My car came with a DC Sports ceramic coated header (HHC5020). Unfortunately, it also came with an exhaust leak, which I suspect is at the connection of the header with the block. I can get an OEM header from a parted out car for ~$130. I'm guessing I can sell this one for about the same.

Do you guys think I should keep the DC Sports, or get the OEM? If I had the OEM, I would not buy the DC Sports, but considering it's on there already, I could keep it.

 

I would 100% put the OEM if the leak is being caused by the header. Also doing some very quick searches seems most people see extremely little or no power gains from that header (this is actually true for a lot of aftermarket headers on the s2000).

 

Well, I don't think the header itself is damaged or anything, more like the guy who put it on didn't know what he was doing. And agreed on the power gains, as far as I'm concerned it's for looks and sound.

 

Oem

 

Is the exhaust stock? Cat stock? Is so the header really won't change the sound at all. Might change the sound a little bit if you have a test pipe and aftermarket exhaust.

 

The exhaust leak can often be easily fixed by tightening down the header nuts if they were not installed properly. Leaks often occur at the lower donut gasket also due to improper tightening, and it can often be easily fixed too. I'd probably try to fix the leak in the short term.

 

Thanks for the opinions guys. I purchased an OEM. I everything else is stock (except a CAI).

The leak isn't too bad since it's barely audible and doesn't smell that bad. I plan on getting it switched out sooner rather than later until then I'll just keep the top down

 

I replaced the tube seals and valve cover seals and the noise seems to have gone away (?). In any case, it's going to be checked out by a pro when the exhaust is swapped.

Since I'm going to have the OEM replacement sitting in my garage for a couple days, any thoughts on coating the heat shield with VHT ceramic paint? Mainly for looks.