subtract the heatshield. This is not an item you should expect
to have weight improvements on. (DC sports specifically)

nikkotyper

11-06-2002, 05:49 PM

Originally posted by myeverlovinsir
My best guess is they weigh almost the same, but you can
subtract the heatshield. This is not an item you should expect
to have weight improvements on. (DC sports specifically)

Comptech usually makes them much lighter. Comptech GSR's were about 15 lb lighter.

myeverlovinsir

11-06-2002, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by nikkotyper

Comptech usually makes them much lighter. Comptech GSR's were about 15 lb lighter.

Well, I have the stock piece in my hand and it only weighs
10lbs total. hmmm. apples and oranges.

nikkotyper

11-06-2002, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by myeverlovinsir

Well, I have the stock piece in my hand and it only weighs
10lbs total. hmmm. apples and oranges.

OK. Great. I was just wondering...

myeverlovinsir

11-21-2002, 03:24 PM

Here is a pic of the header gasket that I recommend you get
when you install any header. I paid $22 can. so you guys should
be able to get these at you honda dealer for under fifteen. Took
about 3 days and is a spare at the moment.

2 sheets of stainless riveted at the corners.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid39/p6cf1ea448a218a6da56f66e0ba4c8590/fd051b48.jpg

OldSIMan

11-22-2002, 08:56 AM

Any dyno or 1/4mile times yet?

myeverlovinsir

11-22-2002, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by OldSIMan
Any dyno or 1/4mile times yet?

Check this thread. (http://ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=3949&highlight=dyno) ;)

Nosjunke

11-27-2002, 08:47 AM

I called Comptech yeterday and the guy I spoke with said DC sports is only getting improvements of 2-3hp throughout on their header. Comptech told me that their header for the 2002 SI isn't done yet. Did this guy not know what he was talking about or are you using a header meant for another car? I'd like to get some speed parts, but haven't been able to find anything except a DC sports cold air kit. Nitrous Express said they'll have their wet nos kit out by mid December.

Nosjunke

11-27-2002, 09:17 AM

Quicksilver

11-27-2002, 11:38 AM

I went to Nopi's site and looked for an HP header for my car, but it didn't list one. Only for the 2002 EX. Also what was the $130 for on a previous post? I'm trying to play catch-up. You guys have had a few extra months of driving the SI around, I just got mine Nov 23rd.

NosJunke, You have to check against the Acura RSX non-S model. They both use the same header. Here's a quick link for you... RSX Headers (http://www.nopionline.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=dspparts&vL1ID=0&makeid=010&modelid=050&catyear=2002&catid=0020&pcid=251&vTitle=2002%20ACURA%20RSX%20Exhaust%20Exhaust%20He ader)

P.S. Welcome aboard!

Quicksilver

11-27-2002, 12:24 PM

As far as the weight of the DC Sport goes, I just got mine from the UPS woman. The box and all it's contents weigh 9.1 lbs, so basically 9 lbs vs 10 lbs (?) for the stock header.

myeverlovinsir, you still want a picture of the new welds on that tab of metal in the exhaust manifold? The header I got has two spot welds that don't appear in your pictures. I have a digital camera, but don't have a clue how to post a picture. If you want it, I'll take a picture and send it to you.

P.S. Thanks for the excellent write-up. I plan on bypassing their instructions and just using yours.
:)

myeverlovinsir

12-04-2002, 07:46 PM

Tks Quicksilver.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid41/p1bd3d76449c5c4d618a5c5ecc06332c4/fcf84dff.jpg

It looks as though they did exactly what I did. This is also
reasuring. Be sure to check yours for these welds when you
pick one up. ;)

sancho61

12-15-2002, 06:58 PM

Any comments on the K20 Race Header from Comptech at $995.00.? Not street legal by the way.

myeverlovinsir

12-23-2002, 05:22 PM

Originally posted by sancho61
Any comments on the K20 Race Header from Comptech at $995.00.? Not street legal by the way.

Welcome to the site!
Should be really good. Tough call about the cat. Here is a vid.
I found it at Hondalife.com
Comptech race header (http://www.imagestation.com/video/play.html?id=4243441993)

fishboy

01-13-2003, 04:05 PM

thanks for replying to the pm. by the way your pm box is full.

SiR_d1

11-27-2003, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by myeverlovinsir
Here is a pic of the header gasket that I recommend you get
when you install any header. I paid $22 can. so you guys should
be able to get these at you honda dealer for under fifteen. Took
about 3 days and is a spare at the moment.

2 sheets of stainless riveted at the corners.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid39/p6cf1ea448a218a6da56f66e0ba4c8590/fd051b48.jpg

where in Canada did you get this??

myeverlovinsir

12-25-2003, 03:57 PM

I got the gasket from the dealer.(Cambridge Centre Honda, Ontario) Any honda dealer should be able to get this for you in North America.

mobilesuit02

12-25-2003, 05:14 PM

Didn't think about tightening da bolts up once more...good idea!
Isn't the heatshield the gasket? Or are they separate?
DC header w/intake for 02 Si-I felt the pull right away, each gear pulled a little longer and da freeways...top end was noticeable.

Thanx for da stuff.

mobilesuit02
:m: