Nice pics...

 

Do you feel that it was a waste of money then?

 

well i actually have a t1r test pipe with the o2 simulator built in (which i paid extra to have it done), brand new in the box. it's for sale if you're interested.

 

PM sent.

 

Jerry...take a look at the comparison pic of the stock header and Rick's header. There really is not much difference. Both Rick's and Mugen improve mid-range a bit, but don't significantly change hp (Ricks was shown to lose 1-2hp at the top). Spoon, J's, and Toda headers show slightly better mid range and minor increase to top end (less than 5hp)...but they are very expensive and have other drawbacks (no heat shields...which is important as heat soak is a major hp killer for our car).

The only other benefit of an aftermarket header is wieght savings...which again is marginal (10-15lbs...I can do better by going on the Atkins diet! )

Honda did a pretty damn good job out of the box.

The only way to get significanly more out of an NA engine is by combining upgrades. A cai + header + test pipe + exhaust + tuned VAFC (if done right) can lead to 20-25rwhp. But count up the cost for all that and consider if it is worth it.

The most cost effective performance mod for the car is a 4.44/4.56/4.77 rear end. Most are going with the latest 4.56 gears from Richmond...I think Rick's is selling them. Expect to spend between $900-$1100 for complete installation.

 

Gears are the best bang for the buck on a na car. If you want to do the header look at the long tube headers like the Comptech. Honda did do a pretty good exhaust manifold.

 

Your money can be better spent elsewhere , a header is bling and that's about it

 

The more research I do, the more I think that you guys are right. Maybe i will forgo the header and get a test pipe and some springs. I do believe that the 04+ needs to be dropped a little.

 

I agree that money for horsepower can be better spent on other things than a header. I'm just a sucker for a great sounding exhaust. Always have been.

I've got Espelier springs in an unopened box. I'm saving for good coilovers, so i'll never use them.

 

pm me if you're interested in purchasing them.