Headers

[Radar 4 Ever]

I was thinkin headers for my integra. I useto have a 1990 integra but then my brother bought a 92 integra 5 speed and decided that he wanted the red one cuz of less miles. But anyways I have a 1992 acura integra RS 5 speed all stock right now. The only thing I have is 15"rims and 4 inch fart can. How much HP do headers even give out? If any?

Thanks- R4E

[trazadone]

I used to work in a garage where we swapped out a fair number of OEM manifolds for headers. However, they were mostly small block Chevys, so this may not strictly apply.

In general, you may gain 5-15 HP with headers, but you'd likely see a bigger improvement if you replaced from the manifolds on back, including a new catalytic converter and freely flowing exhaust pipes and mufflers. Otherwise, you've got improved airflow through the headers, but then you still have the original backpressure from the more restrictive OEM cat-back system.

For a car with a 14 year old motor, you might get more bang for the buck with a good tune-up, new plugs, and check/replace your O2 sensors. This would probably improve both your power and your mileage. I'm sure there are performance computer chips available that could help out too.

An Integra doesn't have that much engine displacement (compared to a 350 Chev), so it doesn't have as much exhaust gas to eliminate. Of course, my experiences are with different motors. I'm sure someone in the forum has more specific info on sport compacts.

[cell21633]

agreed. the same saying goes for the veterans at Team-Integra (did you sign up?). you have to think of the SYSTEM as a whole, and not as an individual piece. when you upgrade just a single piece, you don't realize the full potential as you are just choking it back down at another part of the system.

AND then it gets more complicated as you decide on where you want your POWERBAND to be, and thus have to decide on exhaust sizing such as pipe diameter and pipe length.

AND if that weren't enough, you still won't fully realize the full gains until you engine tune. tuning is just as important as adding on component systems, as the SYSTEM itself won't be harmonized until you tune.


that's just the start of it..



honestly, i would begin working on the suspension first.. :P

[MerkXRTurbo]

By the way people, an Integra would have a header, not headers. :P

Make sure you get a good header. Cheap headers have a thin flange that will tend to distort when torqued down. Also, the welds may be slightly raised on the back preventing a good seal.

BTW, get rid of the fart can. :x

[Radar 4 Ever]

I was thinking about getting Toucan Headers for my integra... I seen online that they are $210. I really want DC header but they are too much money and that is like over a month of pay checks and i dont want to wait that long. So have any of you guys have/had experience with the "Toucan Header"? If so give me your comments. Thanks, R4E!