I am getting DC Sports headers and still not sure what kind of downpipe and putting them on within the week. I am not doing anything to the Y-pipe or changing out the exhaust. My question is this:

1. How much trouble is this going to be? I have a friend that has a lift and will do the work for me.

2. What is this going to sound like? Keep in mind that I am leaving on the stock exhaust (for now). I have heard good and bad about it but have never heard it with my own ears. I have a buddy that has a Scion TC and just put the header, test pipe, and TRD Exhaust on the thing and it sounds like a bumblebee getting *** raped. I DO NOT WANT THAT. I know we are talking about a 4cyl -vs- 6cyl, but I am not real experienced with this kind of stuff.

3. Can any of you shoot me some websights where I can purchase the downpipe.

4. Anything else I may need to expect or look out for?

5. What kind of gains can I look for?

Thanks in advance...

 

There is plenty of header self-install recommendations in the intake and exhaust forum.

It will sound louder. Guaranteed.

What is a down pipe?

 

It will most likely be louder with a little rasp depending on which tp's you get (resonated or not)...gains should be anywhere from 5-10 whp

 

Test pipes. They connect to the Y-pipe.

 

Well, you can go test pipes (resonated or non-resonated) or high flow cats. How much do you want to spend? Hi flow cats can be up to $500 or so and test pipes can be as cheap as $100 (Megan pipes on eBay).

Just a thought, removing cats are illegal. Replacing "damaged" cats is ok, but they need to be replaced with cats, which is why many go with hi flow cats (that and no warning light and you can pass emmissions).

 

Sorry. Test pipes. Members have bought eBay test pipes for $100. Some have cracked. Buy quality stuff. Again check the intake and exhaust forum for recommendations.

 

I got test pipes from AAM - great quality (welds) and great fitment: AAM Test Pipes If you haven't read up on test pipes, just don't buy the cheapest you can find...many ppl have had their TP's welds break w/ minimal mileage...go with a quality product!

sound - it'll sound louder, but the acceleration rasp won't be too bad, Deceleration rasp (@ 2-3K rpms) will be noticeable. Overall, I liked how my exhaust sounded w/ TP's...louder, but not too loud for neighbors/cops

power - Test pipes were the biggest difference I felt from any single mod.

install - headers take some time, with 4-5 guys helping, I did them in about 4.5hrs (not including breaks, food...).

-Peter

 

well i cant speak for the testpipes.

but, i do have the DC Sport Headers, and i have to say they are one of the favorite mods to my car.

GREAT sound. Even with the stock exhaust system (which i used to have), they are still noticeably different than most other headers. Now i have the headers, and nismo cat-back exhaust system.

i do have a rasp at around 2800-3200 RPM on both acceleration and deceleration. for me, i think it sounds tight, its definitly not VTEC sounding.

they will be louder. with my nismo catback and headers, i'm right at 84 dB

 

Hey, thanks. I really appreciate a reply from someone who has or has had the same setup I am about to have. I tried to do a search, and yes I did find PLENTY of information but not exactly what I was looking for. Again, thanks a lot.

Let me ask you this... Did you have any noticeable gains or losses from just having the headers with stock exhaust?

 

I would like to know that too. I want to put crawford headers with stock cats and nismo exhaust and wanted to know if the gains were good and worth the money without buying test pipes or HFC's.

 

haha! "downpipe".....thats turbo talk....LOL

 

it will be louder and that is about it. also, loss of lowend.

but 80+ roll on highway you will see a slight improvement.