Headers, that much of a difference???

[4AU4LIFE]

I recently decided to get around to fixing the exhaust leak I have had on my daily driver (Integra) for a few years now. Got tired of hearing the rattling sound all the time.
I installed a DC sports header 4-2-1. I am still running my stock muffler and tailpipe though.
Upon taking it for a test drive around the block I was immediately shocked at the difference I could feel in the car of just that mod.
So, do putting headers on the NSX make that much of a difference also? I already have the DF scoop, CT drop in filter and Dali exhaust. Thought about also getting the Dali Hot Chip but from what I remember, you only get most out of it if you already have the other supporting mods?
What brand is a good compromise of $$ and performance? Things I should look out for good and bad?
Thanks,

 

[NSXGMS]

I recently decided to get around to fixing the exhaust leak I have had on my daily driver (Integra) for a few years now. Got tired of hearing the rattling sound all the time.
I installed a DC sports header 4-2-1. I am still running my stock muffler and tailpipe though.
Upon taking it for a test drive around the block I was immediately shocked at the difference I could feel in the car of just that mod.
So, do putting headers on the NSX make that much of a difference also? I already have the DF scoop, CT drop in filter and Dali exhaust. Thought about also getting the Dali Hot Chip but from what I remember, you only get most out of it if you already have the other supporting mods?
What brand is a good compromise of $$ and performance? Things I should look out for good and bad?
Thanks,

Yes, the stock headers (and exhaust) are extremely restrictive. If you have a Dali exhaust already, you need to get headers and a new intake.

A new exhaust w/o new headers is self-defeating IMO. One without the other bottlenecks you.

The stock airbox is fine. Cantrell AIS or Dali CF intake scoop are the way to go.

Don't forget a big-bore throttle body (SOS) and new tubing pieces from the TB to the intake (Dali). This will improve throttle response and airflow and add at least 1HP.

You won't need a bigger intake manifold bore yet. Don't worry about that mod.

After all that, the Dali Hot Chip is a good choice.

One last thing...

I was told recently by Chris @ SOS that the DC Sports headers for the NSX appear to be breaking at the motor mount. Chris says this seems to be occuring on all DC headers, it's just a matter of when.

I understand he's pitching his own product, but the SOS headers, while more $$, have a flexible mounting joint which attaches to the motor, absorbing shock and resistant to breaking. And, they are CA smog legal. Just thought I'd pass that along... :smile:

 

[khappucino]

haha screw headers, just use that extra $1500 of gas guzzling goodness towards 200 lb weight reduction :biggrin: you know you want some Bride seats!!! j/k, your looking at about a 10 rwhp gain from headers on top of what you have already

 

[NSXR2]

Just about everything I've read, shows an average increase of 16 to 22 hp increase at the flywheel by replacing the headers. Things to compare would be Header design, equal length tubing, coatings (Ceramic for example), Joints (ball joint versus Flexpipe), weight, and do not forget sound. Header design has a definite impact on exhaust note.. hearding clips or other NSX's with certain headers already installed would be nice... i should mention that what headers with different exahsut will also develop different sounds lol... for instance SOS headers with Gruppe M exhaust will sound different from having a setup with SOS headers and an ARK exhaust...

Now ask me the significance of equal length tubing and cylinder slap back haha

SoS headers appear very well crafted. From all of my research, they remain top of my list for headers. I like the look, impressed with the equal length piping, and the cost is aggreeable (at least for my stomach).
If only i could hear them lol
-joey

 

[Osiris_x11]

dyno baby, dyno...

It seems the SOS NSX headers are the ones to beat in terms of quality/ craftsmanship/ innovation/ performance-potential in the $1500 and under aftermarket headers segment.

I'm still indecisive of what to do regarding headers as well... I have a Taitec JGTC Parallel exhaust I acquired from a 'Prime member and also an intake_scoop w/ performance filter. I bought a set of OEM NA2 headers, but I'm not ready to modify my cats/manifold just to install them (as I have a NA1 NSX)... :frown:

 

[ssacol]

Are the SOS headers CARB certified? Has DC sports changed their design of the 91-94 headers so that they wont crack at the flex joint?

 

[ediddynsx]

yes headers make a difference ever since AEM bought DC they now make good quality stuff. =)

 

[jgtcnsx]

it depends how they are made, and who they are meade from. if you have the money the best way to go is to get them custom made by a good performance shop, have them bench flow the headers and match to your application. the way the headers are shaped and where the first bends starts plays a mojor factor in performance.

 

[GHOSTRIDER]

I think the 91-96 NSX's benefit from the header mod to the point it is worth it.
I inquired as to if I should upgrade my headers on my 2002 with a notable performance shop and they said it is not needed. Just my .02 on the topic.

 

[khappucino]

Just about everything I've read, shows an average increase of 16 to 22 hp increase at the flywheel by replacing the headers. Things to compare would be Header design, equal length tubing, coatings (Ceramic for example), Joints (ball joint versus Flexpipe), weight, and do not forget sound. Header design has a definite impact on exhaust note.. hearding clips or other NSX's with certain headers already installed would be nice... i should mention that what headers with different exahsut will also develop different sounds lol... for instance SOS headers with Gruppe M exhaust will sound different from having a setup with SOS headers and an ARK exhaust...

Now ask me the significance of equal length tubing and cylinder slap back haha

SoS headers appear very well crafted. From all of my research, they remain top of my list for headers. I like the look, impressed with the equal length piping, and the cost is aggreeable (at least for my stomach).
If only i could hear them lol
-joey

are you sure that is headers only, or is that headers + exhaust,
i can easily see ~20-25 rwhp hp increase with headers + exhaust,
hell my anytime purportedly adds 13 rwhp alone w/ stock manifolds :biggrin:

 

[NSXR2]

IIRC correctly, it was 16-22 hp at the FLY, not rwHP....upon installation of headers with stock exhaust. My assertation is that more is obviously had with exhaust and intake replacement.... seeing that you can pick up 25-30 hp with intake, headers, and exhaust at the rear wheels.. again... this is from tons of material i have read.. i have yet to get numbers from my own building experience... if I am wrong, I apologize... and corrections would be most appreciated

-joey

 

[4AU4LIFE]

Are they something I can put on in my garage? I have air tools, jacks, etc.
I have done all the other work to my car myself already.

 

[redline-nsx]

Re: dyno baby, dyno...

It seems the SOS NSX headers are the ones to beat in terms of quality/ craftsmanship/ innovation/ performance-potential in the $1500 and under aftermarket headers segment.

I'm still indecisive of what to do regarding headers as well... I have a Taitec JGTC Parallel exhaust I acquired from a 'Prime member and also an intake_scoop w/ performance filter. I bought a set of OEM NA2 headers, but I'm not ready to modify my cats/manifold just to install them (as I have a NA1 NSX)... :frown:

Has anyone done a comparison between the quality and hp increase between the Comptech Headers vs. SoS? I am wondering if I should be worried that the SoS headers are newer to the market and we know of no cars with heavy mileage on them (like the DC Sports header problem was known a couple years ago because they have been manufactured for a while).

 

[NetViper]

Are they something I can put on in my garage? I have air tools, jacks, etc.
I have done all the other work to my car myself already.

If you do I search I think there was a DIY header install. If I recall it took around 8 hours.